Monchique: The Best Hidden Town in The Mountains
Monchique is a small town in the northern Algarve
Due to its location in the mountain range of Serra de Monchique, it has remarkable views. Monchique lies in pristine nature; lush green forests, mountain peaks, and small streams surround it.
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Explore Monchique on this small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting with a perfect 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating 😊
So should you visit Monchique? In this post, we will talk all bout this charming little town and everything that it has to offer.
General information about Monchique
Monchique is a municipality in the Algarve with only around 6,000 inhabitants. It is surrounded by the mountain range Serra de Monchique, which separates the Algarve from the region of Alentejo.
At 450 meters above sea level, the town is located in a valley between the two highest peaks in the Algarve. The mountains and forests surrounding Monchique are perfect for activities such as hiking, biking, and climbing.
The little town of Monchique is idyllic. Picture white houses that tumble down the hills, small but steep streets, and craft shops that offer unique handmade items such as pottery and soaps. Handicrafts have always been the mainstay of the town’s economy. The knowledge has been passed on from generation to generation for centuries and has a long tradition in Monchique.
How to get there
The best way to visit Monchique and its surroundings is by car, as public transport is not easily available and sometimes non-existent. Monchique itself can be reached via small roads.
The town is about a 30-minute drive from Portimão, and it takes about a 1-hour drive from Faro airport. Make sure you fill up your gas tank as there are not many petrol stations along the way.
🚗 If you’d like to explore the Algarve, why not rent a car? It is the easiest way to get around and explore the region. Our recommendation is to use a comparison website like Rentalcars or Discovercars to see what’s available and compare prices between rental companies.
When to go
The Monchique weather is mostly cooler than in the coastal area of the Algarve and it can also change from sunny to cloudy and vice versa quite quickly throughout the day.
If you want to connect your trip to Monchique with a beach holiday on the south coast that the summer months are the perfect time to visit. However, the best time to visit Monchique depends on your personal preferences and your choice of activities.
Spring and autumn are likely the best times to truly explore the town of Monchique and its surrounding nature, as these seasons are not too hot or cold.
3 Day Trips to Monchique
If you don’t have a car or would just be interested in visiting Monchique for the day, there are various tours that can take you to all the major sites.
1. Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 7-8 hours | 🇵🇹 Check rates and availability
Escape the crowds and discover the hidden gems of the Algarve on a unique day trip to the medieval towns of Silves and Monchique. Sitting atop one of the highest mountains in Portugal, these two picturesque locations offer a glimpse into the rich history and stunning natural beauty of the region.
This tour is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the culture and scenic landscapes of the Algarve. The best part? Letting someone else do the driving means you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views without any stress.
2. Medronho Tasting Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 10-13 hours | 🇵🇹 Check rates and availability
Embark on a journey through the peaceful and tranquil Monchique Mountains. This morning tour is a celebration of the local drink medronho, a famous liqueur made from the fruit of the same name. You will visit two local producers in their distillery and see how the drinks are made.
Taste the medronho and melosa, and have the opportunity to purchase some to take with you, as well as honey. As you soak in the atmosphere of peace and tranquility, you will also visit the Fóia Viewpoint, the highest point of the Algarve, offering stunning views that will take your breath away.
This tour is the perfect way to get a taste of the local culture and traditions, all while enjoying a stress-free experience with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
3. Monchique and Fóia: Half Day Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 4 hours | 🇵🇹 Check rates and availability
Take a scenic journey up the mountain to Monchique, a lush area filled with evergreen vegetation and breathtaking views. After convenient hotel pickup, you will be transported in an air-conditioned minivan to Monchique. Explore the small streets and take in the local charm of this beautiful mountain town.
Next, head to Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve and one of the tallest in Portugal standing at an impressive 902 meters. Here, you will have the opportunity to marvel at a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire region, including the ocean, lakes, and surrounding cities.
Top 6 Things to See in Monchique
The little town of Monchique is a charming and peaceful place. The main square is very inviting, and in the cafe Velochique, you can sit down for coffee or food and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the historical town with its fountain and flowers. The narrow cobbled streets and little shops make buying souvenirs for your loved ones a unique experience.
1. Igreja Matriz de Monchique
Near the town centre of Monchique, you will find the church Igreja Matriz de Monchique, Monchique’s main church. The entrance with its impressive pillars, is a beautiful example of architecture from the 16th century. Additionally, you can visit the church’s museum with its collection of liturgical objects.
2. Caldas de Monchique
Just outside of town, you can find Caldas de Monchique, a famous spa with waterfalls and springs. It is one of the most beautiful places in the region, and it is known for having the cleanest and the best water in the whole Algarve.
