A trip to the mountains is a real treat. There are a couple of routes from Ferragudo, but whichever way you go it’s a drive through lovely countryside with spectacular views as you wind your way up the mountain.
Monchique itself is a small market town about two thirds of the way up to the peak of Fóia. With plenty of cobbled streets, restaurants and bars, it’s worth a visit on its own, or a stop-off for a couple of hours on the way to Fóia.
Fóia is the highest point of the Serra de Monchique and, at a height of 902 metres, actually the highest point on the Algarve. As you can imagine, the panoramic views across the south and west coasts are amazing. On a clear day you can see from Cape St. Vincent in the west, to Faro in the east and even to the Serra da Arrabida (near Lisbon) to the north. Drinks and snacks are available from the cafe and lots of local/artisanal products for sale in the craft centre and store.
After soaking up the views, it’s great to meander back down the mountain and stop off for lunch – several restaurants with fantastic views. One of our favourites is the last restaurant on the right (going up) or first on the left (going down). The Paraíso da Montanha has plenty of inside seating, but what we really love is to be at a table on the terrace. We’ve never ordered from the menu, simply ask for chicken piri piri which is delicious and comes with plenty of fries and salad. Sample some local olives and cheese whilst you’re waiting and wash it all down with a crisp vinho verde – what could be better?!
