A Fabulous Bike Trip and Sunday Morning Coffee

Today is the last day of our most incredible adventure this year, a Backroads bike trip through Portugal’s Alentejo and Algarve regions.

Traveling with my sister Jeni and her husband Tom, and their two friends Scott and Kim, made it even more special. We also met fifteen new friends along the way in our Backroads group who quickly felt like family. While the only real challenge was the heat (our first afternoon ride was 96 degrees, and the second day it was 98 … whew!), the trip itself was magical from beginning to end.

A man and a woman stand side by side outdoors on a sunny day, smiling at the camera. The man wears sunglasses and a pink shirt; the woman wears a teal patterned blouse.

Season 5 Volume 37

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

Collage with a cozy interior featuring a dining area, kitchen, and coffee-themed text: "Sunday Morning Coffee.

About Me

A narrow cobblestone alley with white walls, a street lamp, and distant countryside visible under a clear sky in the background.

Our Backroads Bike Trip in Portugal

Starting in Lisbon

Four adults stand outdoors on a tiled walkway, smiling at the camera and linking arms. One woman has a pink cloth tied around her ankle. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

The trip began in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, where old-world charm meets cosmopolitan culture. Lisbon is one of those cities that immediately makes you feel like you’ve stepped into history, yet at the same time, it’s vibrant, modern, and full of energy. From the colorful tiled facades to the bustling cafés, it set the stage perfectly for the week ahead.

Outdoor café with several people sitting at tables under umbrellas along a yellow wall, on a cobblestone street with a railing in the foreground.

We spent a few days in Lisbon acclimating to the climate and time change, which was so fun exploring the cobblestone streets. The highlight was an afternoon tour with Eating Europe, and we loved it!

Unfortunately, my sister had a bit of a mishap with a curb and sprained her ankle badly on the first day! We were all worried about how that would impact our upcoming bike trip. Yikes!

After two days in Lisbon, we gathered with our group and drove into the heart of the Alentejo region, a landscape full of rolling hills, olive groves, and cork oak trees. The scenery was breathtaking and completely different from what we’re used to at home. It was clear from the start that this trip would be equal parts adventure, culture, and beauty.

Days 1–2: Cycling Through Alentejo

Two cyclists wearing helmets and sunglasses stand side by side in front of a white wall with blue trim. Both are smiling, and bicycles are visible in the background.

View from a balcony overlooking a narrow street lined with red-roofed buildings, with a distant bridge and cityscape visible under a clear sky.

Our first rides took us past endless vineyards, cork trees, and fields dotted with olive groves. The Alentejo is often called the “breadbasket” of Portugal, and it’s easy to see why—the land feels both vast and fertile, with agriculture woven into every view.

We had the unique chance to learn about Portugal’s thriving cork industry. With a local guide, we discovered how cork is harvested and processed—a tradition that has supported this region for centuries. I’ll never look at a wine cork the same way again!

Another highlight was a walking tour of the hilltop town of Monsaraz, led by an archaeologist whose passion brought the village’s rich past to life. Monsaraz is perched high above the surrounding plains, and the views seemed to stretch forever. That night, we gathered for a traditional Alentejo-style dinner, full of bold flavors and local wines.

Stone archway entrance with cobblestone street leading to whitewashed buildings under a clear sky, viewed in warm sunlight.

Our home base for the first two nights was São Lourenço do Barrocal, a gorgeous countryside estate that felt both rustic and luxurious. Nestled among vineyards and ancient olive trees, it was the perfect spot to unwind after long rides.

Day 3: Pottery, and Évora

View from a balcony overlooking patterned tiled buildings, windows, and a tree, with clothes drying on a line and a clear blue sky.

A narrow cobblestone street with white walls on both sides, leading towards historic buildings under warm sunlight, with a stone wall and greenery on the right.

On the third day, we continued our journey deeper into Alentejo. This region is famous for its terra-cotta pottery, and we admired the warm, earthy tones everywhere we went. Lunch was a picnic at a family-run herdade, or farmhouse, where we tasted fresh cheeses, cured meats, and breads that made me want never to leave Portugal.

Fortunately, my sister Jeni was able to get on a bike and join us for the rides!

A sign reading “nélia patalim Portugal” next to four decorative pots and a wooden plaque with “Nélia Patalim” handwritten on it, all mounted on a light green wall.

