Belmonte, where we stayed last night, has deep roots in Jewish history dating back to approximately the 13th century. The rich heritage of this community is beautifully preserved in the Belmonte Jewish Museum, which opened its doors in 2005. For centuries, the local Jewish population practiced their faith in secrecy. It wasn’t until 1996 that a synagogue was officially established, making it a fairly recent addition to the town's landscape. Walking through Belmonte, you’ll notice countless references to its Jewish history—this is definitely a place worth revisiting to explore more! 😊 Unfortunately, I couldn’t capture a clear photo of the synagogue due to heavy mist, but its presence was still remarkable. 😓
We stayed at the Belmonte Sinai Hotel, where we enjoyed yet another incredible feast. 😋😋👌 For the first time on this trip, I had a kettle in the room—such a simple luxury! Starting the day with a cup of tea in bed felt like an absolute treat. 🫖☕️😊
We set off from Belmonte this morning under a blanket of mist and murky skies. But as the journey progressed, the clouds parted, and—surprise!—a bright, shiny thing made an appearance ☀️ 🫣.
Today’s route covered 50 miles (80 km) with an elevation gain of 4,828 ft (1,420 m). A shorter day compared to some, but still decidedly... hilly. While there wasn’t a grueling 14 km climb this time, we did tackle a 7.21 km ascent scattered with punishing sections reaching up to 12% incline 😱. In fact, 4 km of it maintained a relentless gradient of at least 8% 🤬. At one point, I was moving so slowly that my Garmin decided to auto-pause 😂.
According to my always-honest Garmin, today included a total of 13 climbs 😳. Who needs flat roads anyway?
Lunch was in a tiny village, delicious BBQ chicken, sat in glorious sunshine underneath an orange 🍊 tree - perfect
I've mentioned the boulders scattered around here a few times—they truly fascinate me 🤔. The area we're staying in tonight is particularly unique, as people have cleverly built their homes and gardens around these massive stones. It's a very creative and inspiring sight! 👍 Monsanto has also drawn a lot of attention, with countless YouTube videos and newspaper articles dedicated to it. Interestingly, I’m not entirely sure where these boulders originated from or much about the region's geology. Fun fact: In 1938, Monsanto was officially voted the "Most Portuguese Village in Portugal"! 😊🇵🇹
Here are a few delightful things about Portugal that have caught my attention (pardon the indulgence):
- The water here is wonderfully soft compared to the hard water in Leicestershire, UK. It's much kinder to your skin, and, as a side effect, my hair has turned rather fluffy! 🙄👩🦳
- The coffee here is incredible—seriously, it’s like rocket fuel 🚀 and will give you a proper energy boost! 🫨
- Pastéis de Nata are absolutely divine, especially when served warm. Trust me, they’re next-level delicious! 😋
- Sundays are truly respected as a day of rest, and life slows down beautifully.
- You know the food is exceptional when a tiny village restaurant, packed with people, offers a simple yet mouth-watering choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Quality over quantity every time
Monsanto is a stunning destination, perched atop what may have been our most challenging climb of the week. After huffing, puffing, and perhaps a bit of cursing, we finally reached the cobbled streets bustling with motorbikes, traffic, locals, and children. At that point, most of us—though not all—decided to walk the final 150 meters to the top. It was a rewarding finish to an incredible day, and now we’re ready for a refreshing shower and an ice-cold Coca-Cola. The blue circle in the photo shows where we’ll be sleeping tonight! 😱🫣
Please leave a comment, your email address will not be published - thank you 😊
Add comment
Comments
Another fascinating adventure you're on and Im thoroughly enjoying your updates and little snippets of Portugal. I'm genuinely exhausted by the talk of all those hills...seriously, so impressed Wendy🚵♂️. Wishing you more if the bright shiny thing x
Thanks Marilyn, it’s a truly fabulous trip & the sun being out today made it so much better. I’ve actually gotten used to the hills 😂🫣 today 3% felt like a down hill section 😂😂
Another awesome day! I do not need to cycle up a hill for a nice egg custard though ! Waitrose in Malvern do them
You really made me chuckle 🤭 the “custard tarts” in Waitrose are not a patch on the real thing 🤣🤣
Sounds like things are looking up blue skies and sunshine. Really interesting to read about Monsanto it sounds like a fascinating place.
Monsanto is stunning, a really lovely place, I’m really pleased to have been here. The sunshine makes such a big difference. See you soon xx
Another interesting read you are certainly of the main tourist routes seeing the other side of Portugal hopefully the weather stays dry enjoy
Wow what a trip..
Thanks Lou, it is amazing xx
Glad to see the sun shining for you eventually 😎 I don’t know why but I always thought Portugal was relatively flat but you’re definitely highlighting my ignorance with some of the climbs you’ve been doing 😳👏👏👏
Have to say I’m really pleased the sun has come out! It is certainly not flat 😊😱 but the food is wonderful 😋😋
Well done Wendy! Loving your daily updates.
It’s educational for us all. I will be looking up Monsanto and I’m intrigued by its geographical past!
What a climb to get to your place of stay but what a view!
You made me chuckle when you described the sign of a good traditional restaurant… chicken… fish or vegetarian!
Always a good sign when you have no menu and it’s full of all the locals … a little daunting but I bet the food has been delicious!
What has been your favourite meal? Have you experienced the different wines to rehydrate? 🤣
Not sure how far Monsanto is from Porto, but you should definitely visit, stunning place 🥰
I’m having the odd glass of wine - which is delicious- but not sure wine, cycling & now sun 🌞 is a good mix, will definitely take some home 😋😋
I couldn’t tell what my favourite meal is, that would just to difficult, it’s all just so tasty 😋 see you soon 👍