Monchique, the picturesque village is known for its local crafts. Pick up hand-made pottery, basketwork, tablecloths and leather goods here. Look out for the famous ‘scissors chair’ that is made in this region and don’t leave without a traditional copper cataplana – a dish used for Portuguese stews.

The oldest pottery workshop in Porches is Porches Pottery where you can see artisans at work and enjoy a light lunch in their Bar Bacchus café that is beautifully decorated with gorgeous large tile murals. Other workshops worth checking in the village are Olaria Pequena and Casa Grade.

Alternatively, budding artists can improve their artistic skills at Figs on the Funcho; see a list of their upcoming painting holidays and rates on this link.  Art workshops are led by experienced and qualified art tutors and are suitable for the beginner and advanced artist.