And finally, the Uplands or Serra, with the rolling mountains of Monchique - The Serra de Monchique (Monchique Range) to the West is around 20 km inshore separating the Algarve from the neighbouring Alentejo district. Its slopes are made up of deciduous cork oaks and chestnut woods and seeing the dazzling Autumn colours shown off in this areas is highly recommended. The ranges' highest point is the peak of Fóia, at 902 m. 774 m high Picota is another notable peak.
To the East the Serra do Caldeirão to the East forms a barrier that naturally separated the Algarve from the rest of the Portugal until the mid-nineteenth century. Take one of the winding roads up into this area in particular the N2 Road from Sao Bras de Alportel and you will find yourself passing through villages and hamlets where many of the region’s customs and cultural traditions endure and still thrive. You will discover centuries old churches, fountains, hermitages, waterwheels & windmills. The hills covered in natural vegetation, cork oak, strawberry trees (which medronho a local liquor is made from). You can also see crafts made with different local products such as wool, linen, cotton, cane, wicker, pottery and honey, among many others.
DECIDUOUS CORK OAK
TRADITIONAL WINDMILL
SERRA DO CALDEIRÃO
