Located 24km north of Portimao, Monchique attracts summer visitors seeking an escape from the roasting sun of the coastal resorts. 458m above sea level, the tree-shaded town usually feels several degrees cooler.
With many natural springs, the nearby spa of Caldas de Monchique is the source of the commercially bottled water sold all over the Algarve. Springs feed the fountain that adorns Monchique's main square - Largo do Choroes.
Cafes, craft shops and art galleries ring the square, and many visitors go on to enjoy lunch in one of several restaurants lining the Foia road that specialise in chilli-flavoured chicken piri-piri.
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