Monchique

Destination Information

Running behind the renowned resorts and beaches of the Algarve and stretching to the unspoilt western coast, the Serra de Monchique mountain range is Portugal’s best kept secret, although it is now within an hour’s drive from Faro Airport.

Cloaked in woodland greenery and soaring to heights around 3,000 feet, the slopes are dotted with terraced hillside villages – the best seats in the amphitheatre for open views to the ocean. Steeped in two thousand years of history, but boasting 21st century treatments in its renovated spa, Caldas de Monchique is ideal for perfect pampering or soak up the atmosphere of an area of outstanding natural beauty, ideal for wonderful walks and brilliant birdwatching

Events and festivals

March (1st weekend): "Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais" - fair promoting traditional cured sausages made to original recipes

May or June: "Baja Serra de Monchique" - 4x4 championships organised by the Algarve Automobile Club & Portuguese Federation of Motor Racing and Karting

July (first weekend): "Feira do Presunto" - fair promoting the famous Monchique cured ham & other local produce

July (last Sunday): Fair of local produce and handicrafts in nearby Marmelete

July or August: "Festa de St. António" - 2 days of celebration in nearby Marmelete

July and August: "Summer nights" - during weekends there is a progamme of activities including dancing, live music, folklore and theatre

August (1st weekend): "Festa de São Romão" in nearby Alferce. Fun and music in the evenings, with mass and a procession through the streets on Sunday

September (1st Sunday): The annual fair in Marmelete.

September (1st weekend): : "Feira de Artesanato - Artechique" in Largo dos Chorões - local skills are demonstrated, including basket weaving and ceramics

October (4th weekend): Monchique annual fair

October or November: Raid BTT - mountain bike race through the Serra de Monchique with more than 100 cyclists entering

November: Passeio TT Serra de Monchique Rota da Castanha - arranged by the Monchique Montanha Club, motorbikes and quadbikes come from across Spain & Portugal to ride through the Serra de Monchique

November (usually): Rally e Casinos do Algarve has a stage in Monchique

November 1st: "Festa da Castanha/Magusto" - the Chestnut festival, held in Alferce & Marmelete

November 11th: "Festa da Castanha/Magusto", in Monchique

Shopping

Monchique markets:

• Gipsy / flea market in the square 'Largo dos Chorões' on the 4th Sunday of every month

• Monthly market in the market square 'Largo do Mercado' on the 2nd Friday of every month

Climate data for this region.

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