|
When the temperature gets too high a
trip to the highest point of the Algarve is always a pleasant break. You
can go via Silves (13km)> Caldas de Monchique (36km)> Monchique (44km) to
Foia (51.5km total from Carvoeiro), it takes approximately 1 hour 10
minutes without any stops.
The drive is beautiful through
Eucalyptus scented woods and Chicken Piri Piri can be enjoyed in on of
several restaurants near Foia.
Caldas de Monchique is a spa town
www.monchiquetermas.com. It has been famous for its waters, which
supposedly have healing properties, since Roman times.
Monchique 'The Garden of the
Algarve'
www.cm-monchique.pt
Wheat, millet, rye, beans, oranges,
wine, olive oil and chestnuts are the chief products. There is a woollen
factory and medronho*, a local brew made from distilled medronho berries
(Albutus/Strawberry Tree), is produced. Originally created in back room
stills medronho* is now a commercial product chiefly in Silves and
Monchique.
At 902 meters Foia is the
highest point of the Algarve with spectacular views on a clear day from
the Spanish border to the East, as far as Lisbon to the North-West! It can
be cold and windy so a little extra warm clothes might be a good idea.
Please find these photos and many
more in
large formats here (opens new window)
* see
www.carvoeiro.com/History/farm/
|
