PR2 MCQ: Caminho das Caldas – Picota circular

Distance: 18.9 km (the official information states 18 km but we all recorded at least this distance)
Ascent: 740 m
Highest point: 713 m (Picota stands at 774 m)
GPX file: https://pt.wikiloc.com/trilhas-trekking/caminho-das-caldas-picota-12964041

A note about parking

There is limited parking in Caldas de Monchique. There is on-road parking to the left as you enter the village and then a small car park just before the Santa Teresa Chapel.

If there are no spaces, continue past the square following the one-way system – you will feel as though you’re leaving Caldas, however there is more parking along this stretch of road.

PR2 MCQ - Caminho das Caldas - Picota — The hike starts and ends in the beautiful Caldas de Monchique in the Serra de Monchique

PR2 MCQ is one of several waymarked hikes in the Serra de Monchique and while it does not scale the Algarve’s highest summit (Fóia at 902 m), there is an optional detour to nearby Picota (which adds roughly another one kilometre and 60+ metres of climbing).

It’s fair to say this Via Algarviana circular route is pretty tough going – our group of six walked it in four hours 12 minutes, however the Via Algarviana website suggests allowing around five hours.

Whatever your walking speed, you’ll want to allow lots of additional time for standing and gazing at those incredible views. From up here, you can see all the way to the coast – it was easy to pick out both Lagos and Portimão – with hills, a reservoir and the meandering Arade river inbetween.

Beware there are a few stings in the tail on this route. While the majority of climbing is done earlier on, there is a steep track to climb near the end – and that final uphill stretch into Caldas de Monchique towards beer and/or food can feel neverending.

Highlights

The spa hamlet of Caldas de Monchique is a spectacularly pretty starting point with its shady square, bars and craft shop (check opening hours – it was closed on Sunday in mid-September). If, like us, you’re keen to get hiking, it’s well worth factoring in some additional time to look around at the end of your hike.

Throughout the earlier part of the walk – when most of the climbing takes place – you’ll pass some of the biggest boulders to be found in the Algarve hills. Alert: boulder fan here. In my opinion, there can never be too many boulders on a hike.

For the more energetic, there is an optional 500-metre detour to the summit of Picota. The additional distance isn’t a problem, but beware there is some scrambling up rock slab. That said, the 360-degree views from the top make the extra effort well worthwhile.

Whether you climb to the summit or not, you’ll then join the Via Algarviana proper to descend to Monchique on meandering footpaths through beautiful shady forests, providing temporary shade in hotter weather.

Verdict

This is a wonderfully scenic hike which showcases the beautiful Serra de Monchique in the best possible way. You won’t find coaches, crowds and commercialism on the slopes of Picota (neighbouring Fóia boasts all three during the tourist season).

This hike isn’t for the faint-hearted – and it’s probably better walked during the winter months when it’s cooler and there’s more likely to be water in the stream running through Caldas.

Our group of six hiked the route in mid-September when it was still hot, particularly in the airless valleys and for the final uphill trudging.

I previously walked the route with Harri and a friend in late February when I recall it being a lot easier. Here’s a link to the blog I wrote then:

https://tracyburton.co.uk/central-algarve-picota-walk/