Family Adventure in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

Whispers of the Past, Echoes of Beauty

Today was a day of wandering through landscapes that felt lifted from a fairy tale. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park continued to weave its spell, drawing Hans, Saoirse, and me deeper into its historical embrace. It's remarkable how a place can hold so much history and natural beauty, offering something new at every turn.

Our day began, as most good days do, with a hearty breakfast. We ventured out to Mela Canela, a charming vegan café that I'd heard whispers about. Tucked away on Rua Dr. Alfredo da Costa, it was a delightful find. The café was small but inviting, with a vibrant atmosphere that buzzed with locals and tourists alike. I opted for the vegan pancakes, while Hans chose a savory tofu toast. Saoirse, ever adventurous, went for the overnight oats. Everything was delicious, fresh, and bursting with flavor. It was the perfect start to a day of exploring.


Experience the vibrant flavors of plant-based cuisine at Mela Canela, Sintra's top vegan café offering delicious meals in an eco-friendly setting.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off to explore the Gardens of Parque da Pena. The gardens, designed by King Ferdinand II in the 19th century, sprawled over 200 hectares, a testament to the Romanticism movement. As we stepped through the entrance, we were immediately enveloped in a world of exotic plants and trees, imported from all corners of the globe. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine needles. The weather in Sintra in January is cooler compared to other months, but today was pleasant enough for a stroll. The average temperature in Sintra in January ranges from a high of 15°C (59°F) to a low of 9°C (48°F).


Explore the stunning Gardens of Parque da Pena in Sintra, where nature and history intertwine in a breathtaking landscape.

We wandered along winding paths, each turn revealing a new vista. Hidden caves, tranquil ponds, and breathtaking viewpoints dotted the landscape. Saoirse was particularly thrilled by the hidden grottoes, her imagination running wild with stories of fairies and woodland creatures. I found myself drawn to the meticulously designed fern gardens, a peaceful oasis amidst the wilder parts of the park. Hans, ever the historian, was captivated by the artistic and architectural elements carefully incorporated throughout the gardens.

We stumbled upon Gruta do Monge, a historic retreat for the monks of Pena Monastery. It was a serene space, perfect for reflection and meditation. Nearby, we found Alto de Santa Catarina, offering panoramic views of the palace. Perched atop was the Queen's Throne, a seat carved into the rock, adorned with tiles. It was said that Queen D. Amélia favored this spot, and as I sat there, gazing out at the landscape, I could understand why. It was a moment of pure tranquility.

The beauty of Sintra lies not just in its grand monuments, but in the quiet corners where nature and history intertwine.

After hours of exploration, we decided it was time for lunch. We made our way to A Praça, a restaurant that promised a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of dining options. Open since May 2014, “A Praça” offers a relaxed atmosphere, which is a distinguishing feature of LX Factory and has a variety of dining options. From the salmon and shrimp crêpe, and the traditional Portuguese snacks to share, to the house specialty: steak with pesto sauce, there is something for everybody. The restaurant lived up to its promise. The ambiance was indeed relaxed, with a striking vintage and retro image. The menu was diverse, offering creative preparations from the land and sea. We opted for a selection of petiscos, Portuguese snacks, which we shared amongst ourselves. It was a delightful way to sample the local cuisine.


Discover A Praça in Sintra – where vegetarian delights meet vegan creativity in an enchanting setting.

With renewed energy, we ventured to our next destination: the Ruínas da Capela de Monserrate. The ruins, located within the Park and Palace of Monserrate, were a stark contrast to the manicured gardens of Pena. Yet, they possessed a unique charm, a haunting beauty that spoke of a bygone era. The ruins were what was left of the chapel of Nossa Senhora de Monserrate, originally built by Gerard de Visme, the false ruin designed by Francis Cook created out of the chapel built by Gerard de Visme in replacement of the former Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate. Engulfed by vegetation, the ruin is now inherently bound up with the adjoining Australian rubber tree.


Discover the haunting beauty of Ruínas da Capela de Monserrate in Sintra, where history, nature, and architecture converge in a captivating experience.

The ruins were engulfed in vegetation, the stones intertwined with the roots of ancient trees. It felt as though nature was slowly reclaiming what was once hers. We explored the crumbling walls, imagining what life must have been like when the chapel was still standing. Saoirse, with her vivid imagination, spun tales of knights and damsels, of secret passages and hidden treasures. It was a magical experience, one that transported us back in time.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Canto dos Trovadores for dinner. The restaurant, known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine, was a cozy and inviting space. The atmosphere was lively, with the sounds of laughter and music filling the air. We indulged in hearty dishes, savoring the flavors of Portugal. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Canto dos Trovadores in Sintra, where tradition meets contemporary dining amidst stunning surroundings.

Before heading back to our hotel, WOT Sintra Ocean, we decided to make a pit stop at House of Wonders. This bar, known for its eclectic atmosphere and stunning views, was the perfect place to unwind. We sipped on local wines, enjoying the panoramic vista of Sintra. It was a magical moment, one that I knew we would cherish for years to come.


Discover the vibrant flavors of vegetarian cuisine at the House of Wonders in Cascais, where delicious dishes meet stunning views in a cozy café ambiance.


Experience serene coastal views and vibrant local culture at WOT Sintra Ocean, your ideal retreat near beaches and historic landmarks.

As we drove back to Colares, I reflected on the day's adventures. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park had once again exceeded our expectations, offering a blend of history, nature, and culture that was simply unforgettable. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Abegoaria e Quinta da Pena and Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua (PSML). I'm eager to see what new wonders await us. For now, though, I'll rest, dreaming of fairy-tale gardens and ancient ruins.

Good night from Sintra,
Aoife

P.S. I almost forgot! I was reminded today that I need to buy a raincoat, as it seems I forgot to pack one. I'll need to add that to my list of essentials for the rest of the trip!