Serra de Monchique

The Serra de Monchique extends from east to west along the north side of the coastal plateau of the western Algarve, forming a protective barrier against cold air from the Atlantic and thus helping to give this area its almost North African climate. Geologically the range is a much brokenup mass of volcanic rock overlying the basement schists of the region, divided up into a western and an eastern half by the Ribeira de Odelouca. Because of the impermeability of the ground the abundant rainfall is channelled into innumerable rivers and streams (some of them dammed to form lakes), running down to the coastal plain, thus rendering it well watered and suitable even for rice. The volcanic nature of the region is also reflected in the presence