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May 2023
After four days of nonstop adventure, we decided it was time to take it easy and savor the finer things in life. Day 5 in Portugal was all about relaxation, good food, and soaking in the beauty of our surroundings. Here’s how it went down.
Morning Tranquility: Rota das Adelfeiras Trail Run
After sleeping in, we kicked off our day with a peaceful trail run along the Rota das Adelfeiras. This was in the same mountains as yesterdays run, just a different trail. Surrounded by lush greenery and the crisp morning air, it was the perfect way to clear our minds and connect with nature. It’s so awesome how we can walk right from our hotel room to the trail!
Breakfast Bliss at VilaFoia
After working up an appetite, we returned to our charming hotel, Vila Foia, for a breakfast that can only be described as heavenly. Freshly brewed coffee, fluffy pastries, and so much fresh fruit and vegetables. We were blown away by how amazing the breakfast was, especially considering it was included in our room price.
Relaxing morning on the balcony
We spent the next few hours reading on the balcony and soaking in the views from VilaFoia. Have I mentioned how much we loved staying at VilaFoia?! The peaceful mountain scenery was the perfect backdrop, making it easy to unwind and appreciate the moment. It was exactly the kind of relaxing afternoon we needed after our first four days of nonstop adventure.
Exploring the town of Monchique
Well, if you’ve followed me for a while, you probably knew we wouldn’t last long when it came to relaxing. Feeling rejuvenated, we ventured into the nearby town of Monchique to explore its quaint streets and charming shops. From artisanal crafts to local delicacies, there was no shortage of treasures to discover. We wandered leisurely, taking in the sights and sounds of this picturesque town.
Café Vintage Monchique
For a quick snack, we found ourselves at Café Vintage Monchique, a cozy spot with great tapas and wine. We indulged in fresh vegetables, paired with glasses of crisp wine that perfectly complemented the flavors of the region. After a few tapas, we made our way through the streets of Monchique stopping at a few cute stores along the way.
Lunch at VeloChique
For lunch, we made our way to VeloChique, a charming café known for its refreshing cocktails and healthy salads. We lounged on the outdoor terrace, sipping on margaritas and an aperol spritz and soaking in the warm sunshine.
Dinner Delight at Luar da Foia
To end our day, we treated ourselves to dinner at Luar da Foia, the most popular restaurant in the area.
The great part about it is that it’s a gorgeous 20-minute walk from VilaFoia. As you stroll, you pass through beautiful streets lined with vibrant flowers, fruit trees, and stunning views.
Set against the backdrop of the setting sun, we enjoyed the best pork we’ve ever had, accompanied by hearty sides of charcuterie, mushrooms, potatoes, shrimp, and a couple of bottles of their delicious house red wine.
It was a meal fit for royalty! We savored every bite as we reflected on the incredible journey we had embarked on over the past five days. Then, of course, we convinced them to let us buy a case of their house wine because we loved it so much!
As the day came to a close, we made our way back, swaying from the wine and laughter shared over dinner. Day 5 in Portugal had been all about relaxation, indulgence, and appreciating the simple pleasures. From a peaceful morning run to incredible food and stunning views. It was a day that reminded us to slow down, breathe, and savor each moment as it came.
On day six (our final day), we’ll be visiting a winery and slowly making our way back to Lisbon—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!
