Page 327 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

The pretty main
square in the spa
town of Monchique

There is a wonderful variety
of vege tation to enjoy in
the Serra, including mimosa,
rhododen dron, chestnut, pine
and cork oak. The fast­growing
eucalyp tus trees, however,
have given cause for concern.
This highly flammable species
is one of the reasons for the
serious fires that break out all
too often in the Serra.
and consequently spectacular
views. It is also known for its 5 "
4 wooden handi crafts, particu­ Vila do Bispo
larly the folding chairs, which
Monchique date back to Roman times. ! D7 @ n Sagres;
The 16th­century Igreja 282 624 873
! E7 @ n Largo de São
Sebastião; 282 911 189 Matriz, on the cobbled Rua da The grand name of “The
Igreja behind the main square, Bishop’s Town” today re fers
The small market town of has an impressive Manueline to a peaceful village, rather
Monchique is primarily famous doorway whose knotted remote in feel. It acquired its
for its altitude, 458 m (1,500 ft), columns end in unusual pin­ name in the 17th century
nacles. Above the town is the when it was donated to the
ruined monastery of Nossa bishop of Faro. The town’s
Senhora do Desterro. This parish church, Nossa Senhora
300 Franciscan house, founded in da Conceição, has a delightful
interior decorated with 18th­
1632 by Dom Pero da Silva, is
now only a shell but it is worth century azulejos from the floor
The number of visiting for the stunning views up to the painted ceil ing, and
days of sunshine across to the peak of Picota. an altar piece dating from 1715.
per year enjoyed in A delightful spa 6 km The beaches in the area are
the Algarve. (4 miles) south of Monchique, remote and unspoiled. Praia do
Caldas de Monchique is set in Castelejo, 5 km (3 miles) to the
the foothills of the Serra in west, is accessible by a dirt road
wooded surroundings. The hot, that winds up from the village.
curative waters have attracted The intrepid can turn off this
the ailing since Roman times, track for the 6­km (4­mile)
and even though João II died journey to Torre de Aspa, an
soon after taking them in obelisk at 156 m (512 ft)
1495, their reputation has marking the spot for specta­
remained undiminished. In cular views over the ocean. The
the summer, people come to road is quite rough, so it’s best
be treated for skin, digestive to walk the last 2 km (1 mile).
and rheumatic complaints.
As well as the spring water,
the bars here offer local HIDDEN GEM
firewater, medronho. Fóia
The shady main square has From Monchique, it
a large, attractive handicraft is an easy drive to the
centre and there are some top of Fóia, the highest
pretty walks in the woods. point of the Algarve.
From here, there are
wonder ful vistas over
the coast and across
Panorama of the sun the hills of the Serra
rising over the village de Monchique.
of Aljezur
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