Mountains in the Algarve?

When you visit the Algarve, you might notice that there is a natural division between the Southern-most region of Portugal and Alentejo. This is the mountain range called Monchique. The highest point of the Algarve, which lays at a height of 902m above sea level, is called Foia. Here, you can get an amazing 360? view of the entire Algarve and the mountains that lay behind it. When you travel a little further to the East from Foia, you will find the village of Monchique. A lovely historic town that seems to be hidden by nature. The town is famous for all its regional products that you can buy in specialty shops and in the market, but you will have to travel through a lot of snaking roads to get there. Monchique is also known as a spa-town. In the time of the Romans, it was believed that the water form Monchique has magical and restoring powers so Romans would come here to bathe. Later, in 1495, the thermal waters were approved by King Jo?o II, which means the waters of Monchique were of royal quality. Nowadays, there are opportunities for visitors to enjoy the thermal waters in a modern complex, hidden in a ravine, in between the eucalyptus trees.

Local Products

As mentioned before, Monchique has a lot of regional specialties that can be found in the little shops scattered through the town, or on the market that is organized every second Monday of the month. Monchique specialties range from specific dishes of food, to woven baskets that are made in a traditional manner. The Algarvian baskets are mostly found in Silves and Monchique, so if you are looking for a traditional one, make sure you get one from these places. Another regional product that we are more familiar with, is medronho. Medronho is often named as the Firewater of the Algarve. A brandy made from fruits that was first created by the Moors in the 10th century. Both the Medronho berries and the alcohol are products we use in our bonbons, to represent the Algarve to you in the best way possible. The Firewater is often combined with honey, also originating from Monchique, to create a different, sweeter alcohol, called Melosa. Both products can be found all throughout the Algarve and are a must-try when you get the chance. We would also like to highlight the honey from Monchique, made from several local floral varieties, such as lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, and plum. The most famous brand of Monchique honey is ?Mel da Serra? and is seen as a local specialty of its own.