A man stands at a worktable with rows of clay cups and pots, explaining pottery-making; a large chunk of clay and pottery tools are also on the table.

We also visited a family-owned pottery factory, which was so incredible! We learned about the four generations who have run this business, and their pottery was beautiful.

Six adults stand together smiling in front of ancient stone columns and a stone wall, posing outdoors on a sunny day. — Jeni, Tom, Kim, Scott, me, and Dave

A cobblestone square with outdoor café seating and people, bordered by historic white buildings and a large church with two towers in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Outdoor restaurant tables set along a narrow cobblestone street with people dining, surrounded by white buildings with balconies under a partly cloudy sky.

From there, we biked toward Évora, the capital of Alentejo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Évora is a city steeped in history, with Roman ruins, a beautiful cathedral, and lively squares filled with university students. Wandering its cobblestone streets felt like stepping back in time.

A view of a church interior with ornate altar, arched ceiling, gold decorations, tiled floor, wooden pews, and a few people inside.

That night, we stayed at the Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa, a 15th-century convent turned luxury hotel. Sleeping in such a historic place was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and a gorgeous cathedral located in the hotel! It was the perfect mix of history and comfort.

Days 4–6: Into the Algarve

Two cyclists wearing helmets and sunglasses stand with their bikes on a seaside promenade, with a sandy beach and blue sky in the background.

Arriving near the coast, we biked along a beachside boardwalk, and cycled on rural roads
passing through traditional fishing villages and beautiful residential areas. Viewpoints with stunning cliffs and gorgeous expanses of glittering sea were a wonderful backdrop to our rides. . We enjoyed visiting the blissfully peaceful and historical town of Silves, the old Moorish capital of the Algarve, where we dined on fresh produce and Portuguese specialties.

Two people in athletic wear stand on a wooden deck by the seaside with rocky cliffs and a sandy beach in the background on a sunny day.

We stayed at the W Algarve, a property perched right above the beach. After long rides, relaxing by the pool with a glass of Portuguese wine felt like pure heaven.

This morning, we will take a peaceful loop ride near our hotel, enjoying the fresh air and views of the rugged Atlantic.

This week has been remarkable … quiet, scenic, and reflective of everything we loved about this trip: the mix of culture, nature, food, and friendship.

Reflections on the Trip

Two women stand outdoors holding glasses of white wine, smiling at the camera. Ivy-covered walls and greenery are visible in the background.

Looking back, I think what made this Backroads trip so special wasn’t just the beautiful scenery or the incredible food (though both were unforgettable!). It was the people. Sharing this adventure with Jeni, Tom, Kim, and Scott made it extra meaningful, and our group of 15 new friends turned the week into a true community. Every dinner, every ride, every toast at the end of the day felt like we were building something together—memories that will last a lifetime.

Three women wearing cycling helmets and sunglasses stand outdoors, smiling at the camera. One wears a bright yellow top, while the others wear a patterned jacket and a light green shirt.

Of course, the heat was our biggest challenge. Biking in 96 – 98 degrees is no joke! (The weather was a complete surprise and not expected.) Once we made it to the coast, the temperatures dropped twenty degrees, and the biking was so much more enjoyable.

Close-up view of a cobblestone pavement with a mix of light beige and dark gray stones set in dirt.

The only other thing I struggled with was the traditional cobblestone roads, which are found everywhere in Portugal. They made the rides quite bumpy, which is commonly referred to as the “Portuguese massage”.

Why We Love Backroads

This was our third Backroads adventure, and once again it reminded me why we love traveling this way. Every detail is thought through—the routes, the hotels, the food, the cultural experiences—and the leaders are amazing. You can truly relax and immerse yourself in the trip, knowing that everything is taken care of.

Biking through Portugal gave us a perspective we never could have had from a bus or car. We felt the wind on our faces, smelled the orange blossoms, and experienced the rhythm of life in these small villages. It was active, immersive travel at its very best.

A Journey to Remember

Our Portugal bike trip was everything I hoped it would be and more. From the rolling vineyards of Alentejo to the cliffs of the Algarve, we saw Portugal in the most beautiful way possible—on two wheels.

Traveling with family, making new friends, eating incredible food, and exploring such a special country made this trip unforgettable. Even the heat couldn’t dampen our spirits! I know we’ll be talking about this adventure for years to come.

