This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email The Renature Monchique project, launched in 2019 by GEOTA (Spatial and Environmental Planning Study Group) with the support of Ryanair with the aim of continuing the reforestation of the Serra de Monchique after the 2018 fire.  with the presentation of the results obtained and the objectives established during the new planting season The main goal is ambitious: to plant 500,000 trees by February 2025 "This project was born out of the urgent need to restore devastated areas support the local community in recovering from the destruction caused by the fires and mitigate the future impacts of climate change we have managed to plant more than 383,000 trees and support 67 landowners and their families By planting an additional 125,000 trees and supporting 10 more landowners we are making a joint and ongoing effort to restore the Serra de Monchique to its ecological and social vitality,” said Américo Ferreira from GEOTA's Executive Committee said: “We are proud to support the Renature Monchique project which is taking significant steps to restore the Serra de Monchique This initiative not only helps to restore a unique and vulnerable landscape but also strengthens the community's resilience to future environmental challenges we hope to make a positive and lasting impact in Portugal.” The project is coordinated by GEOTA with significant support from Ryanair which has already contributed 1.4 million euros and is now reinforcing the partnership with a further 400 thousand euros earmarked entirely for reforestation of the Serra de Monchique believes that “the Renature Monchique project is an exemplary initiative in the recovery and preservation of the Serra de Monchique consolidating the Algarve as a Nature Tourism destination we are regenerating an area deeply affected by the 2018 fires protecting biodiversity and enriching the visitor experience the Municipality of Monchique and Turismo do Algarve reflects our commitment to sustainable tourism that values ​​natural heritage and strengthens the connection between the local community and nature that sets us apart.” stated: "The Renature Monchique project promotes the ecological recovery of the areas affected by the 2018 fire encouraging the recovery of their productive potential without forgetting the need to encourage the conservation of native species that are so characteristic of the Serra de Monchique and that so well represent its environmental wealth and regional uniqueness encouraging a more active and informed management of their properties which in the medium term will translate into the generation of value in terms of more traditional forestry products But it will also promote the renaturalization of some areas with species of high conservation value such as the Monchique oak and chestnut tree." The Renature Monchique project is the result of a partnership between GEOTA the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests and the Municipality of Monchique We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time but also actually catch and sentence the firestarters with harsh penalties Send us your comments or opinion on this article Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal Wildfire Today Above: the map shows the approximate location of the burned area northwest of Monchique A wildfire in Portugal’s southern region of Algarve is causing evacuations in the northern portion of the region northwest of Monchique which is about a half hour drive from the tourist facilities on the coast Similar to the heat that is complicating efforts of firefighters in California temperatures have been close to all time records Some locations are experiencing 46C (115F) The fire near Monchique has burned approximately 1,000 Ha (2,470 acres) Last year wildfires in Portugal killed 114 people in the country’s worst such tragedy on record Authorities pulled the trigger much more quickly this time to evacuate at least two communities near Monchique Portugal wildfires: Scores evacuated as Algarve blazes rage near tourist resorts: Some 700 firefighters deployed alongside aircraft to tackle fires near Monchique… https://t.co/YjVVe1iXIL pic.twitter.com/OUaEeIhmSo — CITIZENS for CHANGE™ ? (@cfcpac) August 5, 2018 In the video below helicopters use a swimming pool to refill their water buckets #climatechange is finding new ways to use your pool Recharging in pools while fighting fires in Monchique, Portugal today, August 5! Reports indicate the fire is out of control. Credit: BoutiquEnfants TW#WeDontHaveTime pic.twitter.com/BB5Pt4SVpJ — We Don’t Have Time? (@WeDontHaveTime0) August 5, 2018 The bloody fire just arrived in to the village of #Monchique #Algarve and no one can control it, burning for the last 48 hours! ?? pic.twitter.com/GD8sO36M8V — Maria José Fragata (@maria_fragata) August 5, 2018 Typos, let us know HERE, and specify which article. Please read the commenting rules before you post a comment all of our governments could have taken some kind of action to turn this around I have been paying attention to weather events in the news since 2007 The world seems to be out of balance when it comes to weather I remember there was one time US west had huge wild fire while Iowa was flooded up to the roof of the house Scientists gave it a name of “Global Warming” I think it has to be something related to human activity in the world Nixon visited China in 1972 and after that visit China has become the world’s factory slowly but surely up to today Can one imagine how much of industrial waste goes up into the sky above China all these years Could that trigger an off balance in the atmosphere in the world Every year I was watching and hoping that it would ease up but it seems to get worse when you consider what we have had in the whole world this year so far Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts by email This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).Look closely and the forest reveals itself as a playground A brook appears from between dense branches blanketed white by mats of water-crowfoots: a pool for two basking turtles dragon- and damselflies court in a waltz of wings “It’s a paradise for everyone,” says guide Francisco Simões as we hike on Founder of local walking tour company AlgarvianRoots Francisco is leading me on a tour around Monchique a municipality high in the western Algarve’s Serra de Monchique range Roughly 30 miles inland from Albufeira on Portugal’s southern coast it’s a different world from its popular seaside resorts home to the region’s two highest peaks and woodland that benefits from a humid microclimate “The brand of the Algarve is the coastline The Sunday TimesThere are three reasons for delaying a visit to the Algarve until mid-September the school-holiday hordes will be long gone from this hugely popular region of southern Portugal temperatures ought to be ideal — instead of the mercury potentially hitting 45C prices plunge from the peak of high summer it’s possible to stay at a surprisingly stylish hotel The Monchique Resort & Spa interrupts dense woodlands amid the shrubby Serra de Monchique mountain range It’s a contemporary vision of glass and concrete with bright interiors inspired by the cork pottery and tile production of the local area Plus there are three restaurants to choose from: a pizzeria a Portuguese specialist and a market-style buffet where