Whoever comes from the scorching heat of the beautiful beaches of Algarve to the coolness of the green mountains in Monchique will never want to leave! At 450 meters high, this picturesque village is the ideal place for tourists to be dazzled by panoramic views, rest, regain energy and practice outdoor activities. A corner in the south of Portugal, also suitable for those who want to experience treatments with miraculous waters, observe the traditional architecture, taste the local cured meats and drink the typical medronho brandy!
Monchique is in the district of Faro, part of the Algarve region, about 40 minutes from Portimão, Lagos, or Carvoeiro.
Today, the town is famous as a haven for those who want to live in Monchique or take a few days to rest and walk among the green nature.
The historical center, Largo de São Sebastião, Mother Church, urban park, and traditional markets!
1. Historical Center
Unmissable! It is in the historical center of the town that you can see the traditional architecture featuring low houses with white walls and bands of color on the doors and windows. The streets are narrow and lead to steep hills that unveil the green mountains!
2. Largo de São Sebastião
In Largo de São Sebastião you get a full view of the town of Monchique: the church towers, the old convent, the swimming pools, the urban park, and the surrounding area of the historical center.
3. Mother Church
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the 16th-century Manueline style church with twisted columns ending in pinnacles and decorations alluding to the vegetation of the Monchique mountains.
4. Urban Park
If you are looking for a recreation and leisure area, the Urban Park is the ideal place for you! The space is in a stream where you can enjoy a stroll or rest on a park bench.
5. Traditional Markets
And finally — only to list a few attractions in the village of Monchique —take our advice: visit the traditional market stores and see the famous basketry and weaving crafts, among other typical products that you will want to take as a souvenir!
Praia da Rocha, Praia do Benagil and Meia Praia!
Praia da Rocha, Portimão
Praia da Rocha is one of the most famous beaches in Algarve! It has a long stretch of sand and is protected by orange and red cliffs. It has wooden walkways for easy access to the different points on the beach where you can spread your towel and enjoy a day in the sun.
Praia do Benagil, Lagoa
It is, without a doubt, one of the most enchanting beaches in the world! Benagil beach is in front of a fishing village, at the bottom of a valley, and is the starting point of boat trips to the caves and wild beaches.
Meia Praia, Lagos
If you visit Meia Praia, you can follow the wide bay of the city of Lagos with your feet on the sand! This beach, besides the extensive sand, offers the possibility to try different water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
Hiking, pauses at viewpoints, unique moments watching the waterfalls, SPA treatments, and traditional gastronomy!
1. Hiking
Do you like hiking? Then put on some comfortable sneakers and get to know Serra de Monchique on foot! There are several trails of various levels of difficulty that you can follow to explore the forest. And whether on foot or in a jeep, don't miss the Fóia peak — the highest point in Algarve and the best place to take a panoramic photo of the region.
2. Viewpoints
From São Sebastião viewpoint in the center of Monchique to Fóia viewpoint at the top of the mountain, passing through Picota viewpoint at an altitude of 774 meters, there are plenty of places to enjoy breathtaking views!
3. Waterfalls
Truly remarkable! There are three waterfalls in the Monchique region that you must see: Barbelote waterfall, Penedo do Buraco waterfall and Chilrão waterfall. Access is fairly easy on foot, so there's no excuse not to enjoy these places of unparalleled natural beauty.
4. SPA treatments
Relax in a SPA in Monchique? Why not? Down the mountain, you will find a historic SPA in the village of Caldas de Monchique, famous for the quality of its waters and the efficiency of its therapies. Get to know the SPA and its medicinal water springs, used since Roman times for treatments!
5. Traditional Gastronomy
No visit can fail to include regional dishes, right? So we advise you to try the honey and medronho, the cured meats, such as smoked sausage, pork sausage, blood sausage, and smoked ham. And don't miss the opportunity to try a typical regional dish, based on black pork, in one of the town's restaurants.
Besides all these attractions, did you know that Monchique is one of the areas with the best cost of living? If you are thinking about moving to the south of Portugal, consult us! We have a wide offer of properties in Monchique and other areas of Algarve, where you can live or spend vacations in total peace, away from the crowded tourism that dominates the coastline.