Family Adventure in Serra de São Mamede Natural Park

Echoes of the Past, Visions of Nature

Today was a day of contrasts, seamlessly blending the echoes of medieval history with the grandeur of Portugal's natural landscapes. We ventured into the heart of Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, a region where time seems to slow down, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty around you. It was a day filled with exploration, good food, and moments of quiet reflection, shared with my wonderful family.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Café Restaurante Realinho - Francisco Realinho & Santos, Lda.. It’s a cozy spot, perfect for fueling up before a day of exploration. Lina, as always, was the most enthusiastic about the fresh pastries, while Mei and I enjoyed strong Portuguese coffee. With our stomachs full and spirits high, we set off to our first destination: the Torre Medieval da Portagem.


Discover the Torre Medieval da Portagem, a historic landmark showcasing Portugal's medieval heritage and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Torre Medieval da Portagem: A Glimpse into History

The Torre Medieval da Portagem stands as a sentinel of time, a medieval tower that once guarded the bridge of Portagem. As we approached, I couldn't help but imagine the countless travelers who passed through this very spot centuries ago. The tower, though weathered by time, still exudes an aura of strength and resilience. It’s located about 7km from Marvão, in the locality of Portagem. The name 'Portagem' itself hints at its historical role as a toll collection point established by King D. João II.

We spent a good hour exploring the area, taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere. Lina was particularly fascinated by the idea of knights and princesses, and I found myself weaving tales of medieval Portugal to keep her entertained. The views from the tower were stunning, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding countryside. You could almost feel the weight of history pressing down on you, a tangible connection to a bygone era. The tower was likely built in the 14th century and used to watch over the bridge, where people would cross the River Sever. A fee was collected from those who crossed, and it also served to control the entry of Jews into Portugal after they were expelled from Spain.

The past is never dead. It's not even past.

After our historical immersion, it was time for lunch. We drove to Regata, a restaurant known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with locals, always a good sign, and the aroma of grilled seafood filled the air. We ordered a variety of dishes, including fresh fish, and savory meat skewers. The food was simple, honest, and incredibly satisfying. Lina even tried a bit of fish, a small victory for Mei who is always trying to expand her culinary horizons. It’s these small family moments, sharing food and laughter, that truly make a trip memorable.


Discover Regata in Alpalhão: A culinary haven offering authentic Portuguese dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Portas do Ródão: Nature's Majestic Gateway

With our appetites sated, we continued our journey to the Portas do Ródão Natural Monument. This geological formation is a sight to behold, a dramatic gorge carved by the Tagus River through towering quartzite cliffs. As we approached, the sheer scale of the landscape took my breath away. The cliffs rise imposingly on either side of the river, creating a natural gateway that feels both awe-inspiring and humbling. Professor Galopim de Carvalho considered it one of the most important geomonuments in Portugal.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Portas do Ródão Natural Monument, a serene national park in Portugal, perfect for outdoor adventures and nature lovers.

The Portas do Ródão area is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it is home to the largest colony of griffon vultures in Portugal. We spent a long time simply observing these majestic birds soaring overhead, their wings catching the afternoon sun. Lina was particularly excited, pointing and exclaiming every time she spotted one. The cliffs, reaching heights of 170 meters (560 ft), provide an ideal nesting place for birds of prey.

We took a walk along one of the trails, the air filled with the scent of wild herbs and the sound of the Tagus River flowing below. The Mediterranean vegetation was abundant, with Myrtus communis, Arbutus unedo, Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus coccifera and Juniperus oxycedrus thriving in the area. The views were simply stunning, offering a panoramic perspective of the river and the surrounding landscape. I made sure to capture as many photos as possible, wanting to preserve these memories forever. The Tagus River narrows at this spot, creating an interesting throat between steep quartz hills.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Natural Bar, a local spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. We ordered some drinks and sat outside, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and purple. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration, a moment of quiet contemplation shared with my loved ones.


Discover the charm of Natural Bar in Marvão, where crafted cocktails and local cuisine meet stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere.

For dinner, we decided to try Taberna Facha, a restaurant recommended by a local we met earlier in the day. It turned out to be a hidden gem, serving traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the food was absolutely delicious. We tried several local specialties, each dish a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Taberna Facha in Portalegre - a charming tavern with delicious dishes and warm hospitality.

Today was a reminder of why I love traveling. It's not just about seeing new places, but about experiencing new things, connecting with different cultures, and creating lasting memories with my family. Serra de São Mamede Natural Park has a unique charm, a blend of history and nature that captivates the soul. It's a place where you can slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the simple things in life.

As we head back to our guesthouse, I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s adventure. We plan to explore the Estrada Romana do Alqueidão da Serra and visit the Baloiço da Torre de Barrozinha. I’ve heard the views from there are incredible, and I can’t wait to share them with you all. Until then, boa noite from Serra de São Mamede!

This region is a unique blend of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, with diverse landscapes and a rich history. The park spans a vast area with rolling hills, dense forests, and rocky outcrops. The park officially was established in 1989 and extends through the Municipalities of Portalegre, Arronches, Castelo de Vide and Marvão.

The park proposes five walking routes, through which you can appreciate the varied vegetation and observe birds of prey such as the griffon vulture, the black kite or the Bonelli's eagle. If you are lucky, you may be able to see wild boars and deer, which are being reintroduced into the Serra de São Mamede as a result of the effort that has been made to recover the natural habitat of these species.

Marvão and Castelo de Vide are villages that the visitor should not miss. Marvão is one of the largest and tallest quartzite ridges south of the Tejo River, where, as people used to say the eagles can be seen from above. Castelo de Vide has water abundance, vegetation and a place with many stories related with well preserved material testimonies.

The Serra de São Mamede is an unexpected Alentejo, high instead of flat, green instead of dry, where you can discover remains of human presence in various historical periods. The summit, at 1025m altitude, is the highest point south of the Tagus. The Serra functions as a barrier to condensation, creating a microclimate with higher levels of precipitation and humidity than the surrounding areas, which gives rise to a rich and diverse vegetation cover.

The diversity of habitats corresponds to the presence of several animal species, with emphasis on birds of prey and bats. In mainland Portugal, this is also the area with the largest number of amphibian and reptile species.

There are countless testimonies from the past, from the Roman ruins of Ammaia, to the limestone ovens of Escusa, alongside with examples of military architecture, such as those in Marvão, Castelo de Vide and Alegrete.