Family Adventure in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

A Day of Serene Discoveries in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

Today was a day of gentle exploration, trading the grand palaces for the quiet whispers of nature within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. With Hans and Saoirse by my side, I was eager to discover the park's hidden trails and serene landscapes. Leaving behind the well-trodden tourist paths felt like stepping into a secret world, one where the land itself held stories waiting to be uncovered.

Our first stop was Rio da Mula, a place I'd read about that promised a tranquil escape. The drive there was lovely, the winding roads offering glimpses of the park's diverse terrain. When we arrived, the area around the dam was so peaceful. The January air was crisp, but not biting, with the sun peeking through the clouds just enough to keep us comfortable. We took a leisurely walk along the water's edge, the only sounds the gentle lapping of the water and the occasional bird call. Saoirse, ever the curious one, was fascinated by the different types of moss and lichen clinging to the rocks.


Discover the stunning trails and breathtaking views at Rio da Mula in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a must-visit hiking destination in Portugal.

I must admit, I was a little preoccupied, having forgotten my raincoat back at WOT Sintra Ocean. While the weather forecast hadn't predicted rain, January in Portugal can be unpredictable. Still, the beauty around us quickly made me forget my minor packing mishap. The area around Rio da Mula is truly a hidden gem, a place where you can feel completely immersed in nature's embrace. It's easy to see why the river is also known as Ribeira das Vinhas – the Vineyard Stream – as the surrounding landscape hints at the agricultural richness of the region.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in grand monuments, but in the quiet corners of the natural world.

Next on our itinerary was the Vineyards Trail. I was particularly excited about this, as I've always been intrigued by the history of winemaking in this region. The trail was an easy one, perfect for a family stroll, and it meandered through picturesque vineyards. Even in January, the vines had a certain charm, their bare branches reaching towards the sky like skeletal fingers. We learned that this area is known for the unique Colares wine, produced from vines planted in sandy soils near the coast. The salty air and unique terroir give the wine a distinctive character that I was eager to taste later.


Explore the breathtaking Vineyards Trail in Cascais, Portugal, where stunning landscapes and a rich vineyard culture await every nature lover and hiking enthusiast.

After our vineyard walk, hunger started to set in. For breakfast, we kept it simple in Sintra itself, grabbing some pastries and coffee at a local café. But for lunch, we were headed to Taverna dos Trovadores. This restaurant has been around since 1990 and I was excited to experience the dishes. It was indeed a tavern, with a rustic decor that made us feel as though we'd stepped back in time. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, filled with the chatter of locals and the aroma of traditional Portuguese cuisine. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the camarões com alho (garlic shrimp) and some grilled fish. Everything was delicious, the flavors simple yet satisfying.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Taverna dos Trovadores in Sintra—where tradition meets flavor in a charming setting.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to treat ourselves to a relaxing drink at Bar do Guincho. The bar is known for its amazing location, right on Guincho Beach. The January wind was strong, but the views were spectacular. We sat inside, enjoying the warmth and sipping on some local beers while watching the waves crash against the shore. Saoirse was thrilled to spot a few brave surfers catching some waves. Hans and I enjoyed the moment, taking in the stunning view.


Experience the perfect blend of delicious cuisine, refreshing drinks, and stunning ocean views at Bar do Guincho in Alcabideche.

For dinner, we chose Regional Sintra, a restaurant near the Sintra city hall. We ate some seafood and enjoyed the classic style of the restaurant. It was a good end to the day.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Regional Sintra - where local flavors meet unforgettable dining.

Tomorrow, we're planning to delve into the myths and legends of Sintra at Sintra Mitos & Lendas, followed by a visit to Pelourinho de Sintra. And, if Saoirse has her way, we'll be stopping by Dona Estefânia - Fábrica de Queijadas e Travesseiros de Sintra for some local treats. For now, though, I'm content to savor the memories of today, the quiet moments of connection with nature and family that made it so special. I'm also going to make sure I pack that raincoat tomorrow!

The trip so far has been wonderful, it is so nice to get away from Berlin and enjoy the nature and beauty of Portugal.

As I reflect on our explorations, I'm reminded of a quote by the Irish poet William Butler Yeats, who, though not directly writing about Sintra, captures the essence of what I felt today:

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

Today, in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, our senses grew a little sharper, attuned to the magic that surrounds us.

The weather in Sintra in January is moderate, with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 59°F (15°C). It's moderately chilly and slightly windy, so it's a good idea to dress warmly in layers. There is also a chance of rain, so it's a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat. Overall, the weather in Sintra in January is pleasant and enjoyable, making it a great time to visit the park.

The Rio da Mula, also known as the Mule River, is a river that flows from the Serra de Sintra to the ocean in Cascais. It is also known as Ribeira das Vinhas (Vineyard stream), Ribeira dos Marmeleiros (Quince tree stream), or Rio Doce (Sweet river). The river is a popular spot for hiking and enjoying nature.

The Vineyards Trail is a 1.3 mile (3,000-step) route located near Cascais, Lisboa. This route has an elevation gain of about 62.3 ft and is rated as easy. The trail meanders through picturesque vineyards, where the unique Colares wine is produced.

Taverna dos Trovadores is a restaurant in Sintra that has been around since 1990. The restaurant has a rustic decor and serves traditional Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere.

Bar do Guincho is a bar located on Guincho Beach. The bar has a strategic location next to the sea and boasts amazing views. The bar serves a variety of drinks and snacks.

Restaurante Regional Sintra is located near the Sintra city hall. The restaurant is decorated in accordance with the characteristics of the region and serves Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant has two rooms and can accommodate up to 150 people.