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May 2023
Seriously, what the fuck—Portugal just keeps getting more incredible! Day 4 was full of jaw-dropping moments, from insane sunrises to mountain runs and stunning beaches. This country just doesn’t quit with the magic. Here’s what day 4 looked like!
A beautiful morning at VilaFoia
One of my favorite travel thrills is arriving somewhere at night, then waking up to a jaw-dropping view—and VilaFoia offered just that. We woke up to the most beautiful sunrise that painted the sky with shades of gold and pink.
Lying there in that beautiful room, we couldn’t help but think, “Wow, we’re so lucky to be here and we definitely picked the right place to stay!” The peaceful mountains and beautiful room set the perfect tone for the day’s adventures ahead.
Monchique Mountains Foia Trail Run
All credit to my husband for this idea: we decided to head out for a trail run through the Monchique Mountains to get some fresh mountain air. Although I might’ve opted for a lazy morning in bed or on the balcony, the Foia Trail promised beautiful views and a great workout—and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
With each step, we felt more connected to the rugged landscape around us. Monchique is known for its retreats and healing energy, and being there, it was easy to see why. This area felt very restorative and grounding. It was the perfect way to start the day, a reminder of how nature can inspire and energize us
Exploring the Coastal Wonders of Lagos
After working up an appetite on the trails, we enjoyed breakfast at VilaFoia, before we made our way to Lagos. Lagos is a coastal town known for its stunning beaches and picturesque scenery.
Our first stop was Praia do Camilo, a hidden gem (though not so hidden in recent years) tucked between towering cliffs and turquoise waters. It’s one of those beaches you can hardly believe exists! We didn’t expect to spend much time in our bathing suits since it was early May, but luckily, a heat wave hit just as we arrived. By noon, it was already pretty busy, but there were still plenty of spots to enjoy the beach.
Jake snapped this photo of me on our way back to the car, and I think it’s my favorite photo from the trip!
Lunch with a view at Luca’s Rooftop
After hanging out at the beach for a couple of hours, we looked in the area to see if there was any great lunch places. I got really excited when we saw that Luca’s Rooftop was just a short walk away from where we had parked our car. We made our way there and learned that we should have made a reservation, but luckily they had a spot for us. To be honest, the host was extremely rude, but I think he was just super stressed, so I hope you don’t have that experience. This is such a beautiful restaurant with an awesome view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
We enjoyed a simple yet tasty meal—white wine, mackerel pâté, fresh tuna, and for dessert, a zesty orange and lime cake that was the perfect ending to the meal.
Just a short walk down from Luca’s Rooftop, you can enjoy the breathtaking viewpoint looking over Praia da Dona Ana and the Atlantic Ocean. SO DAMN BEAUTIFUL!
Exploring the streets of Lagos
Next, we wandered through the lively streets of Lagos, with its cobblestone lanes and colorful buildings covered in detailed tile work.
We found some cute pottery shops, each one filled with unique, handmade pieces.
The town had plenty of little cafes and quirky shops to explore. With that being said, I’m glad we ate at Luca’s Rooftop—Lagos had that busy, cruise-stop vibe, fun for a quick stroll but a bit crowded.
Pimento da Rosa
After a hot day of exploring Lagos, we started our journey back to Monchique. Our hosts recommended we eat at Pimento da Rosa, a local hotspot known for its refreshing caipirinhas and laid-back vibe.
We had a great meal here- jalapeno poppers, their catch of the day, pork, and probably the best caipirinha I’ve ever had!
As we sipped our drinks, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the day’s adventures and the memories we made. As I keep saying, Portugal just keeps getting better and better! Our fourth day here was just absolutely beautiful! We packed in a lot with enjoy the mountains, beaches, exploring Lago, and so much incredible food and drink. Very tired, we made our way back to VilaFoia and can’t wait for more a relaxing day tomorrow.
On day five, we’ll be relaxing and exploring the town of Monchique—so stay tuned for all the details! In the meantime, feel free to explore my other blog posts here for more travel inspiration and tips!
