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The mountains of Monchique and the surrounding area
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The mountainous area of Serra de Monchique stands in complete contrast to the rest of the Algarve. This is a green wooded area, decked in cork, chestnut and the pine and eucalyptus trees. There are rivers, small streams and refreshing springs. The higher grounds are rocky and barren. The valley floors are rich and fertile, yielding an abundance of fruit and vegetables.It is no wonder this area is often called ´the garden of the Algarve'.
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The twin peaks of Foia ( 902m ) and Picota (774m ) offer panaromic views of some of the most beautiful parts of the Algarve. On a clear day you can see as far west as the Cabo de São Vincente and north to the Serra da Arrábida, the mountain ranges south of Lisbon. This area provides the most demanding walks on the Algarve but rewards the walker with its unique atmosphere and interesting wildlife.
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The town of Monchique and its charming villages offer another perspective on life on the Algarve. Here you will discover traditional skills and handcrafts still being practiced. The famous Medronho, distilled from the Strawberry tree, distinctive hand knitted sweaters and the unusual wooden chairs all suggest the character and uniqueness of this area.
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In the local restaurants, the food reflects the richness of the landscape and many travel from other parts of the Algarve to feast on local meat and game. Stop off at the pretty thermal village of Caldas de Monchique. A renowned spa town in the past, Caldas de Momchique still maintains a quiet charm. Visitors still come to enjoy the famous waters as well as a range of other natural therapies on offer at the new hotel.
A days walking in Serra de Monchique opens a different Algarve for you, an Algarve that is green and wooded, mountaineous and barren, strong and unchanged by the progress of time.
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