The ideal place to live is in the countryside, away from the city, but close and as an example we have the village of Monchique to present.

Located in the Serra de Monchique we take the opportunity to present our property located in Quinta da Baticova    https://www.retraiteimmobilierportugal.fr/en/property-detail/monchiquebaticova-monchique/388428  , where it is  located 10 minutes from the  village.

 The Sierra is part of the Algarve from the Alentejo border region, this lush landscape of rolling hills, dense forests and pure rivers is nicknamed the "garden of the Algarve". Forgotten for many years, as attention has focused on the brightness of the Algarve's coastal resorts, the breathtaking landscape and tranquil surroundings of Monchique show its charm to visitors who today venture inland. The area invites you to take hiking routes, with trails that lead through rocky, chestnut and pine trees, picturesque huts and the cliffs and vegetation of the highest peaks. A walk to Fóia, the highest peak in the Algarve, at 902 metres, offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the southern coastal strip that extends to Sagres.

The pace of Monchique's daily life is quite different from the hustle and bustle of coastal resorts. In the small villages nestled among the hills the artisans keep centuries-old traditions alive and farmers take care of their vegetable gardens and orange groves while the cattle feed on the pastures. The fruit of his labor is reflected in the magnificent gastronomy of the region, which continues to be made through traditional methods. Chorizo and black pork ham, honey produced from wildflowers and fantastic medronho liqueur contribute to the fame of the region's gastronomy.

The village of Monchique is located between the peaks of Fóia and Picota. It is a charming village of steep cobbled streets with whitewashed houses, being the ideal starting point to visit the springs and discover the mountains. Its lively monthly fair is the perfect occasion to enjoy the local gastronomy and crafts, composed mainly of the characteristic scissor chairs, wicker pieces, ceramics and knitted clothes. The Traditional Sausage Fair in March and the Ham Fair, usually held in July, are annual events where you can see and taste the best monchique products.

The picturesque Caldas de Monchique, site of the algarve's only hot springs, is located about 6 km south of the village, among the lush vegetation of the surrounding hills. The thermal waters at 32°C have been attracting visitors since the Romans recognized their healing properties and are now widely recommended for their therapeutic effects on respiratory, muscular and rheumatic diseases. Caldas are an attractive retreat, with elegant 19th-century houses around the central square and a beautiful forest park filled with acacia trees, camellias and centuries-old trees. The constant sound of water running through the streams, under pedestrian bridges and in the fountains, combined with the light reflected in the foliage, creates an environment of peace and relaxation that led to it being nicknamed "Sintra do Algarve".

Places to Visit

Religious architecture in Monchique

Monchique Mother Church
This 15th–16th-century church has a Manueline door with stone columns resembling the twisted rope, a motif that is repeated in the capitals of the column inside the church. An impressive collection of 17th-century tiles adorns the dome and walls of the Chapel of the Most Holy, while the unusual altar of the Chapel of Our Lady of Carmo will have come from the former Franciscan convent nearby. The Sacred Art Center of Monchique, located in the basement of the church, exhibits many sacred works of art.

Convent of Our Lady of Desterro
This beautiful Franciscan convent was built in the 17th century by order of Pêro da Silva, viceroy of India who was later buried there. It was badly damaged during the 1755 earthquake and after the abolition of religious orders in 1834, its aislers and statues were taken to other churches in Monchique and Aljezur. Its high-rise location offers beautiful views of the village and surrounding hills, while the ancestral magnolia, allegedly brought from India by the viceroy, will be the largest in all of Europe.

St. Sebastian's Church
This church was built in the late sixteenth century, probably at the time of the visit of King Sebastian in 1573. Its most notable features are the Rococo altar in gilded carving and the image of Our Lady of Desterro, which will have come from the Franciscan convent.

Nature in the Monchique area

Photo house
Rising at 902 meters above sea level, this is the highest peak in the Algarve. On the cleanest days, you can see the coastline to the south, which extends from Faro to Cape São Vicente, and to the north, which continues to the Serra da Arrábida, located about 40 km south of Lisbon.

Picota Viewpoint
At this viewpoint, situated at 774 meters above sea level, you will have beautiful views of the south coast.

Pison Ravine
Situated in the heart of the forest with a nearby watercourse, it is a beautiful place to take a walk and picnic in the shade of the centenary plátano that grew there. Nearby, an old watermill called "Moinho do Poucochinho" is also worth a visit.

Mine Park
This 18th-century farmhouse, situated near the entrance of Caldas de Monchique in the Boi Valley, offers great perspectives on the ancient agricultural techniques of this rural area. Once belonging to a wealthy family in the region, the interior of the house is decorated in the style of the time, while outside visitors can see a reconstitution of the traditional medronho distillery, visit an ancient mine and see hundreds of farm animals, including ponies, dwarf goats, Vietnam pigs, sheep and various species of birds.

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