Nestled in the tree-clad hills of the Algarve, Monchique is a picturesque town known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of community that runs deep. At the helm of this charming enclave is a mayor whose dedication resonates through the winding streets and lively markets.
With a passion that reverberates in his every word, Paulo Alves embodies a profound love for his hometown. “It was a challenge for a person born in Monchique who loves Monchique. Who has Monchique in his heart,” he declares, underlining the personal connection that fuels his commitment to the town. In a world often characterised by indifference and distance, this mayor stands as a resolute guardian of Monchique’s heritage and future. His mission is clear: to unite the community, advocate for their interests and fiercely protect what makes Monchique unique in this vast and sometimes problematic world.
A new era for Monchique
In a significant political shift, Socialist Paulo Alves of the PS party triumphed in the 2021 Monchique city council elections, capturing an impressive 49.61% of the vote and declaring, “Let’s work together, let’s all build a better Monchique.” This victory ended a 12-year reign of the PSD party, reflecting public support for Alves’s efforts during his years in opposition. “This win is a victory for the people of Monchique who recognised our hard work over the last four years,” he said after the election.
From banking to politics
Paulo, a former bank manager, had never envisioned life in politics. “I was comfortably settled in my career,” he admitted. However, encouragement from those around him sparked a desire to serve his community. “In Portuguese, the word is desassossegar; it means unsettling. It awoke something in me,” he explained.
When discussing his political beliefs, Paulo emphasises a humanist ideology aligned with the Socialist Party’s values: “Freedom, equality, respect and tolerance are essential. I believe society evolves through cooperation rather than competition. With competition, someone invariably loses. Cooperation allows all of us to win.”
Transitioning from banking to the mayoral office came with challenges, but Paulo saw his previous experience as invaluable. “Working in the bank familiarised me with various societal realities – families, businesses and local issues. That background prepares you for public service,” he explained.
Rooted in Monchique
Born in Monchique in 1970, Paulo Alves had a childhood marked by rural life. He recalls the simplicity of his early years: “I remember my first day at school – it was cold and raining, and the teacher welcomed us with a warm fire built on the floor of an adjoining room. We had no paved roads, no basic sanitation and no heating apart from that fireplace.”
Paulo went to the town once a week, usually on Sunday, when local families came together to attend Mass on dirt roads and tracks. There were only a few cars. He expresses nostalgia for a time when the countryside was vibrant with life. “Many families have left, and Monchique has seen a significant population decline. Depopulation poses a major challenge; the community must focus on retaining and attracting residents, especially young people.”
I am impressed by the ambition and scale of the projects that the mayor manages, from ecology to fire risks and promoting local gastronomy. So, what does this hard-working public servant do to relax?
“Well, life as a mayor fills most of my time – even weekends. I can tell you that I’ve only managed to take 20 days’ holiday in the three years I’ve been here, though I’m entitled to 30 days’ holiday a year. Of course, my family suffers a bit as a result. But I try to maintain a balance in my life and also give my family the proper attention. I try to go to the gym twice a week. I also have a bit of land in the countryside and I entertain myself with the chainsaw, brushcutter, cleaning, etc. And then I also devote a bit of time to my family. I really like visiting the Costa Vicentina. The beaches fascinate me, especially Carriagem and Monte Clérigo. Oh yes. I also get invited to a lot of social events.”
Revitalising the region
What inspires Paulo to get up in the morning? His motivation stems from a genuine desire to contribute positively to society. He navigates the complexities of public service with a clear understanding of its challenges.
“I think it’s the feeling that I’m making a useful contribution to society, which isn’t easy these days. There’s a lot of misinformation; people live very much in the realm of perceptions, and some like to cause confusion. The process of public work is very complex. There are a lot of rules, but it’s very satisfying to be able to idealise a project and then complete it and put it to the service of the people. That’s one of the things that satisfies me the most.”
Under Paulo’s leadership, Monchique has started a remarkable project – the Barranco do Demo walkway, a project of the Alferce Parish Council, with strong support from the Town Council, funded by the European Union through the Algarve 2020 programme. This attraction includes an exciting suspension bridge and a viewpoint overlooking Alferce Castle, attracting visitors and increasing local income. “It has breathed new life into one of our oldest villages,” he remarked.