treatments accompany tropical showers There’s also a gym and a large outdoor pool Yet you may be too busy enjoying the weekly roster of things to do — there are two to four activities a day ping-pong tournaments and guided walks to viewpoints — or getting out and exploring under your own steam The Monchique Resort & Spa has 190 suites all with terraces or balconiesThe western interior of the Algarve is an increasingly popular area for cycling at 902m (2,959ft) the highest peak in the region Bikes and GPS devices can be rented at the hotel while the less active might simply drive to the summit of Foia for panoramic vistas before mooching around Monchique — a pretty whitewashed hill town where craft shops on steep lanes sell hand-made ceramics or soap — then visiting producers of aguardente de medronhos while one of the nearest sandy beaches is the pale not least for the one-hour transfer from Faro airport Hertz has a desk in the arrivals building and two-door vehicles from £186 if booked in advance (hertz.co.uk) This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue departing on September 14 (expedia.co.uk) • 14 best hotels in the Algarve for your next getaway departing on September 3 (conversasdealpendre.com) Return Gatwick-Faro flights from £203 (wizzair.com) Become a subscriber and along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners Sign up for our Times Travel newsletter and follow us on Instagram and X The charming mountain spa village of Monchique in the Algarve region is our first stop on our road trip driving across Portugal To drive from the bottom to the top of Portugal takes a mere 6 hours but of course there's so much to see on the way Over the next 10 days we'll be travelling our way across Portugal trying much of what this picturesque country has to offer The start of this trip to Portugal wasn't a picture perfect travel fantasy It involved Mr NQN purchasing a ticket on a different airline which we only realised when we had to part ways suddenly at Singapore Airport during transit Wait for me!" I yell out to him like a Rom Com heroine at the airport but with much more urgency and less yearning wistfulness than Kate Hudson Then my flight was delayed three hours which meant that I missed our connecting flight to Lisbon I forked out almost $1000 for the next flight (only business class was available seriously!) and after we found each other again in Lisbon it was a tense 2.5 hour drive to Algarve Tension was thick in the air and words were said and there were some F bombs delivered by me Dear Reader (spoiler alert: I swear) and I was in no mood to be charmed by Portugal We arrive at Tasca Do Petrol in Marmalete just north of the centre of Monchique We walk in and the man behind the counter shining glasses gives us a cursory look I ask for a table for two and he shows us one without cracking a smile He brings sliced bread to the table and then menus I can read enough food Portuguese to see that the more expensive tourist friendly items are on the left which he has assigned us and the Petsicos or Portugeuse snacks are on the right Maybe he wants to make sure that we spend more or maybe he just can't be bothered with us When we order he says "That's enough food," his hands signalling a finality "Asian people like to eat a lot I know," he says looking at me but I just stare back at him unsmiling He tries changing tack and being nice but I was jetlagged and hangry and yes so Asian people like to eat a lot so just let us do it in peace ok Along with the bread comes butter and olives or the couvert The deal with couvert in Portugal is that whatever you eat you pay for So if you don't want to pay 70C for the bread Oh and bring cash because this place is cash only We see a plate of chourico sausage come out to another table "Can you ask him for some because I don't want to talk to him," I say to him He orders one of the forbidden Petiscos aka beer or drink snacks not unlike tapas and are usually served in taverns like this or tascas "Sure," he says without a fuss or question and a few minutes later it comes out The chorizo slices are smoky-wonderfully so scarlet oil dripping from each intensely smoky slice and they're also salty butter it and then wedge a slice of chorizo on it and it's fantastic It's amazing what some chorizo and bread can do to improve one's mood coriander and a pot of fantastic and hot chilli oil to the side oil and chilli oil and eat it with the prawns and it sings with flavour It is honestly one of the tastiest shrimp or prawn dishes I've ever had Portugal shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain which is where of course the famous Jamon Iberico or Iberian ham is from The black pig is very popular here and is found in central and Southern Portugal which is where we are The "grilled meat cooked Monchique style" is actually pork It's diced into small pieces and fried with plenty of garlic and parsley and served with a huge half lemon that balances this perfectly The same black pork are served as salt and pepper pork ribs with migas Migas means "crumbs" and it is a fried mixture using day old bread as a base mixed with lard and onion and sometimes meat the pork ribs particularly lusciously fatty Everything as we learn comes with a huge plate of fries I see plates of fries going past us thinking "Does everyone order an XXXL fries with their food?" and before I know it a plate of enormous fries lands on our table how he used to work on a cruise ship and that one day he will visit Australia Despite its name which translates to "Petrol Station" this was more a general store that used to sell everything from food to horse feed There's no room for dessert and we are expected at our accommodation in Monchique The streets of Monchique's town remind me of Cusco with its cobblestone winding paths and streets that go every which way By now we're both so weary but I appreciate Mr NQN's cool Scandi patience while he wrenches the wheel of the rental car from side to side to try to find where we are staying (tip: don't rent a big car if you're visiting Monchique He's not complaining and he's also invested in making me love the house we are staying at because he chose it We finally find the place at around 11pm at night There were many pigs that lived here," says the friendly and enthusiastic matriarch of the family that owns the property These are typically Algarvian houses and they have preserved as much of the original house as possible This house is located where pigs roamed and the large 5 bedroom house opposite is where they kept the horses "I want to show you the rooms for the other house!" she says and beckons me and a neighbourhood cat and I follow her I'm in a jetlagged daze as she points out incredible treasures from 17th century furniture to tiny little matchbox sized rooms She and her husband are so friendly and lovely that I think they've mistaken us for someone famous but that's just the way they are and I'm too tired to argue The house we are staying in is tiny and cosy (so cosy I wonder if there's enough room to put down my yoga mat the next morning) It really is as cute as a button though even down to the tiny grass lined balcony with a breakfast table and chairs They've generously stocked the fridge for us with wine I don't have the heart to tell them that I've got two boxes of leftover food from dinner that we'll probably eat for breakfast too There's