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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 Photos
Monastery
· Roman Terraces
· View of Town
· Caldas de Monchique Chapel
· Local Transport
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Monchique Events |
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| Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais (Sausages) |
March |
| Feira de Artesanato |
September |
| Flea Market |
28th of every month
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Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Alvor
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagoa
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Quinta do Lago
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vale do Lobo
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António
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Monchique Telephone Numbers
8550