Alves aims to diversify tourism while respecting the environment. The next projects to be opened to the public, such as the service areas for motorhomes in Alferce and Marmelete, promoted by the respective Parish Councils with support from the Municipality and EU funds from the Algarve 2020 programme, are designed to promote sustainable tourism.
Despite its dilapidated state, the convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro holds great historical significance. While the local council lacks sufficient funds for restoration, it is included in the Revive Programme, which encourages private investment in its renovation. “This listing allows us to attract interest and investment while ensuring public benefit,” the mayor stated.
Addressing water shortages
With climate change posing significant threats to water supplies, Paulo recognises the seriousness of the water scarcity issue affecting Monchique and the region due to low levels in the Odelouca and Bravura dams in Odiáxere. ‘We all have to work collectively and individually to conserve water. The Algarve is prone to drought, but Monchique benefits from comparatively higher rainfall,’ he emphasised.
Thanks to EU-funded initiatives, Monchique has been working to increase groundwater availability since the 1995 drought, incorporating sustainable practices for long-term water management and upgrading pipelines to reduce losses. “We don’t currently foresee any significant water supply problems, but we have to use this resource wisely,” he added.
Combating wildfires
Among Monchique’s most pressing issues are summer fires, particularly after the devastating forest fires of 2018. Paulo highlights that a large portion of the municipality is forested, increasing the risk.
“Monchique, with its dense forests covering 80 per cent of the area, faces a significant fire risk inherent to its Mediterranean climate. We created the Municipal Civil Protection Service to reinforce fire safety, improving coordination between emergency services. We also created a Rural Development Division and a Forestry Technical Office. Of particular note is the revitalisation of the Municipal Heliport – an abandoned project, but now fully operational thanks to a cross-border initiative, the CILIFO project, funded by the European Union. This 2 million euro project, which is supported by the EU to the tune of 50 per cent, not only strengthens our firefighting capabilities but also improves the well-being of the community, as demonstrated by its recent use by INEM to assist a person in distress. With these initiatives, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our community and, at the same time, optimising our resources for the various needs.”
The câmara is also active in preventive measures, supporting local clubs and associations in managing fuel by clearing paths in hunting reserves and promoting reforestation efforts to plant fire-resistant species. “This approach is essential for safeguarding our community,” he said.
Another aspect of this initiative is the Village Condominium project, which aims to combat the risk of fire in residential areas. “We’ve created six village condominiums,” says Paulo, the project’s coordinator. Financed by the Environmental Fund and the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR Environmental Fund), this plan strategically removes invasive species of shrubs and eucalyptus, creating fuel management strips around the communities and replacing them with species more suited to the Mediterranean climate.
Conservation breathing new life
The Integrated Landscape Management Operation – Monchique Pilot Area (OIGP-APM) is a pioneering initiative that will redefine the future of local landscapes. Launched in 2025, this ambitious project represents a significant initial investment of around 2.4 million euros, funded by the RRP, with the aim of transforming the region into a vibrant tapestry of ecological harmony and sustainable development. With forest fires becoming an ever-increasing threat, this initiative is at the forefront of safeguarding local ecosystems while defending economic resilience.
“The importance of enhancing local ecosystems – revitalising watercourses, nurturing adjacent habitats, reinforcing biodiversity, and implementing robust environmental conservation practices – is vital,” emphasises the mayor, underscoring a vision rooted in sustainability.
Spanning an impressive 1,217.90 hectares within the municipality, the OIGP-APM is the fruit of a collaborative effort led by the Monchique Local Development Association (AMCV) alongside the local council and the expert consultants at Geo21.
Ryanair’s innovative carbon offsetting initiative is also breathing new life into the Monchique region, while planting thousands of trees and fighting climate change. In partnership with GEOTA, the Algarve Tourism Board, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests and Monchique Town Council, this project has successfully planted approximately 384,000 native trees and supported around 60 landowners in the area.
The initiative aims to restore the habitats affected by the 2018 fire by replacing invasive species such as eucalyptus and acacia with native varieties such as the endangered Monchique oak, cork oak, strawberry tree, chestnut and ash. This will increase biodiversity and revitalise the local ecology.
