Monchique Description
The town of Monchique is with few exceptions happily untouched by the 20th century invasion of tourism. It lies in the saddle created by the two high hills, Foia and Picota, the former reaching to 902 metres above sea level. As “mountain” people the world over the 10,000 inhabitants of this town have retained the rustic atmosphere with steep cobbled streets and small dark doorways containing various artisan trades. There is a very neglected 17th century Franciscan monastery overlooking the town from which a visitor has a panoramic view over the beautiful countryside to the north. The 16th century Parish Church has an excellent example of Manueline craftsmanship around its main doorway. The surrounding area flourishes on the production of cattle, pigs, cork and wood. Another important local product is the popular “medronho”, the name of a strong schnapps type of drink made from distilling the fruit from arbutus bushes. Foia and its sister mountain of Picota at 774 metres provide dramatic views of the coastal plain to the south and to the western Atlantic coast.

Monchique Nearby Locations
Between Monchique and the town of Portimão is the village of Caldas de Monchique that was developed in Roman times as a Spa. Here a visitor can try the curing elements of the sulphur smelling hot spring water that emerges at a constant temperature of 32ºC. There are two further hot spring sites one of which is to the south of Picota hidden in a valley. Its name is Fonte Santa and it is rumoured to have special healing effects. Some people make annual visits and in its history some centuries ago it has been recorded as being visited by both the King of Portugal and the King of Italy, both in search of cures. The two nearby villages of Alferce and Casais are both typical unspoilt locations reflecting the spirit of rural mountain life. The village of Marmelete is to the west and located on the road that connects to the many sandy beaches on the western Atlantic coast. The small rural town of Aljezur with its hilltop 12th century castle and its 14th century parish church is further west on this same road.

Monchique Weather Forecast

Monchique Events
March - Feira de Enchidas (Sausages)

Monchique Photos
Monastery · Hillside · Town · Church · Traveling

Useful Monchique Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 282 912 403
Fire Brigade - 282 912 115 / 282 911 000
Police - 282 912 629
Emergency Treatment - 282 912 288
Ambulance - 282 912 115
Tourist Office - 282 911 189

Algarve Towns
Albufeira · Almancil · Alvôr · Armação de Pêra · Carvoeiro · Faro · Lagoa · Lagos · Loulé · Olhão · Portimão · Quarteira · Sagres · Silves · Tavira · Vilamoura · Vila Real de Santo António