also wifi so I avail myself of this while Mr NQN showers and falls straight to sleep on the double bed (actually it's a sofa bed but it's a comfortable one with electric blankets) I take the world's longest shower and as I go to sleep I hear the neighbourhood cat meowing softly outside our door asking to be let in The next morning I can't wait to pull up the blinds We only got a few days of sunshine on this whole trip and this was one of them We eat breakfast on the tiny balcony with the spectacular view below before leaving to explore the Algarve region (more on an upcoming post) But Monchique town itself has a host of other eateries to choose from and one favourite is A Charrete The restaurant has been open for around 30 years and the menu features many of Monchique's classic dishes It's a large restaurant and the menu is translated into several languages and although it is popular with tourists the food is traditionally Portuguese and specifically focuses on food from Monchique It's an earthenware pot that could easily feed 2 or 3 people It's soft cabbage with several cuts of pork from pork loin sausages and mohlo a dark sausage similar to a black pudding but stuffed with rice It's pure winter comfort food and the sort of dish you'd crave when it is cold outside which it is in Monchique In fact I am craving this dish now as I write about it it's that good And then there is the Ensopada de Borrego starts with thin slices of dense bread topped with potatoes All the flavours meld together to produce a dish that is full of flavour and high on comfort designed to sustain and give your palate a hug There's not a lot of room for dessert but we have to give one local cake a try The Pudim de Mel is a honey flavoured "magic cake" where the cake separates into two layers-a flan and a more regular cake It's sweet and very moist and when I can't finish my slice Mr NQN swoops in to finish it in the original version as well as the much more palatable honey version have you ever had a really rough start to a holiday All meals and travel were independently paid for The Integrated Landscape Management Operation – Monchique Pilot Area (OIGP-APM) an initiative that will involve an investment of around 2.4 million euros with a view to reducing the risk of forest fires promoting the conservation of ecosystems and the promotion of sustainable socioeconomic development in the region the OIGP-APM is the result of an application submitted by the Monchique Local Development Association – Corredor Verde (AMCV) in partnership with the Monchique City Council with the support technician at the company Geo21 – Territorial Development Consultants The execution of the operation will be managed and operationalised by AMCV involving and mobilizing local owners and actors” “The project foresees a maximum investment amount of 2,455,480.90 euros guaranteeing the necessary resources to achieve the defined objectives This investment will be complemented by a maximum annual support of 137,879.67 euros over 20 years This operation “arises as a response to an urgent need to mitigate the risks associated with forest fires that have devastated the mountains and municipality of Monchique in recent years The project foresees the creation of fuel management strips in the areas surrounding the road network and population clusters contributing to greater resilience of the territory in the face of future extreme events» This project “is part of a very important component of promoting socioeconomic development stimulating the creation of economic opportunities associated with nature tourism agriculture oriented towards endogenous products and forestry activities encouraging balanced and sustainable growth in this territory” “The importance of enhancing local ecosystems through the recovery of watercourses and adjacent habitats reinforcing biodiversity and promoting environmental conservation practices,” concludes the Chamber The fire is burning near Monchique in the southern Algarve region A fire that started August 3 has burned 52 000 acres (21,000 hectares) in the southern Algarve region of Portugal Below is an excerpt from an article at Geo.tv dated August 9 “MONCHIQUE: Wildfires scorched across Portugal’s southern Algarve region on Wednesday threatening more villages as the country’s prime minister warned the blaze could burn for days before being brought under control “Over 1,400 firefighters and soldiers were battling the blaze around the mountain spa town of Monchique in one of Europe’s top tourist destinations “They were backed up by 13 water-dropping aircraft that scooped water from the sea at nearby beach resorts to battle the flames which were scorching a path towards more villages “Sweltering temperatures and strong winds kindled blazes that have whipped across the region as the Europe-wide heatwave sent the mercury above 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) in some areas of Portugal at the weekend.” The Bolo de Tacho de Monchique, in the Algarve, has entered the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, after the publication in the Official Gazette (DR) A typical sweet from Monchique, a municipality in the Algarve, the Bolo do Tacho is now part of the list of Portuguese intangible cultural heritage, as its importance is recognised “as a reflection” of the community or group that has ensured the transmission of this gastronomic heritage over the years, explains Património Cultural, IP Cultural Heritage highlighted that the inclusion of the Bolo do Tacho in the list of intangible heritage reflects the “importance of the manifestation of intangible cultural heritage as a reflection of the respective community or group” or the “social and cultural processes in which it originated and developed (…) until the present” The inclusion of the Bolo do Tacho in the list of intangible cultural heritage was subject to a 30-day public consultation after the publication of the procedure in the DR the public institute Cultural Heritage had 120 days to express its opinion on the inclusion of the Monchique recipe in the list of intangible cultural heritage which is now officialised with the publication of the notice in the DR also known as Bolo de Maio or Bolo de Milho is a typical sweet from the cuisine of Monchique the municipality where the recipe and preparation originate and is characterised by the use of four basic ingredients that result from local production: corn flour Other elements are added to these ingredients to taste (coffee the quantity of which will make the flavour and texture of the cake different from recipe to recipe According to the Algarve Museum Network website the Bolo de Tacho was normally made exclusively in May as it was the main element of the picnics or snacks that people took to the traditional “desmaios” (picnics) that took place in the Monchique mountains on the 1st of that month The Swansea Police Department put two new patrolmen on the road last week Fresh out of the police academy in Reading the day before Ashley Motta and Jason Monchique started their careers as Swansea police officers Motta and Monchique have history with the department Motta was a dispatcher for six months and Monchique had been a reserve officer since July 2018 Motta is a 2012 graduate of Joseph Case High School where she competed for the track and field team Monchique is a 2009 graduate of Somerset High School Joseph Martin said the