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 Monchique - Description
The town of Monchique is with few exceptions happily untouched 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 “mountain” people the world over the
10,000 inhabitants of this town have retained the rustic atmosphere with
steep cobbled streets and small dark doorways containing various artisan
trades. There is a much neglected 17th Century Franciscan monastery
overlooking the town from which a visitor has 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", the name of a
strong schnapps type of drink made from distilling the fruit from arbutus
bushes. Foia and its sister mountain of Picota at 774 metres
provide 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 effects. 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 unspoilt 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 Events
March - Feira de Enchidas (Sausages)
Monchique Photos
Monastery
· Hillside
· Town
· Church
· Travelling
Monchique Map
Town Map
Monchique Distances
Distances between each Tourist Town in Kms (Click Here)
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 Useful Monchique Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 282 912 403
Fire Brigade - 282 912 115 / 911 000
Police - 282 912 629
Emergency Treatment - 282 912 288
Ambulance - 282 912 115
Tourist Office - 282 911 189
Monchique Accommodation
Pousadas
· Hotels
· Holiday Apartments
· Inns
Monchique Restaurants
Selected List in Monchique Area
Monchique Vehicle Hire
Rent a Car
Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Alvor
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagoa
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António
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