The water is said to have healing qualities for the human body. It is also used for relaxation purposes as well as for healing respiratory illnesses. As outlined by Visit Portugal, these Monchique thermal baths or “sacred waters” were used by the Romans before the birth of Christ as a treatment for bodily and spiritual fatigue.
The Caldas de Monchique is the only thermal spa in the Algarve. This spa town is also home to the Monchique Thermal Resort, the perfect place if you are looking to relax in nature.
3. Mountain Fóia
At 902m above sea level, Mountain Fóia is the highest mountain in the Algarve and shouldn’t be missed. You can reach the peak of Fóia on foot, by bike, or by car.
The panoramic view from Fóia is breathtaking. You can see the town of Monchique with all its colorful buildings and narrow streets, as well as all the hills of Serra de Monchique, which stretch for miles and miles covered with trees and wildflowers.
Make sure to visit on a clear day. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see much. The higher you go, the colder it gets, so make sure you pack accordingly. If you plan on going to Fóia, bring warm clothes and a swimsuit.
4. Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Convent of Our Lady of Exile)
This beautiful Franciscan convent was built in the 17th Century by order of Pêro da Silva, a viceroy of India who was later buried here. The convent was destroyed in an earthquake in 1755, and as a result, many of the altarpieces and statues were moved to other churches. Nevertheless, the scenery from the Convent is beautiful and offers a view of the town and the neighboring.
5. Mina Park
Parque da Mina is currently the largest living museum in the region and is a fantastic double adventure between culture and fun. Guests can visit a century manor house as well as experience some of the cultural traditions of Serra de Monchique, like a reenacted medronho distillery. There are even farm animals, ancient means of transport, viewpoints, a suspended bridge over the waterfall, spaces for children’s entertainment, and more.
6. Serra da Picota
At 774m Serra da Picota is the second highest point of Serra de Monchique. The view is phenomenal, and the whole area is quiet and peaceful. It is a beautiful place to watch birds and other animals. You can go up the mountain by car or go on a hike up the hill.
Where to Eat
The region is known for its gastronomy, which continues to be produced using traditional methods. Some of the regional foods that you should be trying are black pork sausages and cured hams, honey that comes from the region’s scented wildflowers, and a shot (or two) of the powerful medronho liqueur, which is made from the fruit of strawberry trees.
Let’s start with the meat. Monchique is known for pig farming and has a wide selection of pork sausages(molho, morcela de farinha or farinheira and chouriça) and hams you can try.
Sausages are made following a centenary tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation by locals. The art of sausage making is so important in the region that Monchique holds an annual three-day traditional sausage fair (Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais de Serra de Monchique) during the first week of March that aims to promote this ancient tradition. It also has an annual Ham fair (Feira do Presunto), which is held in June.
If you aren’t a fan of meat, don’t worry. There should be many fish options available, too, including bacalhau, a Portuguese favorite.
Then there is the Mel da Serra de Monchique, which is wildflower honey made from several local floral varieties, such as lavender, heather, eucalyptus, citrus, and plum.
If you fancy a drink, then Monchique is famous for producing Medronho, a spirit made from the fruits of the Arbutus Unedo tree.
Liquors made with regional products are also a great thing to try, the most famous of which is Melosa, which is made from arbutus brandy (medronho). The picking of the small red arbutus of the Medronheiro (also known as the strawberry tree) is done during the months of October and November—this is the phase that many experts believe to be the most important in the production process.
Next, the medronho is fermented in containers for at least a month, depending on the producer, and then distilled in copper stills. After aging in barrels, for more or less eight years, the medronho—with an alcohol content between 40% and 50%—is bottled and ready to consume.
If you are visiting Monchique, Portugal, on your own, don’t miss a visit to the Casa do Medronho, a beautiful space created to explore this fantastic product further.
Finally, in regards to local sweets, Monchique has a regional traditional sweet that is called Bolo de Tacho and is made with cocoa, honey, and fennel.
You can try all these delicacies in a number of Monchique restaurants.
Luar Da Foia serves regional dishes but specializes in black pork dishes and has a view of the Monchique mountains and the sea. A Charrette is a cozy and traditional restaurant with a menu filled with regional dishes. Then there is Tasca do Petrol, a restaurant that serves authentic “serrana algarvia” food. If you plan on going during the weekend, make sure to call and book a table in advance.
💧Monchique is also well known for its pure spring water. Monchique water is available in almost all supermarkets in Portugal.
Make sure to check out the Loja do Mel e do Medronho, where local producers sell their products. If you want to experience the real thing, then Algarve Food Experience runs a Monchique Hills and Flavours tour where guests walk through Monchique cork and medronho forest, delve into its gastronomy, and learn how local farmers create the best-cured meat in Algarve.