two have experience and knowledge that will serve them well in their training "We're fortunate to pick up a couple of local candidates Motta earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and psychology from Bridgewater State University in 2016 She is working on her master's degree in criminal justice at UMass Lowell "I always wanted to (be a police officer) as a little kid," Motta said I wanted to be a police officer in Swansea Monchique has an associate's degree in criminal justice from Bristol Community College "I've always had an interest in being a police officer since I could remember," Monchique said Every day is a learning experience and every day is different." Unsplash Emma Donaldson 8 November 2024 9:00Portugal is renowned for its stunning landscapes but it also boasts some of the best natural hot springs and thermal spas in Europe Whether you're seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life or looking to enhance your wellness routine known in Portugal as "termas" offer the perfect sanctuary From the lush green hills of the north to the sun-kissed beaches of the south these thermal spa retreats provide a unique blend of natural beauty and therapeutic benefits Join us as we explore six must-visit hot springs and spas in Portugal each promising an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised Dive into the healing waters and discover why these thermal havens are among the best in Portugal One of the treatment rooms at the Vidago Spa FlickrThe Vidago Palace Resort is a luxury five-star hotel with a Belle Époque style Surrounded by incredible green forests and a minimalist atmosphere a visit to these facilities is a relaxing and unforgettable experience.  Designed by the renowned architect Álvaro Siza Vieira ensuring everyone can experience its rejuvenating offerings The fantastic Grande Hotel do Luso FlickrNestled in the heart of the Buçaco mountains in central Portugal, the Luso hot springs offer a modern, refined, and minimalist spa experience perfect for those seeking holistic wellness. Part of the Grande Hotel do Luso complex the spa seamlessly blends the elegance of a historic hotel with contemporary amenities including the hot spring spa and the Malo Clinic Spa Luso a state-of-the-art rehabilitation medical centre These Portuguese hot springs provide a sanctuary for health and well-being specifically targeting metabolic disorders you can indulge in a variety of beauty treatments designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation this tranquil setting fosters harmony between body all spa facilities at the Grande Hotel do Luso are open to everyone For those seeking a rejuvenating experience on a budget offering an affordable way to unwind and rejuvenate The entrace to the "Termas dos Gêres" complex FlickrTermas do Gerês located within the breathtaking Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal which are rich in minerals and celebrated for their therapeutic properties are believed to help alleviate various ailments The modern spa facilities offer a range of treatments complemented by indoor and outdoor thermal pools that allow guests to soak in the healing waters while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape Set amidst lush forests and rugged mountains Termas do Gerês is not just a spa but a tranquil haven for nature lovers and wellness seekers alike The national park provides numerous hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities With a focus on relaxation and overall wellness the spa promotes mindfulness and rejuvenation making it accessible for both locals and tourists Whether visiting for a day or staying longer Termas do Gerês offers a unique opportunity to unwind and recharge in a serene natural setting One of the spectacular pools you can find at the spa complex FlickrIn the middle of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, you will find the Mountain Spa Aquadome, integrated into the H2otel Congress & Medical Spa in Unhais da Serra This is a health and wellness destination that offers many therapeutic and beauty treatments centred on physical and spiritual rehabilitation As the first Portuguese mountain spa and one of Europe's largest It's divided into distinct sections: AquaTermas specializing in respiratory diseases; AquaFisio featuring an impressive osteopathic and physiotherapy center; AquaCorpus combining oriental and western cosmetic techniques; and AquaLudic A visit promises a truly incredible experience making it one of the finest spas in Portugal for a relaxing escape These Portuguese hot springs are renowned for their mineral-rich waters, infused with bicarbonates, sodium, and fluorine, which offer therapeutic benefits for muscular pain, various ailments, and respiratory issues. A visit to this delightful spa is not just a getaway; it’s a journey towards enhancing your well-being, whether you seek relaxation or wish to indulge in rejuvenating cosmetic treatments. To extend your spa experience, consider staying at the hotel located within the same complex, providing convenient access to all facilities. Alternatively, if you desire more time to explore the beautiful surroundings, the region boasts charming holiday homes that make for a wonderful accommodation option, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the area. Wikimedia commonsOur final destination takes us to the Azores to discover one of the best natural hot springs in Portugal. The volcanic origins of São Miguel Island make the area a thermal paradise, and Furnas is home to one of the best examples of steamy, iron-rich pools that are surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical trees.  In Furnas, Azores, where various thermal pools and hot springs abound, the Furnas thermal pool is a standout. Immerse yourself in hot water surrounded by subtropical Atlantic forest greenery—palms, ferns, and conifers—creating a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email. The July ride for the Algarve Senior Bikers was on Friday the 26th and started from Silves and finished in Vale da Telha with an excellent lunch at Restaurante Fonte do Vale.  The route was through the hills north of Monchique and west to Gralha for a refreshment stop before travelling via the Pincho Valley to the restaurant to complete the ride. Because of the challenging nature of the ride with some steep hills and hairpin bends three groups were formed at the meeting point. Two group leaders Phill Anderson and David Shirley took the planned route and a third group with David Ryan as leader took a less challenging route through Monchique for riders with pillion passengers or sidecars. Assistance was provided by Stan Green, Peter Kenyon, and Roy West. It was a hot day but cooler in the west and there were some fine views all along the route from start to finish. We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to, we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small. You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time. Send us your comments or opinion on this article. Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal, written in English, Dutch, German, French, Swedish, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Romanian, Turkish and Chinese. Charles, el príncipe de Gales se convierte automáticamente en rey tras el fallecimiento de su madre Some 700 firefighters deployed alongside aircraft to tackle fires near Monchique amid 45C heat Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hundreds of firefighters are battling a wildfire in Portugal’s southern Algarve region during the height of holiday season More than 100 people were evacuated from villages near Monchique, in Faro district Portugal’s National Civil Protection Agency said 700 firefighters and water-dropping aircraft had been deployed in a bid to contain the flames Nine emergency workers have been injured since the fire broke out on Friday although none are thought to be seriously hurt “The fire continues with two active fronts one of them totally under control and close to extinction and another which continues to burn in an area inaccessible from the ground,” he said He added water drops from aircraft had so far proved ineffective against the fire continuing to burn out of control although unseasonably cool weather through the end of July has meant fewer blazes in 2018 The government says only about 15 percent of the 10-year average area has been charred so far this year However, the Iberian Peninsula has been hit by a heatwave this week with some inland areas sweating in 45C conditions Temperatures in Portugal peaked at 46.4C on Saturday a degree off the national record set in 2003 Some farmers chose to work during the night instead of in the heat of the day In neighbouring Spain authorities said three people had died this week due to high temperatures including a 41-year-old road worker who collapsed on a highway near Murcia said on Friday relief workers were prepared for wildfires despite the heatwave conditions and could deploy around 11,000 firefighters if needed “The country has shown that everything is prepared, people have had the good sense and judgment to take precautions and to prevent fires.” Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies 20182:14 PM UTCWildfires rage across PortugalOver 1,400 firefighters 450 fire engines and more than a dozen aircraft fight wildfires across Portugal [1/22]A man walks on the road as the fire approaches Pedreira [2/22]View of a burned forest next to the village of Monchique [3/22]People help the firefighters in Enxerim [5/22]A women pours water on her terrain while an officer tries to evacuate her [6/22]A burned house is seen after a forest fire next to the village of Monchique [9/22]A firefighter films a plane as it drops water on a fire next to the village of Monchique [10/22]A burned car is seen next to Casa Velha village [11/22]Firefighters help to put out a forest fire next to the village of Monchique [12/22]Flames of an approaching forest fire are seen near small village of Monchique [13/22]People fill their buckets with water to help put out a fire in Pedreira [14/22]Anselmo Papendorf takes out burned things from inside the house where he was on vacations [15/22]Firefighters help to put out a forest fire next to the village of Monchique [16/22]Anselmo Papendorf takes out burned things from inside the house where he was on vacations [17/22]A firefighter helps to put out a fire in Pinheiro e Garrado [18/22]A police officer talks with locals as the fire approaches Pinheiro e Garrado [19/22]A plane drops water on a fire next to the village of Monchique [20/22]A helicopter drops water on a fire near small village of Monchique [21/22]General view of a shelter for those who left their homes during the fires in Monchique and Silves [22/22]Firefighters help to put out a forest fire in the village of Monchique , opens new tab Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. , opens new tabScreen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. © 2025 Reuters. All rights reserved SWANSEA — The Swansea Police Department put two new patrolmen on the road last Wednesday Fresh out of the state Police Academy in Reading the day before Ashley Motta and Jason Monchique started their careers as police officers Officer Motta and Officer Monchique both have local roots and have worked for the Swansea Police Department in different capacities before becoming patrolmen Officer Motta was a dispatcher in the police station for six months before going to the Police Academy Officer Monchique has been a reserve officer in Swansea since July of last year who is a 2012 graduate of Joseph Case High School where she competed for the track and field team who is a 2009 graduate of Somerset High School where he played for the boys' soccer team both said they did well at the Police Academy Because they have already worked for the department and are from the area Lieutenant Joseph Martin said Officer Motta and Officer Monchique have experience and knowledge that will not have to be duplicated in their training "We're fortunate to pick up a couple local candidates Officer Motta earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and psychology from Bridgewater State University where she graduated in 2016 She is working on her master's degree in criminal justice at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell "I always wanted to as a little kid," Officer Motta said when asked why she wanted to be a police officer Officer Monchique has an associate degree in criminal justice from Bristol Community College where he also played soccer Officer Monchique has a cousin who is a police officer in New Bedford "I've always had an interest in being a police officer since I could remember," Officer Monchique said Everyday is a learning experience and everyday is different." by widely recognised artist Carlos de Oliveira Correia was inaugurated on the 22 September in Foia The artist’s statue captures the arrival of winning cyclist Evenepoel in Alto da Foia in the “Volta ao Algarve 2020” Foia has hosted many important competitive events featuring cyclists: Joaquim Agostinho The inauguration event was held by the former Mayor of Monchique Rui Andre and was attended by Delmino Pereira President of the Portuguese Cycling Federation President of the Algarve Cycling Association and artist The Municipality of Monchique wanted to honour the effort of reaching the top of the Foia and to celebrate Evenepoel’s win at this prominent place The moment he arrives at the top of the mountain and celebrates his victory was chosen by Rui Andre “who wanted to mark what will certainly be from now on a place of celebration in reaching the top of the Algarve and symbolises the honour of such a great achievement.” the varied nature of its on road and off-road bike routes offer a challenge that has drawn many cyclists to the area recognised how valuable this contribution was to the Cycling Federation by stating that “it represents a unique landscape that has been affirmed as one of the main destinations and tourist attractions of avid cyclists who dare to try and imitate their idols daily.” “Monchique as an important cycling destination further stating how important the ‘Volta ao Algarve’ event is in the world cycling calendar.” Local clubs were also recognised for their continued interest and organisation of sporting events in the municipality Rui André highlighted the “interest created by these events in recent years and the popularity that the municipality has gained due to its incomparable landscape as well as how the area has benefited socially and economically furthering the rise of practising sports in Monchique.” The municipality of Monchique, known for its mountains, has a new attraction for those who appreciate nature and