DK Travel : The Algarve : Monchique

Monchique

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This spruce and engaging little market town nestles in the Serra da Monchique, a densely wooded canvas of eucalyptus, chestnut, pine and cork trees interrupted by tracts of barren moorland. A welcome change from beaches and villas, Monchique is all about cobbled streets and rural sentiment. The localmedronho – firewater distilled from the berries of the arbutus (strawberry tree) – is the finest available anywhere.

Top 10 Sights

1. Igreja Matriz

An intriguing Manueline doorway greets visitors to Monchique’s 16th-century parish church. The twisted columns resemble lengths of gnarled rope. Inside, the capitals of the columns in the three naves are similarly fashioned, suggesting a nautical theme.
2. Nossa Senhora do Desterro

2. Nossa Senhora do Desterro

A mysterious air pervades the ruins of the Franciscan monastery. Severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake, its empty shell echoes to cooing doves and the rustle of leaves from an immense magnolia – possibly the biggest in Europe – which rears out of the old garden.
3. Restaurante Central

3. Restaurante Central

It’s worth visiting the restaurant, if only to relish the sight of thousands of business cards and doodles left by satisfied customers from around the world. At least take a glimpse through the window.
4. Caldas de Monchique

4. Caldas de Monchique

The Romans were bowled over by this cosy hamlet in the Monchique hills and totally enamoured by the hot, curative properties of its waters.
5. Termas de Monchique

The delightful thermal spa complex is set under a lush canopy of pine and eucalyptus. Though modern, it retains a pleasant, bygone air.
6. Fóia

6. Fóia

For the most stunning landscape views in the entire Algarve, head for the peak of Fóia. At 902 m (2,959 ft), this is the highest point in the Serra de Monchique.
7. Omega Park Jardim Zoológico

This first-class wildlife sanctuary (Children's Attractions) for rare and endangered species has lemurs, macaques, a red panda, and a pair of cheetahs amongst others. The cafe has great views of the surrounding countryside.
8. Igreja de São Sebastião

8. Igreja de São Sebastião

The church contains a beautifully sculptured 17th-century figure of Nossa Senhora de Desterro.
9. Picota

At 773 m (2,536 ft), this second peak doesn’t quite command the same all-round vista as Fóia, but Picota is steeper and pleasantly wooded. Its location affords beautiful views that take in long sweeps of scented meadows and a sparkling, distant sea.
10. Barranco de Pisões

A captivating little beauty spot about 4 km (2 miles) north of Monchique, the hideaway is known locally for its ancient waterwheel and 1,000-year-old plane tree.

Practical Information

Monchique resident António Maria Valéiro organizes tours to medronho distilleries – (282) 912 710. Monchique is also known for its small wooden “scissor” chairs, which neatly fold up between use and make good gifts. Reasonably priced cafés and restaurants cluster round the central bus station. Down in Caldas de Monchique, Café-Restaurante 1692 has a marvellous terrace that spills out onto the square. Tourist info officeLargo de Chorões (282) 911 189