Just imagine it is a beautiful day and you are headed for the Serra de Monchique, a spa area in the western Algarve. All of sudden, as you drive the winding mountain roads, you realize that you are in for a special adventure. Both the municipality of
Monchique and the town of Monchique are a popular tourist attraction in Serra de Monchique, a mountain range in the western Algarve. This mountain range is described as the top of the Algarve.
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| Monchique, the top of the Algarve © Spaswinefood |
Algarve visitors should know that if they want to escape to the mountains then Serra de Monchique is a perfect option. We left Albufeira for Monchique in the mid-morning. It was indeed a pleasant drive from the coast to the top of the mountains.
As we began the journey inland we passed through tree covered mountains. Along the route we drove by resorts hidden behind the trees.
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| Monchique Mountains © Spaswinefood |
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| Vila Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort © Spaswinefood |
When we reached the picturesque town of Monchique we continued our drive up the mountain. We were looking forward to reaching the top of the Algarve and taking in the views on our way back down. After all, we have come on a day trip to get that special top of the Algarve feeling.
From the Top of the Algarve back to the Coast
After searching for a restaurant for lunch, on our way back from the top of the mountain, we decided to stop at a restaurant overlooking a valley. There are so many places to stop for lunch in this area. Our choice was Restaurante O Luar Da Fóia.
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View from the Back Deck of Restaurante O Luar Da Fóia © Spaswinefood
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For us lunch in Portugal often began with appetizers. This time our appetizers included olives, cheese and local meats.
Monchique is known internationally for its smoked meat and sausages.
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| Typical Sausages from Monchique © Spaswinefood |
Of course we selected a Portuguese wine. Our choice was
Cortes De Cima, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Vinho Tinto/Red Wine 2010.
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| Cortes De Cima Vinho Tinto/Red Wine 2010 © Spaswinefood |
Our main courses were a meat dish of wild boar and a mushroom omelet.
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| Wild Boar, Restaurante O Luar Da Fóia © Spaswinefood |
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| Mushroom Omelet with Salad, Restaurante O Luar Da Fóia © Spaswinefood |
We shared dessert.
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| Desert Time at Restaurante O Luar Da Fóia © Spaswinefood |
Other options on the menu that day included:
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| Restaurante O Luar Da Fóia © Spaswinefood |
At the end of our meal we were given some complimentary local drinks to try. The three small cups were filled with liguors with hints of lemon, orange and a very strong one (
medrolho).
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| Giving Local Spirits a Try, Monchique © Spaswinefood |
We discovered that this region is known for
spirits distilled from medrolho, an Algarve indigenous bush fruit. Although Aguardente de Medronho (arbutus berry liquor) is widely known throughout the Algarve the locals claim that Monchique has the best in the Algarve. Since we have no basis for comparison I can only say it was fun to check out the local spirits.
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| Licores da Serra de Monchique © Spaswinefood |
During lunch we talked with fellow diners. There was a couple from the coast that visits every weekend. Then there was an American couple who recommend that we try a sparkling Rosé Brut called Quê 2. I love lunches where you get tips from fellow travelers.
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| Que 2, Super Reserva Rosé Bruto © Spaswinefood |
Before we left the restaurant we took the time to observe the view from the back deck. I have since discovered that this restaurant gets good reviews. I am not surprised it does serve great Portuguese food and wine. We dined inside, with a view onto the deck and valley below however, dining on the deck would be awesome.
Yes, Monchique is a perfect day trip from the coast. Other than a very quick peep at the town of Monchique we did not have enough time to explore. Also, we returned back to the coast at the end of the day; so there certainly was not enough time to take advantage of the spa services. You will find a number of resorts offering opportunities to
bathe in the warm, natural mineral-rich waters and a range of spa treatments. If your travel plans permit I would recommend that you consider spending at least a weekend. The drive up to the top of Serra de Monchique and back down is well worth the trip.
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| A View from the Monchique Mountains towards the Algarve Coast © Spaswinefood |
Serra de Monchique is just perfect for a
Spaswinefood getaway in the Algarve. I can not wait for the opportunity to return.
During our stay in Southern Portugal we discovered some of the wine regions of the Algarve. We also managed to sample some good wines from nearby Alentejo. Spaswinefood so enjoyed exploring Portugal. I invite you to join me in my travels in Portugal and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
Monchique
Algarve, Portugal
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