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 Monchique Description
The town of Monchique is with a few exceptions happily
little changed 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 with “mountain” people the world over the 10,000 inhabitants
of this town have retained its rustic atmosphere with steep
cobbled streets and small dark doorways housing various artisan
trades. There is a very neglected 17th~Century Franciscan
monastery which overlooks the town from which a visitor enjoys
a panoramic view over the beautiful countryside. The 16th
Century Parish Church has excellent examples of Manueline
craftsmanship around its doorway. The surrounding area
flourishes on the production of cattle, pigs, cork and wood.
Another important local product is the popular "medronho",
which is the name of a strong schnapps style of drink made from
distilling the fruit from arbutus bushes. Foia and its
sister mountain of Picota are excellent locations from
which to see 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 properties. 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.
The two nearby villages of Alferce and Casais are
both typical un-spoilt 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.
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Monchique Weather Forecast |
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Monchique
(Area Map)
Monchique Events
March - Feira de Enchidas (Sausages)
Monchique Restaurants
Selected list for Monchique area
Monchique Photos
Monastery
· Hillside
· Town
· Church
· Travelling
 Useful Monchique Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 282 91 24 03
Fire Brigade - 282 91 21 15/911 00 00
Police - 282 91 26 29
Emergency Treatment - 282 91 22 88
Ambulance - 282 91 21 15
Tourist Office - 282 91 11 89
Useful Monchique Facts
Postal Code - 8550
Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Alvor
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagoa
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António |
