The Serra de Monchique region is known for the traditional architecture of Monchique's houses, with their white walls, carved stonework and special "saia" (skirt) chimneys. From the town's steep, narrow streets, you can enjoy a series of different panoramic views over the surrounding mountains.
While in town, the Capela de São Sebastião is well worth a visit, in order to see an interesting 17th century statue of the Virgin Mary. In the Igreja da Misericórdia, in the square of the same name, carved woodwork is combined with two large 18th century paintings. And step inside the Capela do Senhor dos Passos to see a life-size statue of Christ. |
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In the valley of the Serra de Monchique, you will find a delightful little spa surrounded by green countryside, where you can enjoy a few days of complete rest. When you are feeling reinvigorated, a climb up the mountains to a height of 902 metres will put you at the highest point not only in the range but also in the whole of the Algarve. This high spot is called Pico da Fóia, where you will be treated to some excellent views of the landscape. Nearby, make sure you also see the archaeological remains of when the Romans used Monchique's waters for medicinal purposes.
Surrounded by gardens, those who choose to visit Monchique will find the quietness and the life of a different Algarve. The air is still fresh and many activities take place on the unaltered Monchique range of hills: guided walks, horse riding, flower and bird watchers, mountain biking, Yoga, meditation, aromatherapy and cristaltherapy.
Whether travelling by car or bicycle, take a trip out into the countryside and enjoy some fresh air. From Caldas de Monchique, it is only a short hop to Marmelete, travelling through green and lush scenery with the sea on the horizon in the distance. Discover the local cuisine by sampling traditional sausages, delicious honey and medronho, the Algarve brandy made from arbutus berries.
Drive through gentle hills and discover hidden villages with their own traditional trades, architecture and local cuisine.
Experience the green forests of eucalyptus, cork-oaks and pine-trees, or enjoy the views over wheat and barley fields. Amongst the hills, stop from time to time and watch the people as they busily go about their daily tasks: the cork stripper, the shepherd, the miller, or the apple picker in the orchard.
Discover the characteristic architecture of the houses in this inland region, with their chimneys, ovens, sloping roofs and whitewashed walls. |
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The village of São Brás de Alportel still shows a tranquil and unhurried lifestyle by the friendly local population. The streets of white houses whose ranks are broken only by the lofty outline of the church and its bell tower, the ring of hills around the town that look out on the sea and the mountains are the simple charms of São Brás de Alportel, a typical Algarve town.
The low and white houses, typical of popular architecture, stand alongside more substantial buildings, with their façades decorated with tiles, ornate stonework and cast iron verandas, whose opulence goes back to São Brás de Alportel's prosperity in the years when the cork industry was booming.
The high and low points of the town's changing fortunes are thus written in the stones of its streets and squares, while such details as the baroque mortar decoration of the Passo da Paixão (Stations of the Cross) near the Episcopal Palace and the pretty flower pots in the windows add colour and interest to their story.
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Loulé Market Hall |
Take some time to appreciate the local crafts of the Moorish city of Loulé, particularly its painted pottery, brass and copper ware. The neo-Moorish market place, the 13th-Century Igreja de São Clemente and the Igreja da Misericórdia are all well worth a visit.
Make sure you see the view from the ruins of the Moorish castle in Salir.
Sao Marcos de Serra is typical white washed village.
Silves with its Moorish castle is the old capital of the Algarve; it sits at the foot of the Monchique mountains. You can visit the Cork Museum there.
Admire the local arts and crafts, and the skill with which local men and women weave baskets and rugs from the leaves of the dwarf palm-tree. They also fashion belts and bags from leather, and work with linen and cotton.
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Alte is one of the most delightful villages in central Algarve countryside. Visit the Capela de São Luís and the parish church.There is no sense of time while you stroll around the backstreets of the village. The views are breath taking. In Paderne, enjoy the peaceful and solitary ruins of the town's castle. |
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