A Trip to Portugal and Sunday Morning Coffee

This week, we’re embarking on a new adventure: a Backroads bike trip through Portugal, taking us to the Algarve & Alentejo regions.

We have traveled all over Europe, but this is our first time in Portugal. I cannot wait to explore this stunning part of the world on two wheels and I promise I will share it with you. Thank you for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee today, where we share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

A townscape with colorful buildings, trees, and hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.

Season 5 Volume 36

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

About Me

Rows of palm trees and lounge chairs reflected in a calm pool at sunset, with umbrellas and a few people silhouetted against the sky.

Our Upcoming Adventure: Portugal’s Algarve & Alentejo Biking Trip

We are in Portugal for two weeks, and the first week is another Backroads Trip. For those who aren’t familiar, Backroads specializes in active travel experiences, and their biking trips are legendary. This itinerary caught my eye the moment I saw it—rolling vineyards, whitewashed villages, coastal cliffs, and some of the most beautiful hotels in Portugal.

And the best part? We’ll be exploring it all at the perfect pace … on bikes.

Where We’re Visiting

A map of southern Portugal showing a travel route from Lisbon to Sagres, Portimao, Monchique, Evora, Monsaraz, and Alqueva, with the Costa Vicentina National Park highlighted.

The Algarve and Alentejo are two of Portugal’s most breathtaking regions, each offering something different.

Algarve: Known for its dramatic golden cliffs, turquoise waters, and charming fishing towns. It’s the Portugal you see on postcards, and I can’t wait to ride along the coast and take in the views.
Alentejo: Often called Portugal’s “Tuscany,” this region is filled with rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and medieval hilltop villages. It’s quieter and more rustic than the Algarve, which makes it the perfect balance for our trip.

Along the way, we’ll be staying in some excellent hotels, think historic pousadas, luxury retreats, and boutique properties with local character. Backroads always curates excellent accommodations, so I know we’ll have wonderful places to relax after long rides.

Why E-Biking Makes It Even Better

Two cyclists in bright green jackets and helmets stand on a cliffside path overlooking a vast, green landscape with rolling hills and a cloudy sky.

One of the best parts of this trip is that we’ll be using e-bikes. If you haven’t tried one yet, let me say, it changes everything. E-bikes still give you the whole biking experience, but the electric assist helps you tackle long distances and steep climbs with ease.

Aerial view of a riverside town with white houses and red roofs, surrounded by hills, a fort, and a river running through the landscape under a partly cloudy sky.

Instead of dreading hills, you can enjoy the scenery and keep up your energy for the whole day. It means we’ll be able to cover more ground, ride through both coastal and inland landscapes, and still have plenty of energy left to enjoy evenings at the hotels.

Backroads offers both traditional and e-bikes, but I love knowing that with an e-bike, I can focus less on climbing painful hills and more on soaking up the beauty around me.

It’s a great workout and such a fun way to explore a country.

Why This Trip Feels Special

View of a European city street lined with colorful buildings, leafy green plants in the foreground, and a partly cloudy sky overhead.

For me, the best trips combine activity, culture, food, and relaxation—and this Portugal itinerary checks all the boxes. We’ll be cycling through historic villages, tasting regional wines, enjoying fresh seafood, and ending each day in a stunning hotel.

Just like last year, we are joining my sister Jeni and her husband Tom, along with some friends of theirs. I cannot wait!

It also feels like the perfect way to transition into fall. September in Portugal promises warm, sunny days without the heat of summer, and I can already picture the rides along the coast and through golden fields.

Most of all, I’m excited to unplug, move at the rhythm of the bike, and experience a new part of the world in such an immersive way.

I’ll be sharing updates along the way, but for now, I’m off to unpack my helmet and biking shoes. Portugal, we are here!

And I promise to let you know where we’re headed for the second half of our trip soon.

