The Serra de Monchique is situated in the same-named county in the northwestern part of the Algarve. The highest elevation is the mount Fóia with 902 m.
The small town of Monchique is already signposted along the N125 at the level of Portimão. Please follow the N124 and the N266. Alternative routes to get there are via the N267 from Aljezur in the West and from São Marco da Serra in the East.
Gentle hills and lush vegetation make a visit and hikes in the Serra de Monchique a pleasure. After the in part heavy forest fires one mainly has reforested the mountains with blue gum trees.
It nearly does not rain at all in the summer months. Grass, bushes and leaves are very dry. Please do not throw cigarettes out of the car.
According to your position you can see the south or west coast. When looking to the North you can see far into the Alentejo region.
The Serra provides large parts of the Algarve with fresh drinking water. You can drink unhesitatingly from generally accessible wells.
The colours of the Serra change depending on the season. When hiking you should wear sturdy shoes and carry generous beverages as well as snacks with you. The tourist information in the town Monchique holds hiking maps. Guided tours are also offered.
The treeless streaks in the woods are cuttings, which are to inhibit the extension of fire.
Cork is still an important economic factor. For the first time the cork oaks are peeled at the age of 20 years and afterwards every 9 years. One tree supplies during its lifetime 100 to 200 kg of the treasured material.
You can hike over the mount Fóia via different routes. However, the peak with its breath-taking sight over the Algarve can also be reached by car.
The terrain of the peak is not that much beautiful because of the mounted antennas and radar stations, the 360 degree view certainly compensates for that.
Tips: In clear nights you can observe the starry sky from here.
On the plateau is a café as well as a souvenir shop with the typical pottery, knitwear and alcoholic specialities from the region. Handicraftsmen show their products in an abutting building.
One sight toward the south coast. Every single town is clearly visible to the naked eye.
The forest fire of September 2016 has caused big damages west of Caldas de Monchique and on an area near Cascais. In August 2018 it burned again. 15,000 to 20,000 ha of forest were destroyed around Monchique. About 1,000 firefighters combatted the fire. There were some injured but no casualties.