Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
munication towers spike the peak, but ignore them and look at the panoramic views. On
clear days you can see out to the corners of the western Algarve - Cabo de São Vicente to
the southwest and Odeceixe to the northwest.
We know that you shouldn't use the word 'gorgeous' too much. But that's all that
comes to mind when describing
O Luar de Fóia
(Fóia; mains €6-12)
- this 'g' word applies to the
setting (slightly rustic), the view (cliff-edge expansive) and the cuisine (full-on traditional
Portuguese using quality produce). Of course, chicken piri-piri is the go here, as is suck-
ling pig, cow's cheek in a pot and some excellent-value, good wines. Well worth the extra
grunt to get here.
Caldas de Monchique
Caldas de Monchique is a bit like the set of
The Truman Show
. It's a slightly sanitised,
faintly fantastical hamlet, with a therapeutic calm, and pastel-painted buildings nestling
above a delightful valley full of birdsong, eucalyptus, acacia and pine trees, 6km south of
Monchique (and 500m below the main road).
It has been a popular spa for over two millennia - the Romans loved its 32°C, slightly
sulphurous waters, which are said to be good for rheumatism, and respiratory and digest-
ive ailments. Dom João II came here for years in an unsuccessful attempt to cure his
dropsy.
Floods in 1997 led to the closure of the spa hospital, after which it was redeveloped into
a spa resort, and its picturesque buildings repainted pale pink, green and yellow.
Activities
The most peaceful patch is a pretty, streamside garden above the hamlet's central square.
Down the valley is the spa itself and below this is the huge unattractive bottling plant
where the famous Caldas waters are bottled.
THERMAL SPRINGS
Termas de Monchique Spa
( 282 910 910;
www.monchiquetermas.com
;
admission €25, hotel guests €15; 10am-6pm Mon-Thu, to 7pm Fri
& Sat, longer hours summer)
In the wooded valley below town, admission allows access to the
sauna, steam bath, gym and swimming pool with hydromassage jets. You can then indulge
in special treatments, from a Cleopatra bath to a chocolate-mask wrapping.