COOLIFE Hardsided Luggage 3 Piece Set

16 Pack Travel Bottles Set – TSA Approved

European Travel Plug Adapter

ON Women’s Cloud 5 Sneakers

Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag

Waterproof Rear Rack Bag for Bicycle

My Latest Project

Now that I am in Portugal, I can actually say that I have completed everything that needed to be done. If you read last week’s Sunday Morning Coffee post, then you are aware that I was buried with a massive list of projects I needed to complete before I left.

I spent hours in my craft room last week. (At least 25!) I had three A Handmade Christmas projects to finish and a lot of fall DIYs to complete. Plus, I finished 16 blog posts, so I can enjoy our vacation without worrying about the time change.

We’ll spend the first week on a bike trip near Lisbon, and then head to Porto for some fun exploring, wine tasting, and more. We have traveled to Europe many times, and yet this will be our first trip to Portugal. I am so excited.

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.

Imitation Leaf Gold Rose

Mod Podge

Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Assorted Colors

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

Person wearing a yellow cycling top, black helmet, and sunglasses stands indoors in Portugal, taking a mirror selfie with a bicycle and exercise equipment visible in the background.

The Challenge of Packing for a Bike Trip

Packing for a vacation is always a challenge, but packing for a bike trip in Portugal?

Let’s just say it’s the kind of event that could inspire its own sitcom. Between the biking gear, the sightseeing outfits, the “let’s-not-look-like-we-just-fell-off-a-bike” dinner clothes, and yes—the laptop that refuses to be left behind, it’s a delicate game of suitcase Jenga.

Here’s the reality: we’ll be moving to four different hotels, so everything needs to be compact and easy to manage. The dream is to look chic while dining out, comfortable while biking up a hill (thank you, e-bikes), and prepared for any weather Portugal decides to throw our way.

The reality is that I’ll probably be stuffing extra socks into my helmet to make everything fit.

And I should probably mention my husband has it worse. He is in Pinehurst for a golfing trip before he heads to Portugal. So had to pack golf and biking attire in one suitcase. Yikes!

The Gear Dilemma

A stack of bright yellow life jackets sits on a wooden coffee table in a modern, sunlit living room in Portugal, complete with a fireplace and large window. — Biking gear, but not everything is going in my suitcase!

First comes the biking gear. Jerseys, padded shorts, gloves, shoes, and of course, the all-important rain gear. The one time you decide to skip packing it? That’s when the skies open up and you’re pedaling through puddles like an extra in Singin’ in the Rain.

I should probably add that my biking gear is all neon yellow for safety. This means that using a biking jacket in the evening is not an option.

Tip: Roll your biking clothes and tuck them into gallon-sized zip bags. It saves space and makes it easy to find clean gear without turning your suitcase into a cycling yard sale.

A person in black cycling shorts with a side pocket holding a smartphone, shown from the back, enjoys a ride through sunny Portugal. — Women’s 4D Padded Bike Shorts

A person wearing a bright yellow short-sleeve cycling jersey with a front zipper and black cycling shorts, inspired by the vibrant cycling culture of Portugal, stands against a white background. — Women’s Cycling Jersey Workout Shirt

A person wearing a bright green hooded jacket with "BALEAF" printed on the back, perfect for breezy walks in Portugal; a matching compact pouch is shown in the corner. — Women’s Rain Jackets Waterproof Windbreaker

The “Normal Human” Clothes

A woman stands in a doorway with a suitcase, gazing outside toward a green lawn and parked cars, ready to begin her journey to Portugal.

Then there are the non-biking clothes. Sightseeing in Lisbon? Check. Exploring charming villages? Check. Dining at a nice restaurant? Definitely check.

The trick is finding outfits that don’t scream “I’ve just spent six hours in spandex.”

Tip: Pack versatile pieces such as black pants that work for sightseeing and dinners, a light sweater that layers for cool evenings, and comfortable shoes that won’t make you look like you’re sneaking in a bike ride between courses.

