On the road to Foia... Caldas das Monchique, Monchique, Foia

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)

* Please also see The farm & Medronho