enjoy hiking with the Barranco do Demo Walkway The new infrastructure in the Algarve mountains had been accessible since the end of July but had not yet been inaugurated The wooden walkway is part of a wider pedestrian route that connects the village of Alferce to Cerro do Castelo de Alferce stretching for approximately one kilometre which crosses the gorge known as Barranco do Demo and provides an excellent view of the surrounding landscape the objective of the structure developed by the Alferce Parish Council with the support of the Monchique City Council is to offer visitors “access to unique sites to sites which had been inaccessible until now” The investment for the walkway represented around 400 thousand euros The project integrates the future Cerro do Castelo do Alferce Interpretation Center (CICCA) which helps to explain the importance of the ruins of the Islamic castle Macdonald Hotels & Resorts announces the official opening of Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa in Portugal a new luxury resort and spa set in the Serra de Monchique mountains and a short drive from The Algarve’s leading golf courses With 185 elegant suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies or terraces offers a perfect setting for golfing couples or families seeking a luxury holiday hideaway with easy access to The Algarve’s coastal resorts and golf courses Just a 15-minute drive from Portimão and an hour from Faro International Airport Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa combines 5-star amenities premium service and contemporary styling with unspoilt natural surroundings and breath-taking views The area of Monchique is known as the garden of the Algarve rich with unique flora and fauna and surrounded by ancient cork forests which are said to have special healing powers Commenting on the opening of the new resort and spa Group Director of Golf and Health & Fitness said: “Guests at Monchique will experience something very different from the many hotels situated in the highly-developed coastal resorts of The Algarve Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa offers a unique proposition for golfing couples and families wishing to experience five-star service in a location that feels a million miles away from modern day life but still close enough to play some of Portugal’s finest golf courses.” Courses close to Monchique include Penina Hotel & Golf Resort; Onyria Palmares Golf and the Gramacho Vale da Pinta and Silves golf courses at Pestana Golf Resort added: “Monchique is a ‘hidden gem’ set in an undiscovered area of The Algarve and when guests are not playing golf they can trek or cycle through mountainous woodland visit charming Monchique village and discover the very best of the region’s culture Hotel facilities include four restaurants – an informal petiscos (Portuguese tapas) bar and a pizzeria through to a gourmet food market and a fine-dining restaurant specialising in local fish and wines; a Sensorial spa and relaxation rooms; indoor and outdoor pools a state-of-the-art fitness centre; and a kids club for children aged 4 to 12 along with a family swimming pool and a children’s playground Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa www.macdonaldmonchique.com Following the news of the theft of over £2 million of stock from its Manchester warehouse last weekend Worldwide Golf Brands reports that the business is 'back up and running' with minimal disruption to the vast majority of its customers the business growth agency for UK and Irish golf clubs has launched a new marketing system that has delivered rapid advances in the service they deliver Brocket Hall has announced that world-renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon is to open a new state-of-the-art putting studio at the Hertfordshire-based venue GolfBusinessNews.com (GBN) is for the many thousands of people who work in the golf business all around the world We cover the full range of topics both on and off the course We aim to supply essential information both quickly and accurately in a format which is easy to use We are independent of all special interest groups Click here to sign up for our free twice weekly golf industry news summary View the latest newsletter here 5/7 High StreetDorchester-on-ThamesOxfordshire OX10 7HHUnited Kingdom publisher@golfbusinessnews.com © 1999-2025 e.GolfBusiness.com Limited | All Rights Reserved. | GBN Privacy Policy based employees who volunteered to visit the wildfire ravaged region of Monchique in Portugal this weekend a group of 50 volunteers – which included Dublin and Faro based Ryanair employees as well as volunteers from the local community – planted over 2,000 trees helping to restore the region destroyed by the 2018 fires The “Renature Monchique” project is part of Ryanair’s Carbon Offset Initiative funded by customers Ryanair donated €250,000 to the project which will pay for the planting of thousands of trees in the area – it has already funded the planting of 15,000 trees since November this year operating the youngest fleet with the highest load factors and the most efficient fuel burn per passenger Ryanair delivers industry-leading CO2 emissions per passenger-km of just 66g which is up to 50% lower than Europe’s other 4 big airlines “We are delighted to support this reforestation initiative in the Monchique region of the Algarve Our customers have embraced our carbon offset programme with their generous donations funding the planting of 15,000 trees in the region since November We are extremely proud of these eco-conscious customers and this week we are especially proud of our people who volunteered to visit Monchique and work tirelessly to plant 2,000 Monchique oaks cork oaks and chestnut trees to help restore the mountain habitats.” “We thank the team of volunteers from Ryanair who have contributed to restoring the region’s mountains to their natural state We are focused on implementing our environmental strategy which includes nature conservation environmental education and investment in energy efficiency.” “This tree planting activity allowed the active participation of the community and partners in the process of renaturation of the Monchique mountains an essential stage for the recovery of the region’s natural heritage.” today (1st August) celebrated the first flight from Prague to Paphos while on Monday (3rd August) it will launch a twice weekly service to Kosice both as part of its extended Summer 2020 schedule Ryanair has launched a seat sale with fares from 729 Kc for travel to Kosice and from 759 Kc to Paphos which must be booked by Wednesday (5th August) today (22 Oct) donated €250,000 to Renature Monchique in Portugal as part of its Carbon Offset Initiative funded by customers This money will pay for the planting of thousands of trees in the Monchique area of the Algarve Michael O’Leary presented the €250,000 cheque to Renature Monchique and a group of Portuguese tourism and forestry partners demonstrating Ryanair’s commitment to both the Algarve region and the environment our people and our customers are proud to support this reforestation initiative in the Monchique region of the Algarve Thousands of hectares of trees were destroyed by forest fires in 2018 We’re very happy to provide these funds to help restore the region’s forests and the unique natural beauty of the Monchique region We therefore welcome Ryanair’s and its