Monchique

Monchique is a spa town in the Algarve. Monchique is the main town of the Serra de Monchique, the mountain range that separates the Algarve from Alentejo and the rest of Portugal to the north. Unspoiled by mass tourism, the area still has the yesteryear charm. It is a magnet however on weekends for the many Portuguese that live on the coast, they visit to eat traditional food in first class restaurants, fill bottles with water from the many roadside springs and take in the air and views.

Understand




Monchique (mohn-SHEE-k(ih), /mõ.ˈʃi.kɨ/) is a region with its own micro climate and produces cherries, chestnuts, oranges, lemons, peaches and olives. Rugs, pottery, chestnut scissor chairs, honey, cork, timber, bottled mineral water, Sienito granite, black pork and smoked sausages are some of the crafts and industries in Monchique.

Many Northern Europeans including the British have settled in reasonable numbers here, giving the town a distinct cosmopolitan feel. Often referred to as the "Garden of the Algarve" or the "Algarves best kept secret", it is a nature lovers' paradise and heaven for cyclists and hikers.

Get in
From the southern Algarve coastal strip, Monchique is a 20- to 30-minute drive from Portimao, following the EN266 road which winds its way up into the hills. This road is served by a regular bus service.

There is also a to the north-west of the town centre on Estrada de Saboia.

Get around
Walking is a great way to get around the narrow, cobbled streets of Monchique and see all it has to offer. Visit the Turismo for a free street plan.

Do
Try the traditional food, Black Pork, Wild Boar, Chicken Piri Piri and the local firewater, Medronho, or for the ladies, Melosa, which is Medronho mixed with Honey. Drive many of the contour roads around the mountains and take in the views. Visit the health spa at Caldas de Monchique. Hike many of the trails, you will find a map at the tourist information.

Bird watching: The Serra da Monchique is an excellent place to observe birds as it is on one of Europe's major migratory routes. Over 200 species have been observed and some of the best bird watching locations can be found here.

Eat
There are about 40 restaurants in the parish of Monchique, which also includes the villages of Marmalete and Alferce.



Drink
There are dozens of small bars, usually attached to restaurants or cafes. The square in Monchique is very popular and has several cafes and bars with outside seating to relax and people watch. Bar Elephante is up a small alley way just up from the square and caters for the younger crowd in the evenings, also does Tapas.

Connect
The very helpful Turismo (Tourist information office) is at the top of Rua Eng. Duarte Pacheco, south of the main square Largo dos Charoes (follow signs towards Foia). There's a useful and free multi-storey car park underneath it. There are many craft and local food fairs in Monchique, the tourist information can help with dates and brochures. There is also a gypsy market every 2nd Friday.

Go next
Portimão

Silves

Lagoa