In the hinterland of the Algarve, the Serra da Monchique offers summer visitors to the coast the freshness afforded by its altitude and eucalyptus, cork oak, chestnut and pine trees, as well as beautiful views of the region. In the summer of 2018, a fire unfortunately devastated more than 15 000ha of vegetation, encircling the spa town of Caldas and even threatening the village of Monchique. It will take several years before the serra becomes a beautiful "hanging garden" again.