Although there are some burial sites in the countryside dating back to the Stone Age, the region of Monchique is only known to history since the presence of the Romans in Caldas de Monchique. Attracted by the healing power of its warm (32º C) waters, they built an important spa there.
Virtually nothing else is is known about Monchique besides that, not even about the time when the Moors reigned over the Algarve. It looks as if the Arabs, normally a water loving people, had no interest in the sulphuric, mineral-heavy water.
After the conquest of the Algarve by the Portuguese, the thermal spa became popular again. In the year 1495, king Dom João II sought relief here for his ailments but would die from them shortly afterwards in Alvor and was buried in the cathedral in Silves. Other royal visitors were Dom Sebastiâo in 1573 and Dom Carlos with his queen Dona Amélia in 1897. The bishop of the Algarve had a house for the poor build here in 1636.
The therapeutic quality of the spa water is recognized and it is still being used for the treatment of rheumatism as well as respiratory and digestive problems.
The weaving of wool and linen among other activities, like the use of the wood from the chestnut tree, had contributed to the prosperity and development of Monchique, in such a way that, in 1773, it was given the status of “vila” (small town).
Today Monchique is ecological minded region, geared towards tourism,
rural gastronomy and traditional handicraft. Typical Monchique chairs
in a scissor-like design, possibly roman in origin, wicker baskets, spoons,
knives and other objects in wood, continue to be produced by the local
artisans.
Honey and medronho, the locally produced firewater, meticulously distilled
in copper kettles called alambiques, are much sought after