Villa Pica Pau

More on Monchique, Algarve

Drive up the winding road to Monchique and you’ll catch the heady fragrance of pine, eucalyptus and mimosa from the woodland-cloaked hills. This sets the scene for one refreshingly rural holiday. Perched on the hillside, this is a market town in the true sense of the word. Every fortnight the local market transforms the town, with locals selling handicrafts and ceramics alongside regional hams and farmers’ produce. Look out too for the wooden chairs with a distinctive cross back which have been made around here since Roman times. Give your wallet a rest in the shady main square. Pull up a pew in one of the restaurants and sample some mountain dishes. Admire the pretty, white Parish church with its striking Manueline doorway. Or take one of the spectacular walks through orange orchards and pines to the peak of Picota – the views are amazing. Just down the road, the popular little spa resort of Caldas de Monchique is tucked into the valley. Once the bolt-hole of late 19th century, wealthy Spaniards coming here to take the waters, this pretty little village has now been restored to its former glory. Wander in and out of the boutiques and cafés, picnic beneath the pines, or walk up the valley alongside a burbling stream to the church or the spring. Bliss.