モンチッチの天然記念物・トップ20

At the top of the Monchique mountain range rises Foia, the highest point in the Algarve, at 902 meters altitude. Its antennas mark the summit where the sky seems closest and, on clear days, the view reaches the Atlantic. Up here, the wind blows freely and the view is simply unforgettable.

Picota, at 774 meters, is the second highest point in the Algarve and one of the most breathtaking. Here, it's worth stopping, taking a deep breath, and letting your gaze wander across the 360° landscape: rolling mountains and even the Alentejo region in the distance, if the day is clear. It's a magical feeling of almost touching the clouds.

In the Algarve, especially around Monchique, cork oaks (Quercus suber), a tree species typical of southern Portugal, grow in abundance. These trees are important to the Portuguese economy because their bark can be harvested every nine years to make cork – Portugal is the world's largest producer. Cork oak forests also form a valuable ecosystem that contributes to biodiversity and soil conservation. You can often recognize old trees by their bare, reddish-brown trunks with a date inscribed on them.

An oasis worth visiting

Sometimes a bit hidden between bushes, but really authentic history

Very beautiful little mountain village known for its thermal springs.

Alto da Fóia, at 902m above sea level, is the highest point in the Algarve. It is part of the Serra de Monchique massif. On a clear day, the Atlantic Ocean is visible from the summit.

From above you have a spectacular view of the sea. You can start the climb to Fóia (PR 3) Monchique – Fóia at the summit and then walk downhill. Or you start in the village of Monchique and walk back and forth. One route is around 6.5 km long and takes 2 hours, depending on your fitness level.