Another project that is making waves in conservation is Life-Relic. This initiative aims to preserve the relics of the continental laurel forest, protecting unique habitats with ancient plant species that once thrived in these native forests throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Among these treasures are the Portuguese laurel and the adelfeira (Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum). These species are found in special areas of conservation, such as the stunning Foia area in Monchique.
Together, these efforts are forging a path toward a more sustainable future for the people of Monchique and the planet.
Community safety and engagement
In the heart of a once-thriving municipality, a troubling trend reveals itself: population desertion. This shift leaves vast stretches of land untended and vulnerable, contributing indirectly to the increasing risk of wildfires. “Is the population still decreasing here?” I asked.
“Surprisingly, we have seen a rise in school enrollment,” Paulo responded, his eyes lighting up. “This increase in students means families are starting to find our town more appealing, which could mark a significant turning point in our struggle against depopulation.”
I asked him if a man born and raised in Monchique would welcome a foreign invasion. “Without a doubt, they bring a new perspective,” he insisted. “Historically, foreigners have been attracted to areas such as Montinho, Belém and Alferce, which the locals have long since vacated. Many of them started settling here in the 60s and 70s, mainly for holiday homes. Today, they are looking for places that the locals have vacated and for a deeper connection with nature and a quieter lifestyle. Of course, we welcome them.”
As these new residents flock to these tranquil landscapes, their presence invigorates the community. However, it is crucial that they respectfully embrace their new home. The challenge lies not only in attracting new residents but also in finding a harmonious balance that nurtures both the land and the community. Different nationalities, and languages and remote communities also provide a challenge when protecting the community against fire risks.
The Aldeia Segura Pessoas Seguras (Safe Village Safe People) initiative encourages residents to prepare for potential fire scenarios in order to further strengthen community safety. Each community appoints its own liaison officer, which means that in the event of a fire, the community has its own procedures in place and is able to react without delay. Educational materials on fire prevention are available in several languages to accommodate Monchique’s diverse population, including tourists.
Celebrating local culture
Paulo’s team recognises the importance of local crafts and gastronomy in Monchique’s identity. The Association of Artisans (N’ArteCicus) is supported by the municipality and showcases local handmade goods in its permanent exhibition space in Fóia.
The gastronomy and the many restaurants offering local delicacies such as poco preto, local sausages (enchidos), cheeses and desserts mean that at the weekend, most local restaurants are full.
The câmara has worked hard to organise events that bring together all its attractions and help people discover its charms. Perhaps the most visible is Vamos à Vila, an event which started in 2022 with the aim of attracting local residents and tourists into Monchique. As well as non-stop music and entertainment, there are plenty of stalls to visit, including those selling handicrafts, traditional food and local products such as medronho brandy, honey, traditional sausages, etc.
Another interesting development for the region is the fact that the Portuguese government has started the public consultation process to inscribe the local dessert Bolo de Tacho on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an initiative of the Monchique Parish Council, which Paulo and his colleagues fully support. Bolo de Tacho, also known as Bolo de Maio or Bolo de Milho, is a sweet typical of the gastronomy of Monchique, the municipality where the recipe and the confection originate.
Looking to the future
Will the pursuit of public service encourage Paulo to stand for re-election? “That’s a decision for my party, the PS. But it’s the first mandate, so it’s very natural that we’ll continue for the second term as a team. One of the things I enjoy most is working as a team. I don’t like excessive individualism. Together, we can achieve much more. We have to count on everyone to be able to improve our path.”
As he considers his political future, Paulo’s commitment is clearly rooted in teamwork and collaboration rather than personal accolades. His vision for Monchique, built on a foundation of collective effort, suggests that the community has exciting possibilities ahead.
A modern mayor
Paulo Alves embodies the dedication and commitment required of a modern mayor. His focus extends beyond governance to address critical issues such as ecology, fire risks and the promotion of local gastronomy, demonstrating his multifaceted approach to leadership. Despite the demanding nature of his role, which leaves him with only minimal personal time, he strives to maintain a balance between his public responsibilities and family life.
The journey of public service is not without its trials, but with leaders like Paulo Alves at the helm, Monchique’s future looks bright.
