Back to normal: After the forest fires in the Serra de Monchique

Monchique, October 2018. At the beginning of August, media across Europe reported devastating forest fires in the Serra de Monchique, a mountain in western Portugal's Algarve. It was the worst fire the region has ever experienced, destroying about 15 to 20,000 hectares of land. Thanks to the emergency services, the flames could be extinguished and further disasters prevented. If you drive through the mountainous roads today, you can see burnt trees and fields in many places, but mostly you can see green pine trees and a beautiful landscape. Not only nature, but also tourism was hit hard by the forest fires. Bookings were canceled, fewer visitors came in the weeks after to the area around Monchique. "Coming to us is the best thing vacationers can do now to help people and the region regenerate," says Leonor Avó, homeowner of a charming Chalet Monchique, a vacation rental in the thermal village of Caldas de Monchique.

The Portuguese took over a large house in the village of Caldas de Monchique from their grandmother and converted it into a romantic holiday home. "During the fires, we did not know for days whether our house was burned," she says. "We heard that the restaurant was destroyed by the flames. And so we thought the chalet was also affected. "But Avó was lucky. The Chalet Monchique has been spared, as well as the garden and many plants around the building. Losing the house would have been very tragic for the family. "It's unique. My grandmother told me that it was built by a rich man for his mistress, who lived in a larger chalet. Even today, the two houses connect a secret path.“ Up to six guests can stay in the typical Algarvian construction with several terraces, a pool and stunning view.

While many people associate the Algarve with its long beaches and world-famous surfing spots, according to Leonor Avó Monchique is "the other Algarve". In just 20 minutes you can reach the south and in 40 minutes the west coast. Nevertheless, the salty sea breeze is in the air and especially hikers have lots of fun in the mountains. Avó recommends the fall to travel to Monchique. "The weather is perfect, it is not too hot, not so crowded and the prices are cheaper." The fact that the region and its economy had to suffer so much from the forest fires also annoys environmentalists. They blame the paper industry for their forestry and their strategy of mainly planting eucalyptus trees in monocultures for the fires, as they burn very quickly. A new forest law decrees that fewer eucalyptus trees will be left in the forests in the future.

About Chalet Monchique:
Chalet Monchique is a charismatic and rustic house located in the heart of the Portuguese Algarve, in the small and picturesque village of Caldas de Monchique, known for its thermal springs and spa. The house accommodates up to eight, features a panoramic outdoor pool and is a 20 minute car ride away from both the beaches around Portimão and Aljezur – South and West coast of Portugal. Featuring a charismatic appearance mixing modern and rustic elements this house includes two double bedrooms and two twin bedrooms.

Chalet Monchique
N266 204z
8550-232 Monchique
Portugal
Email: info@chaletmonchique.com

Press contact:
Vanessa Salbert
FEINSCHREIBER GbR
Böttcherstr. 1
28195 Bremen

Email: vanessa.salbert@feinschreiber.com
Phone: +49 15785597561

This release was published on openPR.