With 400 km² and 6,500 inhabitants, Monchique has one of the largest population dispersions of Algarve.
This county lies mainly of agriculture, timber, quarrying, cork harvesting and livestock.
Cattle ranching in Monchique reaches the level of masterpiece, as the region is known internationally for the quality of traditional smoked meats and sausages. The same goes with the spirits distilled from 'medrolho' (Algarve indigenous bush fruits). Despite 'medronho' being quite disseminated, produced and consumed throughout the Algarve, Monchique is the only place in the Algarve where you can not ask to the locals 'What is the best medronho of Algarve?'.

It is of note that the highest point of Algarve is the Monchique mountain range, Foia, with its 902 mt. altitude. Due to the fact of being close to the sea (~20 km.), has a humid subtropical climate, with average annual rainfall between 1000 and 2000 mm, which allows mild temperatures associated with the existence of a rich and varied vegetation. It is an authentic garden of Algarve.

Nature tourism is the largest source of tourist in these parts, where life is genuine and full of simple traditions.