customers’ support for this initiative as we return these vital habitats to this area not only for the species that flourish in these habitats but also to return the devastated woodlands forests and river bank vegetation that make up this culturally important place Ryanair is also supporting the local council to meet their requirements under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by preventing further land degradation and supporting the climate change mitigation efforts of carbon sequestration by planting trees.” “As the Algarve is a region internationally renowned for the outstanding quality of its beaches and golf courses a commitment to nature conservation is extremely important for tourism in the area We are delighted Ryanair’s and its customers’ commitment towards the renaturing of the Monchique Mountain whose forest habitats were recently devastated by a wildfire Without the commitment of all involved parties – environmental NGO GEOTA the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests the Algarve Tourism Board and other local entities in addition to Ryanair – it would not be possible to promote the ecological restoration of Monchique’s land and forests in harmony with the remaining territory of the Algarve – which is still the main holiday destination in Portugal.” Mayor of the Municipality of Monchique said: its management and planning as well as the way people relate to their rural and forest territory are undoubtedly the great challenges of our collective future Climate change that frighteningly makes us look to the future with great apprehension requires real changes in everyone’s daily action for which the essential role of our Forest will be fundamental but the necessary relation between policy makers with civil society scientific knowledge and local populations make projects like these an invaluable contribution to the necessary change The recent wildfire is a challenging opportunity for us to draw a new landscape but also to enable man to live in harmony and safety in a more resilient environment that continues to make Monchique a true garden but above all the “lung” of the Algarve region.” Aiming for the same goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, Monchique Water unveils Monchique Natura and which can then be re-recycled once used The most notable change though is the new bottle design which removes the labels and simply carves the relevant information into the bottle “A bottle completely produced by other bottles where we replace the use of labels by imprints on the plastic itself minimising the impact of this activity on the environment and proceeding with a strategy focused on promoting a true circular economy Monchique Natura is another mark in the market that intends always counting on continuous innovation and audacity,” Vítor Hugo Gonçalves Monchique Natura is an innovation in Portugal the first bottle in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the first in the world to enter markets without labels as the labels won’t get in the way anymore The lid will join with the bottle and stay fixed to it to make sure the components are recycled together at the end of their life cycle The innovative bottle will be available in 555ml and in a six-pack, in ecological packaging made of recycled cardboard with FSC certification. It’s expected to go on sale in the 3rd trimester of the year and on the Monchique Store in a first-phase release. Other sales points will be made available later. Monchique Natura will join a group of other solutions Monchique Water has come to introduce “in an incessant search for the best practices to turn our business model more sustainable and more in line with models of circular economies,” Vítor Hugo Gonçalves emphasises. “Sustainability will remain at the forefront of our actions and Monchique Water will keep its promise to contribute to the betterment of the current generation, as well as generations to come.” The Monchique Water Society explores a public concession of Monchique’s mineral water resources, distinguished by its uniqueness and a high natural pH level of 9.5. This special makeup gives it unique qualities whose benefits contribute to the organism’s well-being and balance. Star in the 2015 music video for the hit single “Headlights” by German musician, DJ and record producer Robin Schulz featuring American singer-songwriter Ilsey. Also a journalist. Forest fires burning through southern Portugal have finally been extinguished, with no loss of life reported Forest fires burning through southern Portugal have finally been extinguished Raging fires in Portugal’s southern region have finally been extinguished Temperatures fell overnight in the popular Algarve region where the fires have wreaked havoc but concern remained that strong winds could reignite the blaze “The fire has been dominated,” said Patricia Gaspar “At this moment there is no significant risk that the fire will spread.” but there have been no fatalities as a result of the fires and tourists have remained unharmed More than 1,450 firefighters fought the flames that prompted the evacuation of more than 2,000 people in the surrounding areas A statement released by the Algarve Regional Tourism Authority confirmed that the region is safe to visit “The priority has been the safety of the population and the operatives involved in the combat with no tourists registered as injured so far “The hotel establishments have been in permanent contact with the civil protection authorities and with Algarve Regional Tourism Authority and are monitoring the development of the situation so as to guarantee the peace and safety of their guests “We would also like to remind people that only a small part of the Algarve has been affected by the discomfort caused by the fire in the Monchique area and we can confidently say that there is no cause for concern for those who choose the Algarve as a holiday destination.” The wildfires began a week ago in Monchique in the far south-west of the country and spread to Silves and Portimão on the south coast The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) confirmed that the fire is now under control but warned: ”While the weather remains dry the rally organised by Portugal Classic in conjunction with the Clube Português de Automóveis Antigos passing through the municipalities of Albufeira Silves and São Brás de Alportel Participating cars range from the 1920’s to early 90’s Cars are coming from the north and centre of Portugal and Spain to join the event.The event will start on Friday the Murganheira stage will start on the Vilamoura Casino circuit cars will depart from Vilamoura Marina at 9am with a special qualifying test at the Algarve International Autodrome starting around 11am providing “the usual moments of adrenaline” Arrival in Monchique is scheduled for 12:30pm the departure from Monchique for the Algarve Tourism stage will take place and a neutralisation at Vila Vita Parc at 4:20pm the start for the Viborel stage and the Opticalia Circuit in Armação de Pêra the historic regularity rally starts with the departure for the Mercedes-Benz / Starsul stage at around 9:30am and with a special test at Cerro de São Miguel at 11:00am On this day there will also be a refreshment break in São Brás de Alportel at 11:30am and another break in the Mercedes-Benz / Starsul dealership at 12:20pm the organisation highlights “the route