Nestled on the heights of the Algarve, Monchique is a small village that has preserved its charm and authenticity over the years. Far away from the mass tourism and the urbanization of many Portuguese seaside resorts, Monchique is our favorite getaway. If you are looking for authentic discoveries, tasty gastronomy and nice encounters with the locals, then you will love Monchique!
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An exceptional point of view
Being the highest village in the Algarve, at 485 metres above sea level, Monchique offers an incomparable view of the beautiful Algarve region. We recommend that you take a day or two to explore this village and discover all its little gems. One of the main activities that this location offers is hiking. To the delight of sports enthusiasts, you can explore the Monchique mountain range, which is home to the FOIA, a peak at over 902 meters above sea level. Breathtaking scenery will spread out before your eyes, where the blue of the sea mixes with the green shades of the forests. You will come across magnificent waterfalls on your way, but also many locals along the hiking trails.
Monchique is also famous for the virtues of its water. In fact, since the conquest of the village by the Romans, the thermal baths of Monchique have attracted many visitors convinced of their curative benefits. Being the only thermal baths in the Algarve, you will surely enjoy relaxing there after your mountain walk. At the same time, you will discover one of Monchique's main businesses, which is the sale of its water throughout Portugal due to its excellent health properties.
Beyond its beautiful mountains, the village of Monchique is itself a true site of undeniable charm. A serene atmosphere can be felt throughout the village where the calm and kindness of the locals are omnipresent. Monchique has been able to perpetuate the authentic character of its village through its traditional dwellings but also through the craft activities transmitted from generation to generation. Wicker and cork are raw materials that are particularly worked and whose craftsmanship in Monchique is unique. Indeed, the village is home to many trades based on ancient customs and agriculture is also very important.
The village will offer you beautiful discoveries such as the very special architecture of the fireplaces or the Manueline-style portal of the Igreja Matriz church in the centre of the village. Another monument in its own right are the ruins of the monastery of Our Lady of Exile, which offers a mystical return in 1632 to the past of the Franciscans, but also a beautiful view of the mountains and the rest of the village. The heart of Monchique will be the ideal place to taste the delicious gastronomy of the Algarve as you explore. Casa Vintage Tapas and Wine is notably a cosy little restaurant where you can try Portuguese specialities or delicious tapas.
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