With many delightful courses, pure coastal breeze from the Atlantic ocean, great fresh gastronomy and fantastic weather conditions, Portugal is a Golf Bliss for most golfers.
Portugal Golf - Monchique
Monchique Description
The town of Monchique is with a few exceptions happily little changed by the
20th Century invasion of tourism. It lies in the saddle created by the two high
hills, Foia and Picota, the former reaching to 902 metres above sea level. As
with “mountain” people the world over the 10,000 inhabitants of this town have
retained its rustic atmosphere with steep cobbled streets and small dark
doorways housing various artisan trades. There is a very neglected 17th~Century
Franciscan monastery which overlooks the town from which a visitor enjoys a
panoramic view over the beautiful countryside. The 16th Century Parish Church
has excellent examples of Manueline craftsmanship around its doorway. The
surrounding area flourishes on the production of cattle, pigs, cork and wood.
Another important local product is the popular "medronho", which is the name of
a strong schnapps style of drink made from distilling the fruit from arbutus
bushes. Foia and its sister mountain of Picota are excellent locations from
which to see dramatic views of the coastal plain to the south and to the western
Atlantic coast.
Monchique Nearby Locations
Between Monchique and the town of Portimão is the village of Caldas de Monchique
that was developed in Roman times as a Spa. Here a visitor can try the curing
elements of the sulphur smelling hot spring water that emerges at a constant
temperature of 32ºC. There are two further hot spring sites, one of which is to
the south of Picota hidden in a valley. Its name is Fonte Santa and it is
rumoured to have special healing properties. Some people make annual visits and
in its history some centuries ago it has been recorded as being visited by both
the King of Portugal and the King of Italy. The two nearby villages of Alferce
and Casais are both typical un-spoilt locations reflecting the spirit of rural
mountain life. The village of Marmelete is to the west and located on the road
that connects to the many sandy beaches on the western Atlantic coast. The small
rural town of Aljezur with its hilltop 12th Century castle and its 14th Century
parish church is further west on this same road.
Portugal Golf
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