The town of Monchique is with a few exceptions untouched by the 20th Century invasion of tourism. it lies between two high hills, Foia and Picota, the former reaching to 902 metres above sea level. The surrounding area flourishes on the production of cattle, pigs, cork and wood. Another important local product is the popular "medronho", the name of a strong schnapps type drink made from distilling the fruit from arbutus bushes. Foia and its sister mountain of Picota at 774 metres provide dramatic views of the coastal plain to the south and to the western Atlantic coast. |
