Monchique - Mountains and Serenity

by Almonds & Oranges           

Did you know?

Monchique is famous for the production of Medronho, a powerful drink made from the fruits of the Arbutus Unedo tree. The trees grow in the hills surrounding Monchique and the Medronho is produced by the local farmers. Very few farmers have a license for distillation, but the authorities tend to turn a blind eye to them to keep this traditional specialty alive. Medronho usually contains about 50% alcohol. If you’ve sampled it you won’t be surprised that it's also called Aguardente which means "Fire Water".

Why buy property in Monchique?

If you’re looking for somewhere to escape from the stresses of modern life, this is it!  Monchique is a market town set in the Serra de Monchique, a thickly wooded mountain range which separates the Algarve from Alentejo. It’s only 25 kms from the busy coastal town of Portimão, but it truly feels like a world away.

Monchique is totally different from coastal Algarve. There are no golf courses, superstores or nightclubs on the doorstep, just space, peace and quiet, rolling hills, an evergreen landscape and bags of fresh mountain air. The views as you travel to and from Monchique can only be described as spectacular.

What type of property can I buy here?

The houses in Monchique are typically Algarvean with white walls and bands of bright colours around the windows and doors. Their 'saia' (skirt) chimneys are unique to Monchique and many are protected.

There are several plots of land and a wide range of properties for sale scattered over the whole area, including traditional and modern houses, and ruins for development. Some of the more desirable homes occupy the south-facing mountain slopes between Monchique and Marmelete, looking down across the foothills to the ocean. The views in these locations are reflected in the property price tags, although homes here do still tend to cost less than in the more exclusive resorts along the coast.

In the Serra de Monchique many ruined properties are still available at realistic prices, including those suitable only for demolishing and rebuilding, which are now pretty scarce in the Algarve. For those seeking a business opportunity, there are a number of fabulous guest houses worth considering too.

Monchique in brief

• a tranquil location just 25 kms from the major town of Portimão with its wealth of amenities
• a wide range of property including ruins to rebuild
• local shops, supermarkets, a health centre and other amenities
• local restaurants serving traditional cuisine
• a healthy evergreen environment and natural springs
• unspoilt beaches within a short drive
• plenty of outdoor activities for the kids including kayaking , swimming and major attractions within an hour’s drive, such as Zoomarine, Lagos Zoo and Slide and Splash

Living in Monchique

Invest in a property in Monchique and you're buying a ticket to tranquility. The area remains largely unspoilt and the people are a friendly mix of elderly Portuguese and cosmopolitan foreigners. The centre of Monchique is a web of narrow cobbled streets criss-crossing up the hillside. Its paved central square is dotted with benches and flanked by trees, making it a shady spot to hang out during the hot summer days and enjoy a chilled beer from the local cafe.

So much to appreciate in Monchique

The forest is a wonderland of sights and smells. It’s an ideal location for just about every countryside pursuit. Foia, a few kilometers west of Monchique, is the highest point in the Algarve. On a clear day you can see from Cape St Vincent in the west, to Faro in the east and to the Serra da Arrabida, near Lisbon, in the north.

Many properties have their own water supply from natural springs. The spa of Caldas de Monchique is where the Romans built baths to benefit from the natural waters. These are still used today inside the thermal treatment centre.

In and around Monchique

The town hosts numerous car rallies and cycle races each year and it has three swimming pools, one indoor and two outdoor (one for kids). 

The shops in and around Monchique are generally small traditional stores, but the quality of produce is good and the staff are friendly. A branch of Intermarché opened here in 2012 and stocks foods and household products, including UK brands.

There are local restaurants serving cuisine based around traditional recipes. Although piri-piri chicken is Monchique´s signature dish, there are also many eateries offering other local specialties including black pig, game and wild boar.

You can drive south to Portimão within half an hour, where you’ll find a wealth of hypermarkets, shopping precincts, cinemas, theatres, restaurants and other amenities. What’s more, there is a choice of beaches along this stretch of coast. Alternatively, drive the same distance west to Aljezur and enjoy the unspoilt beaches popular with surfers.

Where do I search for Monchique Property?

Right here at Meravista where browsing Monchique properties online is easy. Our detailed listings and map-based search means you could find your ideal property, exactly where you want it, in just a few clicks.

Find property in Monchique

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