Moncarapacho
Algarve rural retreats don’t get much better than Moncarapacho, situated midway between Olhão and the Ria Formosa Natural Park and Tavira. One of the most interesting museums on the Algarve is here next to the church, exhibiting everything from Roman Remains to Slave shackles. Excellent for a walking or birdwatching holiday base on the Algarve, with easy access to some of the Algarve’s best beaches, Tavira, as well as local Algarve luxury golf courses, Moncarapacho is a hidden idyllic Algarve retreat indeed. All basic amenities are here including banks, a post office, internet cafe, supermarkets, a petrol station, restaurants and a selection of shops and cafes. It still has it’s own saddlesmith and cobbler. Pick up your Algarve Arts and Crafts here, there is also a local ceramics factory on the outskirts of Moncarapacho. A big agricultural market is also held here annually. Albeit tiny, the museum at Moncarapacho is of real historic interest, focusing as it does on Algarve history, with a fascinating mish-mash collection of artefacts. The museum was set up by a local priest and it sits alongside the baroque church Santo Cristo within the town (the museum is clearly signposted – just head for Moncarapacho and follow the signs). Inside you can expect to see archaeological exhibits from across the Algarve, including African slave shackles (rarely seen in Portugal museums! It’s worth visiting just to view these), Napoleonic cannon balls, old olive presses, various coins and Moorish waterwheels. There are plenty of Roman remains here too, including Roman stonemasonry, such as soldier gravestones. Tel: 289 792 362 for further details, open Mondays to Fridays from 11am to 5pm).
Moncarapacho surrounds
Moncarapacho surrounds are particularly rural, with citrus fruits, figs, vegetables and pomegranates all flourishing locally. The main village church Santo Cristo, is adorned with striking 17th century azulejos tiles - well worth a look. Moncarapacho is still a well kept secret, a rural retreat missed by the tourist itinerary. Peace and quiet in a stunning Algarve setting is on the menu here, yet you’re within easy access of historic centres such as Faro and Tavira. From Olhão to Moncarapacho (about 3 miles by the Estrada Nacional 398, passing through Quelfes) or via the IP1 road, the distance is even shorter, less than two miles to reach this pretty little village, lying between or-chards, carob-shrubs and almondtrees. Besides the Main Church, with its beautiful Renaissance portal, and the Miserichord Church, where six paintings reflect the 16th century style, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit is certainly worth visiting, (next to the Parish Museum of Moncarapacho). In the typical streets of this part of the Algarve, you can admire a few buildings characteristic of the bourgeois architecture from the 19th century. Various chapels illustrate the rural architecture. The chapels of Pé da Cruz, of São Francisco, of Nossa Senhora do Carmo and, specially, of São Miguel, built on heights, offer excellent views of the surrounding green landscape. At the Cerro da Cabeça (Hill of the Head), where you will find the hidden caves, is also an excellent natural belvedere, and a place of interest for those who appreciate speleology. It is worth the gentle climb, with the knowledge that a stunning view awaits you. Among the many cafes and restaurants in this area, Restaurant Colibri’s is a local favourite, offering local specialities at very reasonable prices. Restaurant A Caravela specialise in fresh, locally caught fish, and excellent chicken dishes. New owners Luis and Larissa recently relocated from Luz de Tavira to run this restaurant, and now offer a popular take-away service. If you are in the area, we’d definately recommend a stroll around Moncarapacho. Sit and enjoy a coffee, and the friendly village atmosphere will simply charm you.
Thursday, 15 October 2009 22:27 | 
