ABOUT mONCHIQUE
Monchique (Portuguese pronunciation: [mõˈʃik(ɨ)]) 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 popular tourist destination. Attractions include a historic town centre, spectacular views from the two peaks of Foia and Picota, hiking, bird watching and biking. There are hot sulfur springs, with baths and Health spas 4 m. 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 typical tourist artifacts that are sold in local shops, and medronho, a local brew made from distilled medronho berries (Arbutus/Strawberry Tree), is produced.
Offering an alternative to the Algarve beach scene is the Serra de Monchique, a rolling mountain range that adds a dramatic perspective to the region's western countryside. Skirted by fragrant meadows of wildflowers, Monchique's slopes bristle with chestnut and eucalyptus, the verdant habitat sustaining an abundance of wildlife. A network of nature trails snake through the shady woodland; one leads all the way to Fóia, at 900 meters the highest point in the Algarve. On a clear day, the spectacular panorama embraces the region's entire western landmass including Lagos and Sagres, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
The pleasant hill town of Monchique is an excellent base from which to explore the area and is noted for its traditional handicrafts: look out for the cadeiras de tesoura, the x-shaped folding wooden chairs based on an ancient Roman design. And it's the Romans who first took advantage of the warm, curative waters that nourish Caldas de Monchique, a charming spa tucked away in a wooded ravine in the foothills of the Serra. Set around a cobbled square furnished with a restaurant, café-art gallery, and bed and breakfast accommodation, the modern thermal spa offers a tantalizing menu of therapeutic treatments and rituals.
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