COOLIFE Hardsided Luggage 3 Piece Set

16 Pack Travel Bottles Set – TSA Approved

European Travel Plug Adapter

A woman in Portugal wears a long, light beige open-front cardigan over a white blouse and black pants, with one hand in her pocket.

Womens Long Cardigan Sweaters

ON Women’s Cloud 5 Sneakers

Woman in Portugal wearing a tan hooded raincoat over a striped shirt and blue jeans, holding a black handbag, photographed from mid-thigh up.

SaphiRose Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket

My Latest Project

As most of you know, I started a fun series called A Handmade Christmas, which is sixteen weeks of new handmade Christmas crafts. I am posting each one, every Friday, until Christmas.

Traveling to Portugal last week left me with a lot of free time, so I thought it made sense to spend a few hours, or a lot of hours, coming up with new ideas for my Christmas crafts.

I must have been in the holiday spirit while traveling over the Atlantic, because I now have 26 ideas. And I want to make them all.

I’m unsure what to do about this, but it is a problem.

Hmmm.

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

A wall-mounted metal rack, perfect for gift wrapping, organizes various rolls of ribbon on three rods, with two pairs of scissors hanging from hooks below.

ribbon rack

Stacked blank gift tags with a scalloped edge and punched holes, perfect for adding a personalized touch to your gift wrapping, accompanied by a bundle of jute twine.

Paper Gift Tags

Five rolls of sheer ribbon in maroon, red, green, teal, and gold are elegantly arranged in a row, perfect for adding a touch of flair to gift wrapping.

5 Rolls Holiday Color Organza Ribbon

A roll of red metallic adhesive vinyl, perfect for gift wrapping, partially unrolled on a white surface.

Red Metallic Wrapping Paper, XL Roll

A set of wooden stamps with holiday designs, such as a snowflake, reindeer, Santa, tree, and snowman, perfect for adding charm to your gift wrapping. Each stamp leaves a beautiful impression in gold wax, making every present feel extra special.

Christmas Wax Seal Stamp Set

A gray tape dispenser with a roll of clear tape, perfect for gift wrapping, featuring a serrated cutting edge.

Wrap Buddies

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

That’s an easy one. It was the heat this week in Portugal.

For the first five days of our trip, the temperatures were in the high nineties.

And even with an ebike, it’s hot.

The temps were unexpected, but by the fourth day, things cooled, and the cycling became so much more fun! Thank heavens.

Enjoy our last week as we head up to Porto, Portugal.
Try not to buy too much pottery in Portugal. As you know, I make my own ceramic pottery every week.
Stop looking for Christmas craft inspirations! (See above)

A wooden bowl with a garland of acorn-shaped decorations made from brown caps and white felt balls, displayed on a white surface.

How to Make Beautiful Fall Decor with Acorns

Street lined with trees in autumn colors, with brick buildings and small shops on the right side, and empty sidewalks and road.

If you are a Gilmore Girls fan, you will love 7 Small Towns to Visit This Fall That Feel Just Like Stars Hollow

A glass bottle with a metal pour spout containing red liquid sits next to a glass of pink drink with ice on a white surface.

All I can say is yum! This Raspberry Syrup looks amazing.

Single-story house with a covered front porch, two rocking chairs, and a neatly maintained lawn bordered by a sidewalk and trees.

This is a good read! I’ll Never Regret Selling My House to Go Back to Renting — Here’s Why

A Halloween-themed flat lay features cozy items like a pumpkin, skincare products, and dried flowers, overlaid with text offering Halloween boo basket ideas for women.

17 Chic Boo Basket Ideas That Your Girlfriends, Moms, and Co-Workers Will Love

Two rectangular woven wicker baskets with scalloped edges and built-in handles, stacked one above the other. — StorageWorks Scalloped Wicker Basket

Two olive green ceramic bowls with a beaded rim design, shown from a top and side angle.

Creative Co-Op Hobnail Terra-cotta Decorative Bowl, Green

Six decorative fabric pumpkins in various shades of green, gray, orange, yellow, and white, each with a textured surface and a brown stem, arranged in two rows.

Creative Co-Op Bouclé Velvet Pumpkin Holiday Decor

And what a week it was!

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