Woman wearing high-waisted, black, wide-leg trousers with side pockets and a white crop top, standing in heeled sandals—perfect for exploring the chic streets of Portugal. — Wide Leg Pants Women’s

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

A beige suede sneaker, crafted in Portugal, features a black wavy stripe, white laces, and a light brown rubber sole, shown from a side angle. — Madden Girl Women’s Giia Sneaker

The Weather Gamble

A woman with blonde hair wearing a beige button-up shirt stands and smiles in front of a glass-paned door, capturing the warm, relaxed spirit of Portugal.

Of course, there’s the weather. Portugal in September is generally sunny and gorgeous, but let’s be honest. Mother Nature has a sense of humor. That means packing for everything from balmy afternoons to surprise rain showers. Which means, yes, I’m bringing that rain jacket even if I never need it.

Tip: Check the forecast right before you leave, but always add one “just in case” layer. You’ll thank yourself later.

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

Women’s Long Hooded Rain Jacket

A woman in Portugal wears a black hooded raincoat over a striped shirt and blue jeans, holding a small black purse. — Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket

The Computer Conundrum

A woman stands indoors holding a large brown tote bag, wearing a beige blouse and pants, next to a wooden table on a hardwood floor.

And then there’s the laptop. I always tell myself I’ll unplug, but let’s be real: I’ll need it. I still have to schedule my blog posts every night and write a corresponding Instagram post. Packing a computer means giving up precious space that could have gone to, say, an extra pair of shoes. (Why is it always the shoes?)

Tip: Slip your computer into a padded sleeve and carry it in your backpack. That way, it doesn’t compete with the rest of your essentials for suitcase real estate.

Vandel Slim MacBook Pro 16 Inch Laptop Sleeve

Taygeer Travel Backpack for Women

Vandel – The Original Puffy Laptop Sleeve

Final Thoughts

Packing for a bike trip is part strategy, part comedy, and part wishful thinking. The trick is to balance function with flexibility. Roll your clothes, bring layers, embrace zip bags, and accept that no matter how carefully you pack, there will always be one item you forget. (My money’s on the sunglasses.)

At the end of the day, though, as long as you have your biking gear, a decent outfit for dinner, and maybe a dry pair of socks, you’re ready. And besides, Portugal awaits.

Who cares if my suitcase looks like it exploded?

Samsonite Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels

A stack of seven collapsible, transparent water storage containers with blue lids, alongside a white hand pump—perfect for camping trips in Portugal. — Amazon Basics Vacuum Compression Space Saving Storage Bags

Small Sling Crossbody Bags

Relax and enjoy our vacation in Portugal!
Soak in everything Portugal has to offer, from the sightseeing, food, wine, culture, and fabulous people.
Enjoy the food and wine because you can do that when you bike 30 – 40 miles a day!

A white bowl of dumplings in a creamy orange sauce with herbs, topped with chili oil, next to chopsticks and a jar of chili paste on a marble surface.

Oh goodness, these One-Pan Baked Dumplings look fantastic!

A beige button-up shirt with colorful floral embroidery above the chest pocket, laid out on a grid-patterned surface.

I love this kawaii flower pocket embroidery. It’s so easy to add to any article of clothing.

A group of cupcakes with swirled white frosting arranged on a white plate, with cinnamon sticks in the foreground.

These Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are topped with a cream cheese and cinnamon frosting. Yum!

Four plush teddy bears in different shades of brown and gray are sitting side by side against a white brick wall.

This is the cutest teddy bear, and I am sharing an Etsy Spotlight: Floppy Teddy Bear Sewing Pattern. I will be making these with a t-shirt from old baby clothes their dads wore!

A small boutique or thrift shop with clothes on racks, hats on display stands, and shelves holding bags, shoes, and decorative items.

Are you a thrift-er? You will enjoy Why I Always Make a Beeline for This Thrift Store Section.

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Two white ceramic bowls with ribbed exteriors and brown bases, handcrafted in Portugal, stacked together at an angle. — Mora Ceramic Ramen Bowl Set

Milk White 6″ Mosser Glass Cake Stand

And what a week it was!

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