Useful Maps of Monchique and the Algarve
What People Have to Say!
Like others, we first spent time along the coast. Portimao is where we stayed but we spent time in Lagos as well. Eventually we trekked inland and discovered Monchique. Our trip was primarily house hunting and we have chosen Monchique Parish to live and within the Parish we are hoping to buy some land in Foia. There is a certain charm about Monchique that does not exist in the other cities we visited. I would echo another comment which is tourists are noticeable but seem different than those along the beach area of Portimao. We met a couple of British expats who were and remain exceedingly helpful. To echo another comment, we've seen a lot of Europe and nothing really compares with the Algarve and with Monchique. For those who might be interested in buying property, the Monchique Camara (council) is one of the less bureaucratic ones in the region. Staff are very helpful and some of them speak perfect English as well.
David and Masha 04 Mar 2020
Monchique is probably one of the nicest places in the Algarve if not the whole of Portugal. You realise this when you just sit and relax and take in the views or in the town just watching and listening to the locals going about their daily business. It's unique these days to find a place that is not ruined with tourists, yet there are plenty of tourists about, they just seem different. I think Monchique attracts a different type.
One of the major attractions apart from the beautiful scenery is the food. We could not find a restaurant we did not like, everyone is a bit different with such a variety of dishes, all local, reasonably priced, actually half the price of those down on the coast. A litre of house wine for 5 Euros, really!
The peaks of Foia and Picota are well worth a visit either walking or by car, the views are spectacular. There are plenty of level walks along the contour roads and tracks, they are well signposted so you won't get lost. Thee is plenty of accommodation, from Hotels to Bed and Breakfasts to luxury villas, we stayed at Caldas and found it more than satisfactory. The Tapas bar there is quite good too.
We can't wait to return.
Tony Stevens 03 Apr 2018