Tourism in Rural Areas: Municipality of Monchique

Abstract

In the context of the Algarve, the climate associated with altitude are remarkable characteristic features in the municipality of Monchique, which gives it specificity, especially as regards the landscape and the availability of the water resource. In view of the values that are associated with it and the emergence of new cultures and changes in social behavior, where priority is given t o rapprochement with nat ure, seeking new sensations and forms of leisure, this municipality was considered a privileged destination for the practice of tourism activities in rural areas. In this context, the main objective is to promote and recover the multi-functional nature of the heritage and landscape linked to water, by recognizing, characterizing and creating conditions that allow the use of these by local and urban populations, thus broadening the tourist offer, which stands out of the tourism products offered in the region, strongly supported by sun and beach tourism. The main results of the study refer to the recommended interventions, with a view to improving and creating new spaces, allowing the population to re-approach to nature and practice leisure activities in a rural context. As an example, the proposals developed for the Barranco dos Pisões are indicated, namely recovery of a picnic park, rehabilitation of the water line in the section bordering this area and creation of a center for the interpretation of mountain river dynamics.