Monchique & Serra de Monchique

The Serra de Monchique rises inland from the Algarve's coastal strip to 902m at Fóia, the highest point in southern Portugal, its slopes covered in eucalyptus, chestnut and cork oak forest that stand in sharp contrast to the arid coastal scenery below. The hilltop town of Monchique itself is a small, quiet settlement of narrow streets and traditional houses, known regionally for its handcrafted wooden folding chairs, smoked pork sausages, and medronho, a potent brandy distilled from the fruit of the strawberry tree that grows wild across the hills. A short drive or a longer hike leads to the Fóia summit, where a paved viewpoint area gives panoramic views stretching across the Algarve's coastal plain to the Atlantic on clear days, though cloud and mist frequently obscure the view in winter. A half-day visit covers the town, a stop at a local distillery to sample medronho, and the drive up to Fóia, while hikers can extend this into a full day on the marked trails through the surrounding forest. Nearby Caldas de Monchique, a small thermal spa village in a wooded valley just south of the main town, has been used for its hot springs since Roman times and makes a pleasant, shaded stop in its own right. Spring brings wildflowers and the freshest greenery to the hills, while the cooler mountain air in autumn is a welcome contrast to the heat still lingering on the coast at that time of year.