Family Adventure in Serra de São Mamede Natural Park

A Warm Welcome to Serra de São Mamede Natural Park!

Our first stop was Restaurante Varanda do Alentejo for breakfast. Nestled in Marvão, the restaurant offered stunning views that immediately captivated us. The pastries were delightful, and the coffee was strong, just the way I like it. Mei enjoyed a comforting bowl of chicken soup with dumplings, while Lina devoured a plate of *pasteis de nata*. The friendly service made us feel right at home, setting a positive tone for the day.


Experience authentic Alentejan cuisine with breathtaking views at Restaurante Varanda do Alentejo in Marvão.

Fueled up, we headed towards Alto da Serra de São Mamede, the highest point in the park. The drive up was an experience in itself, with winding roads offering panoramic views of the Alentejo region. As we ascended, the landscape transformed, revealing lush greenery and rocky cliffs. The air grew crisper, carrying the scent of wildflowers and herbs.


Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity at Alto da Serra de São Mamede, Portugal's highest peak south of the River Tagus.

Reaching the summit, at 1,025 meters (3,363 feet), the view was simply breathtaking. The vast expanse of the Alentejo stretched out before us, a patchwork of rolling hills and distant villages. We could see the Serra de São Mamede range to the north and west, and even the Spanish mountains to the east. Lina was particularly thrilled, pointing out various landmarks and chattering about the 'top of the world'. I took the opportunity to snap some photos, trying to capture the grandeur of the landscape.

After soaking in the views, we embarked on a leisurely hike. The trails were well-marked, and we chose a path that seemed suitable for a family stroll. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, and it wasn't long before we spotted various bird species, including the Bonelli's eagle, a symbol of the park. Lina, ever the curious one, peppered us with questions about the different plants and animals we encountered.

As we descended from Alto da Serra de São Mamede, hunger began to gnaw at our stomachs. It was time for lunch, and Restaurante Duarte in Portalegre was our chosen destination. This cozy spot offered traditional Portuguese fare, and we were eager to sample some local flavors.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante Duarte in São Miguel do Rio Torto - a budget-friendly gem for food lovers.

Restaurante Duarte proved to be a delightful culinary experience. I opted for the *cordeiro assado* (roasted lamb), a regional specialty, while Mei chose the *sopa de cação* (dogfish soup). Lina, always a fan of simple dishes, went for the grilled chicken. The portions were generous, and the flavors were rich and satisfying. The restaurant had a rustic charm, with exposed stone walls and wooden beams, adding to the authentic Alentejo ambiance.

With our bellies full, we decided to explore the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede itself. This natural park spans across 56,000 hectares, encompassing diverse landscapes from oak and chestnut forests to cork oak groves. The park is a haven for biodiversity, boasting over 800 plant species and a wide array of animal life.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede, a national park rich in wildlife, hiking trails, and cultural heritage.

We drove along the scenic routes, stopping at various viewpoints to admire the scenery. The park offers five pedestrian trails, but with Lina in tow, we opted for shorter, less strenuous walks. We explored areas near the border with Spain, where quartzite ridges jutted out dramatically. The landscape was a mix of granite, shale, and limestone outcrops, creating a unique geological tapestry.

One of the highlights was learning about the park's efforts to conserve its natural heritage. We learned that wild boars and deer are making a comeback, thanks to habitat reconstitution efforts. The park also serves as a refuge for various bird species, including vultures and eagles.

The true value of travel lies not in seeing new landscapes, but in seeing with new eyes.

As the afternoon waned, we made a stop at Be Nature, a local shop recommended by one of the park rangers. I was hoping to pick up some local crafts and souvenirs.


Discover the essence of the Azores at Be Nature, a charming gift shop offering natural products, essential oils, and unique eco-friendly gifts.

Be Nature turned out to be a treasure trove of regional products. We found handmade soaps, local honey, and artisanal cheeses. I purchased a beautifully crafted cork coaster set and a bottle of local olive oil. Mei picked up some lavender sachets, while Lina chose a small, hand-painted ceramic bird. It was a great way to support local artisans and take a piece of Serra de São Mamede home with us.

With our shopping done, it was time to find a guesthouse for the night. We drove towards the town of Marvão, known for its stunning views and medieval architecture. The town is perched atop a granite peak, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. As we approached, the sight of the whitewashed walls and the imposing Marvão Castle was truly captivating.

We settled into a cozy guesthouse with a view overlooking the Alentejo plains. The owner, a friendly woman named Maria, welcomed us with open arms and shared stories about the region. It felt like a home away from home, exactly the kind of experience we were seeking.

For dinner, we ventured out to Tasca Do Zé Bébé, a local *tasca* (tavern) known for its authentic Alentejo cuisine. This was the perfect way to end our first day, immersing ourselves in the local culinary scene.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Tasca Do Zé Bébé in Portalegre – where every dish tells a story.

Tasca Do Zé Bébé was a true gem. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with locals chatting and laughing over glasses of wine. We ordered a selection of tapas, including *pimentos padron* (Padrón peppers), *queijo de ovelha* (sheep cheese), and *presunto* (cured ham). Everything was delicious, and we savored each bite, accompanied by local wine. Lina even tried some *azeitonas* (olives) for the first time and surprisingly enjoyed them.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the heights of Alto da Serra de São Mamede to the flavors of Restaurante Duarte and the charm of Be Nature, it had been a day filled with discovery and connection. Serra de São Mamede Natural Park had already exceeded our expectations, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Cascata da Cabroeira and the Judiaria de Castelo de Vide. I'm particularly excited about visiting the Jewish quarter in Castelo de Vide, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Mei is looking forward to the waterfall, hoping to capture some stunning photos. And Lina, well, she's just excited for more adventures.

As I write this, the stars are twinkling outside our window, and the sounds of the Alentejo night lull us into a peaceful sleep. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Serra de São Mamede, you have captured our hearts!