ALGARVE REGION

> REGION

The Serra de Monchique is a volcanic mountain range which stretches for around 30 kilometres along an east-west direction, and has been eroded into rounded-off forms over many millions of years. In clear weather when at the top of the Serra, particularly at the summit of Foia (902 m) and Picota (774 m), one can see the entire coastline along the south and west, as well as the forested hills of Alentejo. There the summer is freshened up by a sea of flowers and ancient trees.

> ALGARVE

The Algarve is the most southwest part of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic on the south and west. The western beaches are some of the most beautiful in Europe. The Serra, a landscape of sandstone and slate hills which covers around half of the Algarve, is only sparsely populated and hardly visited by tourists. The Serra de Monchique rises up in the north west with Pico da Foia the highest point at 902 metres above sea level.

> FOOD AND DRINK

The cuisine of the Algarve is as varied as its landscape. Fish and other seafood is served along the coasts, while the mountainous Monchique area offers rural delicacies such as the spicy grilled chicken dish Frango Piri-Piri, or traditional wild boar served with plums, the Javali con Ameixas.

There are several small and affordable restaurants which we would recommend, just near VILAFOIA, which offer local delicacies. When in the mountains of Monchique, one has no excuse to miss the classics of Portuguese cuisine such as air-dried ham, olives, goats cheese, and the varied sweets.

> MONCHIQUE

Monchique is a colourful, picturesque little mountain town at the foot of the Foia, a half-hour drive from the Atlantic. There are many traditional workshops in the centre of the town, which are joined onto little shops and markets where they sell the wood and ceramic handicrafts as well as embroidery.

There is also a number of small, good-value restaurants around the well-preserved centre. They offer the traditional cuisine of the region (see Food and Drink).

A tip – one can walk through the small windy alleyways to reach mysterious ruined walls above Monchique – the ruins of a nearly 400-year-old convent. From here one can enjoy the unique view over Monchique to the Atlantic.

> ACTIVITIES

VILAFOIA is the idea starting point for a range of activities in the area, no matter what time of year. It is just 30 minutes in the car to the dreamlike beaches of the south and west coasts of the Algarve.

The nearby mountains invite ramblers to fascinating flora and fauna – but there is also the possibility to go mountain-biking, climbing and canoeing. You can find information and maps as well as competent advice in the VILAFOIA. Further information can be found at www.alternativtour.com

> Trips

The area around VILAFOIA offers a variety of excursions. Visit the ruins of the Moorish castle in Silves, or take the steam boat down the Arade River to Portimao. There you can take a small boat tour through the secret world of the grottos. Take a day to wander and shop in Sagres, the most south-west town in Europe, or relax in the thermal baths of Caldas de Monchique – or the wild Atlantic beaches of the west coast.

> Golf

The Algarve is known as a golfing paradise, offering more than 20 different gold courses. The nearest to VILAFOIA is the 18-hole Morgado do Reguengo.
http://www.1golf.eu/club/morgado-do-reguengo-golf-course

> Hiking

As well as our own pathway to the top of the Foia, at 902 metres above sea level, which leads through a wild and romantic landscape, past water springs and through oak forests, VILAFOIA also offers climbing excursions and hikes led by knowledgeable guides.

The Via Algarviana was opened in spring 2009 – this unique hiking path, which is also suited for horse riding, leads from Alcoutim to the border with Spain, along a 240-kilometre route to Cape Sao Vicente. It leads all the way through the hinterland of the Algarve. It forms the aorta for many other hiking routes and is likely to soon become one of the main attractions of the Algarve. An official alternative route in the Serra region leads from the Picota area to the village of Alferce and then to the holy Fonte Santa, further to Monchique and then Foia, Marmelete, Aljezur and Cape Sao Vicente.
http://www.viaalgarviana.org