The Medicinal Magic of Caldas de Monchique
For those seeking rest and relaxation under Algarve's sunny skies, a visit to Caldas de Monchique, a tiny spa town tucked away into the Monchique Mountains, is a must. The town is famous for its four hot springs which spill out mineral-rich waters that have been used since Roman times for healing a number of ailments and for spiritual health. During the nineteenth century, the town became a favorite among the Spanish bourgeoisie and British royals. Today, three of the four hot springs are tapped strictly for bottling, but the fourth is still available to those who want to experience the water's curative powers. However, you don't have to be in pain to enjoy Caldas de Monchique; even visitors who prefer traditional medicine will still delight in the town's lush vegetation, rocky outcroppings, and soothing waters.
To access Caldas de Monchique, most visitors rent cars from an Algarve car hire and drive up the winding roads into the mountains. The drive can be somewhat precarious, so be sure to ask for a mountain-friendly vehicle at the car rental. Faro to Caldas de Monchique should take about an hour; from the coast, the trip is only 20 minutes or so. However, allot extra time for heavy traffic leaving the car hire. Portugal in summer can be an especially busy time on the roads, and the country has a very high rate of auto accidents in general, so watch your speed and use extreme caution.
The town, while perhaps lacking in diverse entertainment, has many charms to offer in addition to the spa. Local shops, restaurants, and a wine bar are the perfect place to while away an afternoon either before or after a soak. During the summer, an open-air cinema and classical music concerts offer guests socializing opportunities. The area is also ideally located for hiking and all-terrain mountain biking. Additionally, several hotels offer visitors luxury accommodations while they bask in this relatively untouched part of Algarve. From specialty wraps to hydrotherapy to jet showers and more, Caldas de Monchique is the ultimate place to recharge your batteries and enjoy a slower pace of life for a change.
However, don't despair when it comes time to return to the car rental. Algarve, long a favorite destination of tourists from all over the world, offers a host of other hidden gems and resorts. Make another stop at a Portugal car rental, trade in your vehicle for a speedy convertible, and start exploring!
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