Events in Monchique
Serra de Monchique, thermal springs and green landscapes. The Algarve's lungs.
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What's on in Monchique: the Cured Meats Fair (Feira dos Enchidos) at the Municipal Heliport in March, year-round medronho brandy tastings, and the Via Algarviana trails — between Foia (the Algarve's highest peak at 902 m), Picota (774 m) and Caldas de Monchique, whose 32°C alkaline waters have been used since Roman times. Seasonal highlights: the Cured Meats Fair on the first full weekend of March, with 50+ exhibitors of cured meats, medronho and honey; and serra hikes in spring, before the summer heat. Updated daily with what's happening today, this weekend and in the weeks ahead.
- District:
- Faro
- Population:
- ~5,500
- Area:
- 395 km² · 3 parishes
- Council since:
- 1773 (split from Silves)
- Foia peak:
- 902 m (highest in the Algarve)
Main places
Foia (902 m)
The highest peak in the Algarve, on the Serra de Monchique. The viewpoint has a café and craft shops, and on clear days the view stretches to Cape St. Vincent, Faro and even Serra da Arrábida (south of Lisbon). A classic stop on any Algarve road-trip, 8 km from Monchique village on a paved road.
Picota (774 m)
The Algarve's second-highest peak. 360° view on fog-free days. Reached on foot — the PR2 'Caminho das Caldas–Picota' is an 18 km loop from Caldas that goes over the summit; Sector 10 of the Via Algarviana (Silves–Monchique, 32 km) also crosses it.
Caldas de Monchique (thermal spa)
The Algarve's oldest thermal spa, with mineral waters emerging at 32°C — pH 9.5, the most alkaline in Portugal. Already in use under the Romans (a votive altar to the 'Sacred Waters' has been found), and visited in 1495 by King João II in his last year. Today's Villa Termal offers jet showers, hydromassage and mud treatments.
Igreja Matriz de Monchique
Manueline church from the 15th–16th c., partly rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. The main portal — twisted columns ending in pinnacles, a counter-curved polylobed arch and a Manueline oculus — is a rare example of the style, with parallels only at the Church of Redinha (Leiria) and in Cochin (former Portuguese India).
Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro
Franciscan convent founded in 1631 by Pêro da Silva, then Viceroy of India, on a hilltop facing the serra. In ruins now, but with spectacular views and a centenary magnolia tree. Part of the Revive heritage-restoration programme, with a hotel project under way.
Casa do Medronho (Marmelete)
Interpretation centre devoted to medronho brandy — a traditional local activity going back centuries. Monchique is Portugal's largest producer of medronho spirit. The centre walks visitors through the tree cycle, harvest, fermentation and artisan distillation — with a final tasting.
Municipal Heliport (Feira dos Enchidos venue)
The town's fair grounds, at the entrance to Monchique, hosts the Cured Meats Fair on the first weekend of March — 50+ exhibitors of serrano ham, chouriço, farinheira, morcela, torresmos, medronho, melosa liqueur, honey and sweets. The big gastronomic gathering for the inland Algarve.
Serra villages (Marmelete and Alferce)
The council's two other parishes. Marmelete, to the west, is the heart of artisan medronho production and the trailhead for serra hikes. Alferce, to the east, is a traditional village with the ruins of an Islamic-era fortification on top of the hill. Both with centuries of continuous settlement and very local cooking.