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Your guide to the best of Monchique Algarve
Holidays in Monchique AlgarveThe town itself is very charming with narrow cobbled streets and a pleasant town square. By rights it should be a quiet and peaceful place. In the summer however it can get very busy, as it fills up with coach tours and day-trippers, looking for a change of scenery from the coastal resorts or embarking on guided walking tours. It is also a welcome retreat from the blistering heat in the height of summer, as the area has its own micro-climate making it a few degrees cooler, with a refreshing breeze ever prevalent.Accommodation in Monchique AlgarveThere are some fine villas around Monchique, with many built into the hillsides amongst the pine trees with fantastic views down the valley, across the plains to the sea. Click on the links if you would like to see a selection of Monchique villas or apartments to rent.There are also a number of hotels in the area. A selection of th better ones in my opinion are: Albergeria Bica Boa  You値l find this inn 1 km north of Monchique on the Lisbon road. It is a traditional inn which has been carefully restored, but with only 4 rooms and a good reputation, you値l have to book in advance. The hotel is clean and tidy and the staff very friendly and helpful. There is also a restaurant here, which is regarded as one of the best in the region. Albergeria Bica Boa Estrada de Lisboa 266 8550 Monchique Algarve Contact Tel: 282 912 271 Estalagem Abrigo de Montanha  You値l find this inn on the road from Monchique to Foia. It is a 4-star establishment with 16 rooms, each with a balcony with great views over the Serra de Monchique. Outside there is a small pool. The hotel has a good restaurant based in rustic surroundings serving mainly traditional regional dishes. Estalagem Abrigo de Montanha Estrada da Foia 8550 Monchique Algarve Contact Tel: 282 912 131 Villas Termas de Caldas de Monchique This is the thermal spa resort in Caldas de Monchique. Here you can participate in the programmes offered by the resort, from well-being to spa and thermal treatments. Accommodation is provided by four hotels and a set of apartments. These are: Villas Termas de Caldas de Monchique Caldas de Monchique 8550-232 Monchique Algarve Contact Tel: 282 910 910 Things to do in Monchique AlgarveThe town is famous for its handicrafts and there are artisans here making shoes, baskets walking sticks. In the village centre is the 16th Century parish church, Igreja Matriz, which is worth visiting for its interesting doorway and blue and white azulejo tiles.Accessed by a footpath leading way above the town is the Nossa Senhora do Desterro, which are the ruins of a 17th Century Franciscan monastery. It痴 a bit of a trek to get there, and when you do, it is not even open to the public. But if you enjoy fantastic views, you値l find it well worth the effort. The area is very popular with walkers and mountain bikers. There are a number of guided tours for walkers which can be booked locally. Nearby attractions include Caldas de Monchique, 4km south of Monchique. It is an old village blessed with natural spa waters from the volcanic peaks of Foia and Picota. This has been capitalised on and the luxury resort spa built there is open for treatments, with its mineral waters being used to treat the respiratory problems and muscle and skeletal disorders, such as arthritis. This water is bottled and sold all over the Algarve, but believe me, wait until it痴 in a bottle before you taste it, as in its unprocessed form it値l take at least three glasses of medronho to get rid of the taste. A little further away, on the EN 124 road on the way to Messines, is the Arade Dam (Barragem do Arade) which contains a huge reservoir. This is a great place to go walking, fishing or hiring boat. In the middle of the reservoir is Paradise Island. The island is open during the summer months but you値l have to buy a ticket if you want to go there. These can be purchased while you have lunch in the garden at the Restaurante Coutada (Contact Tel: 282 332 292), the only restaurant here. Omega Park is a zoo specialising in endangered animals. It is on the left hand side of the road just past Caldas de Monchique on the way to Portimao. It is a good day out for all the family, and you never know, you might even learn something, as well as being entertained. Restaurants in Monchique AlgarveMonchique has a reputation for serving up some of the best Chicken Piri-Piri in the Algarve. Many of the restaurants can be found along the road to Foia and also along the road to Caldas de Monchique. It痴 hard to choose between them, as they all offer good vale for money and tasty food. Avoid Sundays, as this is when Portuguese families come there to eat from the surrounding areas.Other restaurants worthy of note are: Albergeria Bica Boa Restaurant This is regarded as one of the better restaurants in the area with a traditional regional menu with plenty of international dishes. Unusually for Portugal, the restaurant caters well for vegetarians. On warmer evenings get a table on the inviting garden terrace. Albergeria Bica Boa Estrada de Lisboa 266 8550 Monchique Algarve Contact Tel: 282 912 271 Abrigo da Montanha Restaurant Part of the Abrigo da Montanha Inn, the restaurant serves good regional food. A table outside on the terrace is recommended to enjoy the fantastic views. It is open daily for both lunch and dinner. Abrigo da Montanha Estrada da Foia 8550 Monchique Algarve Contact Tel: 282 912 131 Quinta de Sao Bento Restaurant Although this restaurant is a few kilometres out of town on the way to the summit at Foia, it is well worth a visit. The views are fantastic and the food isn't bad too. In fact the restaurant has won a few awards for its traditional Portuguese fare. Open 12pm daily for lunch then dinner. Quinta de Sao Bento Estrada da Foia 8550 Monchique Algarve Contact Tel: 282 912 143 Return from Monchique Algarve page to West Algarve Guide page
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In the foothills between Foia and the nearby peak of Picota (770m) is the market town of Monchique. The town is surrounded by mainly pine and Eucalyptus trees which cover the hillside in terraces.
