Family Adventure in Serra de São Mamede Natural Park

Whispers of History, Swings of Joy

Today was a day of contrasts, a beautiful blend of history and simple pleasures here in the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. We started our morning with a hearty Alentejan breakfast and ended it with a delicious, traditional Portuguese dinner. In between, we explored ancient roads and soared on a mountaintop swing. It’s amazing how much this region has to offer, and I’m so glad I get to experience it with Mei and Lina.

Our first stop was the Estrada Romana do Alqueidão da Serra. I’ve always been fascinated by Roman history, and the chance to walk along a road built nearly two thousand years ago was too good to pass up. The road itself is located near the village of Alqueidão da Serra. As we drove, the landscape transformed, the familiar plains giving way to the rugged terrain of the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome change from Berlin's urban atmosphere. It felt like stepping back in time, imagining the Roman soldiers and traders who once traversed this path.


Explore the Estrada Romana do Alqueidão da Serra, a magnificent historical landmark showcasing ancient Roman engineering and breathtaking natural beauty.

The Estrada Romana, or what remains of it, is a testament to Roman engineering. The well-preserved stones and the enduring structure spoke volumes about their skill and dedication. Lina, surprisingly, was also intrigued, peppering me with questions about the Romans, their empire, and their daily lives. I tried my best to answer, drawing on my memories from history class and a few quick searches on my phone. Mei, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the road’s construction and its purpose, marveling at how it facilitated the transport of iron ore from local mines to other regions.

Walking along the ancient stones, I couldn't help but reflect on how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. People still travel, trade, and explore, just as they did millennia ago. The landscape, though altered by time, still holds a certain timeless beauty. The wildflowers blooming along the roadside added a splash of color to the historical setting, a reminder of the enduring power of nature.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

After immersing ourselves in history, it was time for something a bit more lighthearted. We set our GPS for the Baloiço da Torre de Barrozinha, a mountaintop swing that promised stunning views. The drive was scenic, winding through charming villages and past rolling hills. As we approached the swing, we could see it perched atop a hill, a simple wooden structure against the vast sky. The Serra de São Mamede Natural Park has various walking routes, with varying degrees of difficulty.


Explore stunning views and invigorating trails at Baloiço da Torre de Barrozinha, a hiking paradise in Reguengo do Fetal, Portugal.

The walk up to the swing was a bit steep, but the view from the top was worth every step. The landscape stretched out before us, a tapestry of green fields, rocky hills, and distant villages. The swing itself was sturdy and well-maintained, and Lina was thrilled to take the first ride. Her laughter echoed through the hills as she soared back and forth, the wind in her hair and a huge smile on her face. Mei and I took turns as well, enjoying the childlike joy of swinging with such a breathtaking backdrop.

It was a perfect moment of family fun, a simple pleasure made extraordinary by the location. I snapped a few photos, trying to capture the joy and beauty of the scene. These are the moments I want to remember, the ones that make all the travel planning and logistics worthwhile.

For lunch, we decided to try Berangas Timur, a restaurant I had read about that promised authentic Portuguese cuisine. I must admit, I was slightly confused when we arrived and the menu seemed to lean more towards Indonesian snacks. It turns out that “Berangas Timur” in this context refers to a style of preparing Pisang Keju, a popular Indonesian street food of grilled banana with cheese, chocolate and condensed milk. It was an unexpected culinary detour, but we embraced it with open minds. The Pisang Keju was surprisingly delicious, a sweet and savory treat that Lina especially loved. It was a fun reminder that travel is full of surprises, and sometimes the best experiences are the ones you least expect.


Experience the heart of Portuguese cuisine at Berangas Timur in São Miguel do Rio Torto - where tradition meets flavor.

After our unexpected Indonesian-Portuguese fusion lunch, we decided to explore the local shops. We stopped by Sabores Apurados, Lda., a charming little store that sold regional products. I was hoping to find some local honey or artisanal cheese to bring back to Berlin. The shop was a treasure trove of Alentejan delicacies, from cured meats and olive oils to jams and wines. We sampled a few different products, chatting with the friendly owner about the region and its culinary traditions.


Experience the authentic flavors of Portugal at Sabores Apurados, Lda., a charming farm shop in Ponte de Sor offering artisanal local delights.

I ended up buying a jar of local honey, some artisanal cheese, and a bottle of red wine from the Serra de São Mamede region. I’m looking forward to sharing these flavors with our friends back in Berlin, giving them a taste of our Portuguese adventure. Supporting local businesses is important to me, and it feels good to know that our purchases are helping to sustain the community here.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Sal e Alho in Portalegre for dinner. This restaurant came highly recommended, known for its traditional Portuguese dishes and inviting atmosphere. We were not disappointed. The restaurant was cozy and welcoming, with rustic decor and a lively buzz of conversation. The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.


Experience authentic Portuguese flavors at Sal e Alho in Portalegre – a dining destination that celebrates local cuisine with every dish.

We started with some local appetizers, including olives, cheese, and bread. For our main courses, I ordered the grilled sea bass, Mei opted for the pork with clams (Carne de Porco à Alentejana), and Lina chose the chicken. The food was simple but delicious, cooked with fresh, local ingredients and bursting with flavor. The sea bass was perfectly grilled, the pork was tender and flavorful, and even Lina, who can be a picky eater, enjoyed her chicken.

I was particularly impressed with the use of local ingredients, a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. The wine, of course, was also excellent, a perfect complement to the meal. We lingered over dinner, savoring the food, the wine, and the company. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. I even learned that “Sal e Alho” is Portuguese for “Salt and Garlic”, a seasoning that adds flavor to meals.

As we drove back to our guesthouse, I reflected on the day’s adventures. From ancient Roman roads to mountaintop swings, from unexpected Indonesian snacks to traditional Portuguese dinners, it was a day of contrasts and surprises. But through it all, the constant was the joy of sharing these experiences with my family. These are the memories we’ll cherish long after we’ve left the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Mira de Aire Cave and the Sensory Ecopark of Pia do Urso. I’ve heard great things about both, and I’m excited to see what they have to offer. And perhaps we’ll find a nice bar, like Sem Stress, to relax in the evening. Until then, boa noite from Portugal!