in the municipality of Monchique affectionately called Jardim do Algarve” where participants will enjoy magnificent natural landscapes Despite a high number of participants being planned the entire event is being organised “following the guidelines and recommendations of the General Directorate of Health with the most advanced health security measures to provide a high quality experience for participants The Algarve Classic Cars has the support of various public and private entities which highlights the municipalities of Loulé São Brás de Alportel and Albufeira and Starsul brands Brigit Grant is the Jewish News Supplements Editor Once on a roll, we took a break from the traditional hotels and went rogue by staying at Casa De Mondo. The family farmhouse with deluxe cabins on site is a real Portugal experience in the hills away from the madding crowd the chance to participate in a Portuguese cookery class and then eat the dishes was fun The light and eclectically-furnished Vert suite was where we slept and I’d like to reserve it at least twice a year if the warm and hospitable hosts allow it Unable to entirely stay away from the place we know, Olhos D’Agua, we booked into The Patio Suite Hotel, which is close to The Pine Cliffs in Praia da Falésia  but not as pricey That isn’t to say that The Pine Cliffs isn’t worth every penny as I distinctly remember waking up there the cliff top cocktail bar – all of it is stored in my memory but shaking up a familiar destination got me to The Patio which is an aparthotel of the kind celebs stay in when on location and the staff are equally on the ball when it comes to providing that level of service The open space lobby leads into the restaurant where buffets are set up for breakfast and dinner and it was wonderful to just drop in there instead of loading up at the supermarket in fact I can’t recall a fish/meat/pasta or salad dish that wasn’t on offer and better than typical buffet fare as do the large suites with even larger bathrooms and cooking facilities but there’s a shuttle for the lazy and the staff don’t like to see their guests struggle Fetching and carrying is done so willingly it’s a lesson to sub-service providers and a reason to book In fact returning to Olhos D’agua was easier than I thought it would be because of the warm welcome at The Patio lead by the general manager He is like the caring father you long for when away from home and as he has now moved to be director at the Montado Hotel & Golf resort in Palmela www.monchiqueresort.com (From £300 for two nights) www.casademondo.com (£90 per night) www.thepatiohotel.com (from €233 per night) Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5 £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with 100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline removing any financial barriers to connecting people The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large We hope you agree all this is worth preserving the beach is usually at the top of the list there are days when a change is more than welcome and a trip to Monchique offers just that Monchique is a small village located in the south at 455 meters above sea level in the Algarve hills and is also known as the “Sintra of the Algarve” or the “Garden of the Algarve” a good place to start is by walking through the narrow streets of the village taking in the white-washed homes with their typical Algarvian chimneys while stopping in handicraft shops to discover the best that this region has to offer The town has a rich history dating back to the Roman era The Romans were attracted to the area because of its natural hot springs The Moors also occupied the area for several centuries and left their mark on the town’s architecture and culture the town was destroyed by the earthquake but was later rebuilt The climate in Monchique is generally warm and temperate but it is sometimes possible to see fog (something that is unusual in the rest of the Algarve) if you are lucky enough to visit Monchique when the weather is fine is a great place to visit with the family but also to have a romantic date while looking at the landscape that includes excellent sea views Monchique could easily be the next Algarve hotspot There is no other place where you can relax like this and only half an hour's drive from the beach In this regard, there are some events to keep an eye out for. To increase the number of visitors, the council has promoted a new event called "Vamos à Vila" which will take place between 27 and 28 May in the town of Monchique "Vamos à Vila" means "Let's go to the village" and aims to increase the popularity of the village in the neighbourhood The aim is to highlight the authenticity associated with local products and let it speak for itself and draw attention to rural life focusing on local identity and community traditions "The idea is that people visit the county for its essence and local feel getting to know a genuine and differentiating area which is Monchique," says the municipality about the upcoming event you may be wondering what to do in this village the village is just one of the attractions Monchique has to offer The main one I would recommend is the top of the mountain, which is called Foia a large part of the Algarve and the Atlantic Ocean It is accessible by road from the village of Monchique and is 902 metres above sea level Caldas de Monchique is a spa town in the Algarve region of Portugal It is known for its natural thermal springs and its picturesque surroundings In addition to strolling around the little village there is something you cannot miss: the thermal springs I had been meaning to visit the spa for a long time they charge 15 euros per person to use the thermal pools It is a good opportunity to relax and enjoy the healing properties of the mineral water they also offer massages and other wellness treatments Parque da Mina is a historical and cultural park that showcases the traditional life of the region where you can learn while also having some fun with your family or friends One of the main attractions is a century-old house that is furnished with antique objects and shows how a wealthy family lived in the 18th century They also have a farm with different animals and space of illusion with a mirror maze it is possible to take a walk on the nature trail that leads to a viewpoint and a suspended bridge While you can always opt for a nice picnic there are also plenty of restaurant options to choose from on a trip to Monchique the type of food you will find is a little different from what we are used to seeing in other parts of the Algarve in Monchique you don't see any fish dishes and wild boar become more common as you climb the mountainside if you're not too keen to try these traditional dishes chicken piri piri is also on several menus in Monchique's restaurants Monchique may not be suitable for those on this diet but there are also some options in some restaurants - just do a little more research it is a place worth visiting when looking for a different day out in the Algarve Paula Martins is a fully qualified journalist who finds writing a means of self-expression She studied Journalism and Communication at University of Coimbra and recently Law in the Algarve Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and nature WWF® and ©1986 Panda Symbol are owned by WWF You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.