Algarve Monchique village for sale!
Going once… going twice… Algarve Monchique village for sale! Who’s in?
Of recent years, it has been the Portuguese aim and creed that they should attract more and more foreign investment. The aspirations to build a feasible rural touristic project in the isolated, cosy hills of Monchique was foiled by none other than the worldwide economic crisis. So now, the 13 Algarve traditional houses are back on sale.
To restore and refurbish the Aldeia do Barbelote houses, an investment of over 1 million Euro is needed and, as was to be expected, there aren’t many people crowding up to buy. The owners remember that half a century ago, the village was still inhabited by some 100 people, but the remote site and the lack of roads and transport induced the population to migrate to more… urban corners of the world.
Today, there is just one inhabitant of this isolated village, 70 year-old Marcelino Vicente. Nevertheless, even this lone dweller claims he is ready to leave after having lived here for half a century, because the life conditions are pretty harsh.
Rui Andre, the mayor of Monchique, stated that it is a pity such beautiful villages like Barbelote should be left to ruins and that the authorities should invest more effort into restoring and promoting them.
The Municipality of Monchique is an altogether popular tourist attraction for Westerners, featuring a historic center and spectacular views over the hills and hot sulfur springs typical of the region. The flora of the region is also a wonder, with cork oaks, oranges, olives and lemons along with chestnuts and eucalyptus.
During a visit to the Algarve southern Portuguese region, it is worth tasting the rural life of such a place like Monchique and its surrounding villages, because they closely depict the simplicity and beauty of life lived long ago. For more accessibility while there, you can book a car in the Algarve and enjoy driving.
