Family Adventure in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

Hidden Beaches and Sweet Treats

Today was a day of contrasts, from the rugged coastline to the charming streets of Sintra. We ventured off the beaten path to discover hidden gems, and indulged in some of the local flavors that make this region so special. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel, and why I'm so grateful to share these experiences with my family.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Garagem Café in Colares. It's a small, unassuming place, but the coffee was strong and the pastries were fresh – exactly what we needed to fuel up for our coastal adventure. Hans enjoyed a *pastel de nata*, while Saoirse opted for a croissant. As for me, I savored a slice of *bolo de arroz*, a traditional Portuguese rice cake, which provided the perfect amount of sweetness to start the day.


Discover Garagem Café in Sintra – where exquisite espresso meets cozy ambiance amidst stunning Portuguese landscapes.

After breakfast, we set off to find Praia da Ursa, a beach I'd seen in countless photos but never imagined I'd visit in person. The January air was crisp, with a slight wind that hinted at the Atlantic's power. Layering was key, as the temperature was around 15°C (59°F), and I was glad I had my trusty cardigan with me. The walk from the main road was bracing, to say the least, and I was grateful for the sturdy hiking shoes I'd packed – even if I did forget my raincoat! The path was steep and rocky, requiring a bit of careful maneuvering, but the views made it all worthwhile. Saoirse, ever the energetic one, scampered ahead, while Hans and I took a more measured approach, enjoying the dramatic scenery.


Experience the breathtaking cliffs and serene beauty of Praia da Ursa, one of Portugal's most picturesque beaches, nestled in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are the ones that require a little effort.

Reaching Praia da Ursa felt like discovering a secret world. The beach is small and secluded, framed by towering cliffs and jagged rock formations. The waves crashed against the shore with a thunderous roar, a reminder of nature's raw power. We spent some time exploring the beach, taking photos, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. Saoirse collected seashells, while Hans and I watched the waves, feeling a sense of awe and tranquility wash over us. Despite the cool weather, we even dipped our toes in the water – a brief but exhilarating experience!

Next on our itinerary was Poço Imperfeito, or the Unfinished Well, located within the Quinta da Regaleira. This was another spot that required a bit of exploration to find, but the effort was well worth it. The Quinta da Regaleira itself is a fascinating place, with its intricate architecture, hidden tunnels, and lush gardens. The Poço Imperfeito is a less-visited part of the estate, which made it all the more intriguing. Descending into the well felt like entering another world – a cool, damp, and mysterious realm far removed from the bright sunshine above. Saoirse was particularly fascinated by the well, imagining all sorts of stories about its purpose and history.


Explore the mystical depths of Poço Imperfeito in Sintra, where enchanting architecture meets serene gardens and rich history awaits.

After our subterranean adventure, we headed into Sintra town for a late lunch. We chose Incomum, a restaurant known for its refined cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant was indeed a relaxed and contemporary space. For starters, we shared a portion of the chestnuts cream with oysters. For mains, Hans went for the seabass with basmati rice and vegetables, while I chose the linguine al nero with shrimp, clams and coriander. Saoirse, predictably, opted for a simple pasta dish. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to refuel after a day of exploring.


Experience the delightful fusion of traditional Portuguese cuisine with modern flair at Incomum in picturesque Sintra.

No trip to Sintra is complete without a visit to Casa Piriquita, the historic bakery famous for its *travesseiros* and *queijadas*. Founded in 1862, this family-owned establishment has been delighting visitors for generations. We joined the queue outside the bakery, eager to sample these local delicacies. The aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. When it was finally our turn, we ordered a selection of *travesseiros* (almond-filled pastries) and *queijadas* (cheese tarts). We found a spot on a nearby bench and devoured our treats, savoring the sweet and flaky goodness. The *travesseiros* were particularly divine, with their delicate layers of pastry and creamy almond filling. I learned that the bakery was named after King Carlos I called the owner, Constância Gomes, Piriquita because of her short stature. It felt special to enjoy these pastries knowing their history.


Discover the sweet side of Sintra at Casa Piriquita, a historic pastry shop famed for its delicious Travesseiros and delightful ambiance.

For dinner, we had reservations at Villa 6, a restaurant that had been recommended to us for its vegan options. While the reviews were mixed, we decided to give it a try, as Saoirse is increasingly interested in veganism. The restaurant is located on a quiet street and has a cozy atmosphere. Hans and I decided to share the tapas. Saoirse ordered the seitan burger. While Saoirse enjoyed her burger, we found the tapas a little underwhelming. The service was friendly, but the food didn't quite live up to our expectations. Perhaps we caught them on an off night, or perhaps our expectations were too high.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Villa 6 in Sintra, where every meal tells a story through local flavors and charming ambiance.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to WOT Sintra Ocean in Colares, tired but happy. The January evenings are cool, but the hotel was warm and inviting, and we were looking forward to a good night's sleep. We chatted about our favorite moments from the day, reliving the stunning views, the delicious food, and the shared experiences that had brought us closer together.


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

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore more of Sintra's natural beauty, with a visit to Rio da Mula and the Vineyards Trail. I'm particularly excited about the Vineyards Trail, as I've heard that the Colares region is known for its unique wines. We're also planning to stop by Bar do Guincho for a drink, as I've heard that it offers stunning views of the coastline. I'm sure it will be another day filled with adventure and discovery. I'm also hoping that I won't forget my raincoat tomorrow!

Before drifting off to sleep, I reflected on the day's adventures. From the rugged coastline to the charming streets of Sintra, we had experienced a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural delights. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel, and why I'm so grateful to share these experiences with my family. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! I am particularly excited to visit Rio da Mula and the Vineyards Trail. I hear the Colares region is known for its unique wines, so I look forward to sampling some of the local flavors. We are also planning to stop by Bar do Guincho for a drink, as I’ve heard that it offers stunning views of the coastline. I am hoping the weather will be kind to us tomorrow. Good night from Sintra!