MONCHIQUE
N 37° 19′; W 8° 36′
Monchique is a municipality of southern Portugal, in Faro District (province of Algarve). The population in 2011 was 6,045, in an area of 395.30 km2.
The Municipality of Monchique is situated in the Serra de Monchique and together with the town of Monchique is a tourist destination. Attractions include a historic town center, views from the two peaks of Foia and Picota, hiking, bird watching, and biking. There are hot sulfur springs, with baths and health spas 6 kilometers (4 mi) south in 'Caldas de Monchique' (Spring of Monchique). Eucalyptus, cork oak, oranges, lemons, honey, olive oil, chestnuts, scissor chairs made from chestnut wood, black pork, and black pork ham and sausages are the chief products. There are several small industries producing tourist artifacts that are sold in local shops, and medronho, a local brew made from distilled medronho berries (Arbutus/Strawberry Tree), is produced.
How to get Monchique
- From Porto use the A1 until Lisbon and then the A2 Lisbon - Algarve. Monchique is 263 km from Lisbon and 63 km from Faro.
- In Ourique you can choose to take the IC1 and follow the “variant” S. Marcos da Serra ”(ER 267) - Alferce - Monchique.
- From Lisbon, use the A2 (25 de Abril bridge) or Vasco da Gama bridge. On Via do Infante (A22) take the Monchique exit and take the 266 National Road.
What to visit
Visiting the Monchique mountains is visiting a mountainous area with great plant diversity and a mild climate, affectionately nicknamed "Jardim do Algarve". A natural heritage that leads to contemplation. Crystalline streams that draw meanders deep in steep valleys. Endowed with high environmental quality, the freshness of the mountains presents itself as a counterpoint to the warm Algarve coast and Baixo Alentejo.
In the center of the village, you can enjoy a magnificent view from the viewpoint of the park São Sebastião, visit the Igreja Matriz de Monchique dating from the beginning of the 16th century, the Convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro, and take the opportunity to walk through the narrow streets of the village, contemplating the vast white houses with the typical skirt chimneys and stop to visit our craft houses. It is also worthwhile to climb the mountain to Picota or the highest point of the Algarve, Fóia, from where you can see a great expanse of the landscape from Cabo de são Vicente to Serra da Arrábida. Also worth visiting is the Moinho do Poucochinho, in Barranco dos Pisão, where you can have a nice picnic on your stone tables and in the shade of one of the many classified trees in the Monchique mountain range - a plane tree.
Be sure to pass by Caldas de Monchique, where there is a small square surrounded by large trees and fountains, a space suitable for picnics and also visit the thermal baths and their mineral-water springs, used since ancient times for treatments.
Strolling through the towns of Alferce, Marmelete, and Vila de Monchique, enjoy the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage alongside the many natural beauties and taste the traditional cuisine, honey, sweets, medronho, is a suggestion.
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CALDAS DE MONCHIQUE (SPA)
37º 17' 7'' N; 8º 33' 14'' W
Villa Termal is a unique resort where serenity and tranquility reign. Along its 39 hectares, run streams with the well-known Monchique Water which thanks to its 9.5 alkaline ph is a proven source of vitality. The Thermal Spa provides wellness-enhancing treatments and moments of pure relaxation. The resort has 1 restaurant, bars, shops, outdoor pools as well as pleasant green areas, walking paths and a maintenance circuit. Numerous charming outdoor spaces and 1 function room complete the offer.
Contacts
Phone - +351 282 910 910
Email - resort.monchique@unlockhotels.com
Website - monchiquetermalresort.com
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SEARCH IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
IN THE DISTRICT OF FARO
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