As our time in Portugal draws to a close, Day 6 brings a mix of emotions – sadness to leave, but gratitude for the unforgettable memories we’ve made along the way. Here’s a glimpse into our last day in this magical country.
Morning Farewell to VilaFoia
Waking up to our final morning at Vila Foia felt bittersweet. The mountains of Monchique had become our home away from home, and the tranquility of this picturesque setting had captured our hearts. I’m pretty sure I looked out this window a thousand times as I packed. Taking the last few moments to soak in the beauty of our surroundings and feeling grateful for the memories we had created here.
Wine Tasting and Tour at Arvad Wine in Estombar
To toast to our last day in Portugal, we chose to partake on an incredible wine tasting journey at Arvad Wine in Estombar.
Located in the heart of the Algarve, this family-owned winery provided a fascinating look into the rich history and traditions of Portuguese winemaking. They also shared some amazing insights into the history of Estombar, adding an extra layer of depth to the experience. From crisp whites to bold reds, each sip told a story of the land and the people who tended to its vines. It was a perfect reflection of the culinary delights Portugal had shared with us throughout our week here. We purchased their tasting and charcuterie option and it was absolutely delicious!
We were then given a tour and were blown away by the passion and care that went into every bottle. The vineyard’s stunning views, paired with the rich history behind each wine, made the experience unforgettable. It was clear that this family’s dedication to their craft was what made their wines stand out. We left with full hearts and a few bottles to bring home.
A quick stop to Parchal to visit Conserveria do Arade
After explaining to the winery, how much we loved the canned fish we’ve had in Algarve, we found out that it was just a ten-minute drive from Estombar! So, of course, we had to make a quick stop in Parchal to visit Conserveria do Arade. It was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up, and we were excited to see where the magic behind those delicious sardines happens. It ended up being so worth it, and we bought many types of canned fish to bring home with us!
Return to Lisbon and Hotel Mundial for sunset
With hearts full of memories and suitcases packed with souvenirs, we said goodbye to Algrave and made our way back to Lisbon for one last night in the city. It’s about 2.5 hours from Estombar to Lisbon. Our home for the evening was Hotel Mundial, a stylish hotel in the heart of Lisbon’s historic center.
With its central location and panoramic views of the city, it was the perfect place to end our journey on a high note. They have an amazing rooftop bar, so be sure to head up there and enjoy the sunset just like we did—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Delicious Indian dinner at Oven Lisboa
For our final dinner in Portugal, we were craving a change from Portuguese food and decided to try Oven Lisboa, which came highly recommended for its Indian cuisine. We enjoyed a delicious mix of fish and curry that hit the spot perfectly. Seriously, some of the best Indian food we’ve ever had! It was the perfect way to end our trip with flavors that offered a nice contrast to the traditional Portuguese dishes we’d been enjoying all week.
Sweet Endings at La Romana Galicia
While looking at Google maps, I discovered one of my favorite Italian gelato spots was just around the corner, so we couldn’t resist stopping by. We treated ourselves to one last sweet indulgence at La Romana Galicia, a cozy gelateria famous for its amazing gelato and decadent chocolates. I got their cinnamon and chocolate gelatos, and they were so delicious. It was the perfect way to wrap up our dreamy vacation in Portugal!
As we reflect on our time in Portugal, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences and memories we’ve made. From the stunning views in Monchique, to the coast of Algarve, to exploring the lively streets of Lisbon, each day brought something special. We’ve savored delicious food, soaked in breathtaking landscapes, and connected with the warmth of the people. Portugal has truly captured our hearts, and we know it won’t be our last visit. Until next time, Portugal. Obrigado for everything.
That’s a wrap on our week-long stay in Portugal! While we know we barely scratched the surface, this itinerary is the perfect introduction for anyone visiting Portugal for the first time. From the stunning landscapes to the delicious food and warm hospitality, it’s a journey that offers a little bit of everything. I can’t wait to come back and explore even more! Want to learn more about other trips? Please explore my other blog posts here for more travel inspiration and tips!
