As Saias de Monchique (The Skirted Chimneys of Monchique) | Monchique
Have you heard of the Monchique’s skirted chimneys? Download the audio guide that will take you on a journey through this architectural tradition, local crafts and the many hidden treasures of this town.
Location
Region: Algarve; Municipality: Monchique, Town of Monchique.
Accessible by car
If approaching via the EN 125 or the A22-Via do Infante, take the EN 266 until you reach Monchique. Once you get to Monchique, go straight ahead at the first roundabout, around Largo dos Chorões (to the left) and then up to Largo de São Sebastião. (Note: There is a car park next to the Tourist Office.)
Starting Point
Finishing point
Next to the Monchique Tourist Office, in Largo de São Sebastião.
Type of route
Circular
Location
Region: Algarve; Municipality: Monchique, Town of Monchique.
Accessible by car
If approaching via the EN 125 or the A22-Via do Infante, take the EN 266 until you reach Monchique. Once you get to Monchique, go straight ahead at the first roundabout, around Largo dos Chorões (to the left) and then up to Largo de São Sebastião. (Note: There is a car park next to the Tourist Office.)
Starting Point
Finishing point
Next to the Monchique Tourist Office, in Largo de São Sebastião.
Type of route
Circular
Minimum Altitude
407 m
Maximum Altitude
519 m
Length
4.50 km
Time required
2h30-3h (approx.)
Cumulative elevation gain
279 m
Cumulative elevation loss
279 m
Minimum Altitude
407 m
Maximum Altitude
519 m
Length
4.50 km
Time required
2h30-3h (approx.)
Cumulative elevation gain
279 m
Cumulative elevation loss
279 m
Description of Itinerary

Download the audioguide before you start the walk:

  • MP3 file: 111 Mb
  • MP4 file: 296 Mb

           


At the Tourist Office, go down to the roundabout and then left. 60 m after the car park, turn left. Go down the stairs to Rua Combatentes do Ultramar and after 50 m turn right and follow the road.

Turn left at the junction, and when you get to the end of the road take the footpath on the right. At the roundabout, turn right towards the hypermarket. At the roundabout, turn right towards the traffic lights. Turn right just before the petrol station and follow the road past the old, run-down house.

At the roundabout, facing the Pé da Cruz Chapel, take a left on Rua Serpa Pinto and follow the road until you reach Largo dos Chorões. Cross the square and keep going straight ahead. On the other side of the square, follow Rua do Porto Fundo to the right, and then take a right onto Rua Dr. Bernardino Moreira.

As you follow the road, the Main Church will be to your left. Go down the stairs on your right. Across the road you’ll find the Monchique Parish Council building on the right hand side. Turn left. You should spot the Municipal Market on the right, after the next set of traffic lights. Turn down the street opposite the market – Calçada de S. António – and then take the first left onto Rua do Corro. After 20 m, turn right onto Rua do Açougue and then left to the Church Square. Cross the square, keeping the church on your right.

Go through the Sacred Art Centre and up through the side porch to the main entrance of the church. Go down Rua da Igreja and, at the end of the road, turn left and then right, onto Rua João de Deus.

As you face the Misericórdia Church, take the street to your right. Facing the St António Gallery, turn left and then right, up Travessa do Revez Quente.

At the top, turn right and then left, up the stairs. At the top, turn left and then right and past the Monchique Town Hall. At the junction, turn right towards the Senhor dos Passos Chapel. Go back to the junction and turn right onto Rua do Prior Francisco Jorge Melo. Before reaching the old drinking fountain, the road curves off to the left; follow it around. After 75 m, take the stairs into Beco do Relógio, to your right.

Follow Rua do Relógio uphill, first to the right and then to the left, where you’ll see signs for a walking path and a viewpoint. Keep going up to the Nossa Senhora do Desterro Convent. Make your way back down along the same route, but this time keep going straight ahead until you reach the junction.

In the square with the palatial house, turn left and then right, until you find yourself in Largo de S. Gonçalo de Lagos. Follow the road to your right, where you’ll see a fountain, and then straight ahead on Rua da Fonte do Castanheiro. When the road forks, follow the pavement on the right until you reach the St Sebastião Chapel. At the junction, turn left and head to the viewpoint.

What will I see?

Flora

  • Pontic Rhododendron - Rhododendron ponticum L. subsp. baeticum (Boiss. Et Reut.) Hand.-Mazz.))
  • Western Iberian Peony - Paeonia broteroi (Boiss. & Reut.)

 Architecture and crafts

  • Monchique Main Church
  • Skirted chimneys
  • Crafts: Scissor chairs

 
USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Along the route you will be instructed to pause the audio guide until you reach a certain location;
  • Even if not instructed to do so, you should pause the audio guide if you have not yet reached the location being described, as there may discrepancies between the audio timings and the time it takes you to get to certain locations;
  • Always keep as close to the edge of the path as you can to stay clear of any passing cars.
Useful contact information
  • Monchique Town Hall: (+351) 282 910 200
  • Monchique Civil Parish Council: (+351) 282 912 871
  • Almargem Association: (+351) 289 412 959
  • Monchique Health Centre: (+351) 282 910 100
  • Monchique Volunteer Firefighters: (+351) 282 910 000
  • National Republican Guard – Monchique: (+351) 282 912 629
  • Monchique Tourist Information Office: (+351) 282 911 189
  • If you see a fire, call: 117
  • In the event of an emergency, call: 112
Downloads
Leaflet with Map
MP3 (111 Mb, audio): As saias de Monchique
MP4 (296 Mb, audio+video, for Smartphone - 720x406): As saias de Monchique
Track GPX: As saias de Monchique
Track KML: As saias de Monchique