Where to Stay
There are several Monchique hotels and accommodations available in the area of Monchique Portugal. Many of them offer spa and wellness treatments.
Splurge: Monchique Resort and Spa (Activities Included)
⭐️ Rating: 8.7 out of 10| 💰 Price: $$$$ | 📍View on Booking.com
The Monchique Resort and Spa is a 5-star luxury hotel that has a spa, restaurant, three pools (which include a waterfall pool), a fitness center, and even a kids club.
The hotel also has a number of activities that are organized into six distinct categories – wellness, sport, nature/sustainability, healthy eating, families, and featured workshops.
Mid-Range: Vilafoia
⭐️ Rating: 9.2 out of 10 | 💰 Price: $$$ | 📍View on Booking.com
Built on a mountain top in Monchique, Vilafoia is a modern guesthouse offering spacious accommodations, panoramic mountain views, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Other noteworthy hotel amenities include a jacuzzi on the top deck with amazing views, a hammock, and fiber optic WiFi, just in case you need to get any work done during your downtime.
Ideally surrounded by Cork Trees, this eco-friendly guesthouse provides a library and a solar-heated garden pool. There are several outdoor activities, such as horse riding, hiking, and canoeing.
Budget: Casa dos Batalim
⭐️ Rating: 8.7 out of 10| 💰 Price: $$ |📍View on Booking.com
This bed and breakfast is a beautiful little gem. The rooms have their own little kitchen, and the service is excellent. It has a laid-back atmosphere and is ideal for an authentic and budget stay in Monchique.
💭 🤔 Not exactly what you are looking for? There are many accommodation options in Monchique. For a list of places to stay, click here.
Monchique: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Monchique in Portugal?
Monchique is a town situated in the Faro District of the Algarve region in Portugal. It’s the main town of the Serra de Monchique, a mountain range that separates the Algarve from the Alentejo region and the rest of Portugal to the north.
Located on the west coast of the Algarve, Portugal Monchique is known for its spa and is nestled amidst a lush landscape, providing a scenic and tranquil environment.
📍MONCHIQUE MAP
How do you Get to Monchique?
To reach Monchique, visitors can use various transportation methods, including driving and public transportation.
To reach Monchique from Lisbon by public transport, you typically need to make a connection in Portimão, one of the main cities in the Algarve. Portimao is around 33 min (25.8 km/16 mi) from Monchique. You can also get to Monchique from Lagos, Portugal.
From Portimão, you can catch a bus service operated by Frota Azul to Monchique. The bus from Portimão to Monchique takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately €4.65 each way.
If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train to Portimão and then continue by bus to Monchique. This combined journey by train and bus from Lisbon to Monchique generally takes around 6 hours. Alternatively, driving from Lisbon to Monchique is the fastest option, taking approximately 3 hours.
What is the climate in Monchique Portugal?
The climate in Monchique, Portugal, varies significantly throughout the year. The average annual temperature is around 16.2 °C (61.2 °F).
During the warm season, from mid-June to mid-September, average daily high temperatures are above 23.3 °C (74 °F). August is the hottest month, with an average high of 25.6 °C (78 °F) and a low of 15.6 °C (60 °F).
❄️ The cool season, from late November to mid-March, sees average daily high temperatures below 15.6 °C (60 °F). January is the coldest month, with an average low of 5.6 °C (42 °F) and a high of 12.8 °C (55 °F)
How do you pronounce Monchique?
Monchique is pronounced as “Mon-sheek.”
is Monchique worth a visit?
Visiting Monchique can be very worthwhile, especially if you enjoy natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a quieter, more traditional Portuguese experience.
It offers a cool retreat in the mountains, distinct from the typical beach-focused Algarve tourism. Attractions include hiking trails, the thermal spa of Caldas de Monchique Portugal, the highest point of the Algarve at Fóia, and a rich culinary tradition, particularly known for its medronho and local sausages.
Monchique’s unique cultural and natural offerings make it a valuable destination for those seeking a different side of the Algarve.
Should you visit Monchique?
Monchique Algarve, the city hidden in between mountains, has everything you need to enjoy a fun and, at the same time, relaxing holiday. You can enjoy the quiet of the mountains Fóia and Picota, the touristy streets of Monchique, the healing energy of Caldas de Monchique, and the hustle and bustle of the next bigger city Portimao is also just a 30-minute drive away. And Lisbon is only a couple of hours away!
If you are looking for praia (or beaches), then this isn’t the place for you, but if you are looking for
And, if you want to see something extra special, visit on market day—the second Monday of the month in the town square. Here you will find plenty of traditional fares mentioned in this article. There is also furniture, with the town being known for its “scissor” chairs – small wooden X-shaped chairs that fold down flat. One theory is that these were Roman inventions.
