Family Adventure in Serra de São Mamede Natural Park

Farewell to Adventure

As our family adventure in Serra de São Mamede Natural Park draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared. Today was a day of unique discoveries, venturing into the depths of the earth and exploring a park designed to awaken the senses. It’s amazing how much you can pack into a single day when you're surrounded by such natural beauty and intriguing attractions.

Our final day in Serra de São Mamede began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast. However, today, we decided to try something different and visited Mongo Burger Lisboa. I know, I know, burgers in Portugal? But Lina was craving something familiar, and Mei and I were curious. Plus, it was a nice change of pace before diving into more traditional sightseeing. The burgers were surprisingly good, a gourmet twist on a classic, and it set us up perfectly for the day ahead.


Discover the best gourmet burgers at Mongo Burger Lisboa in São Miguel do Rio Torto - a must-visit for food lovers!

Our first stop was the Mira de Aire Cave, also known as the Moinhos Velhos caves, and let me tell you, it was an awe-inspiring experience. Descending into the largest known caves in Portugal felt like entering another world. The sheer scale of the place was incredible; it is believed that they were formed around 150 million years ago. The kids were immediately captivated by the stalactites and stalagmites, formations created over millennia by the slow drip of water.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mira de Aire Cave, a hidden gem in Portugal featuring stunning rock formations and a fascinating underground world.

The guided tour was both educational and mesmerizing. We learned about the different types of rock formations – stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and even 'cauliflower' formations caused by the spraying of water droplets. The lighting, while some might find it a bit much, did highlight the beauty of the various rock formations. Lina was particularly fascinated by the Great Hall, a vast underground space stretching 180 meters long and 110 meters wide.

Navigating the caves involved descending quite a few steps, which might be challenging for those with reduced mobility. However, the elevator at the end of the tour was a welcome relief, whisking us back to the surface. Outside the caves, we found a restaurant, a museum of rocks, minerals, and fossils, and even a water park called Aquagruta, though it's only open from June to September. We grabbed a quick coffee and a snack before heading to our next destination.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in the most unexpected places.

Next on our itinerary was the Sensory Ecopark of Pia do Urso, an innovative space designed to engage all the senses. This was a truly unique experience, especially as it’s Portugal’s first sensory park for the blind. The park is designed to allow everyone to connect with nature through touch, sound, and smell. As someone who spends a lot of time in front of a computer, it was a refreshing change to focus on these other senses.


Explore the serene beauty of Sensory Ecopark of Pia do Urso, where nature and sensory experiences unite for unforgettable adventures.

We followed the 800-meter route, exploring different textures, listening to the sounds of nature, and inhaling the fragrant aromas of the surrounding flora. Lina loved running her hands along the textured pathways and identifying the different plants by their scent. It was a humbling experience to see the world from a different perspective and appreciate the simple joys of sensory exploration. The Sensory Ecopark offered us a beautiful built landscape integrated into the heart of nature.

After our sensory adventure, we were ready for a late lunch. We stopped at Cantinho do Pescador, a local seafood restaurant. While some reviews mentioned smaller portions and rising prices, we found the food to be quite good, and the service was friendly. We enjoyed a variety of seafood dishes, savoring the fresh flavors of the ocean.


Savor authentic Portuguese seafood dishes in Ribeira de Nisa's charming Cantinho do Pescador – where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.

As the day wound down, we decided to have dinner at A Adega, known for its traditional Portuguese dishes. Nestled in the heart of Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, it was the perfect spot to reflect on our journey. We shared stories and laughed about our adventures, reminiscing about the stunning landscapes, the charming villages, and the delicious food we had enjoyed throughout the week. It was a fitting end to our family adventure, celebrating the memories we had created together.


Discover authentic Portuguese flavors at A Adega, where regional dishes and fine wines create an unforgettable dining experience.

Finally, to cap off our last night, we decided to visit Sem Stress, a local bar. It was a cozy little place, perfect for a relaxing drink before heading back to our guesthouse. We chatted with some locals, sharing stories and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. It was a great way to say goodbye to Serra de São Mamede, feeling like we had truly connected with the community.


Discover Sem Stress: Your perfect café retreat in São Mamede de Infesta, where every sip and bite is a moment of relaxation.

As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Serra de São Mamede Natural Park has exceeded all our expectations, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. From hiking its scenic trails to exploring its quaint villages and savoring its local cuisine, we have created memories that will last a lifetime. It's experiences like these that remind me why I love traveling with my family.

Tomorrow, we head back to Berlin, filled with stories and photographs to share. While I am looking forward to returning to the comforts of home, a part of me will always remain in the serene landscapes of Serra de São Mamede. Until next time, Portugal!

Before I sign off completely, I wanted to mention a few things I've learned on this trip. First, always double-check your packing list! Forgetting rain jackets and a first-aid kit was a bit of a rookie mistake, even for a seasoned traveler like myself. Second, be open to trying new things. Some of our best experiences came from spontaneous decisions and unexpected detours. And finally, take the time to connect with the locals. Their insights and perspectives can enrich your travel experience in ways you never imagined.

As we prepare to leave, I am already thinking about our next family adventure. Perhaps we’ll explore the mountains of Switzerland, or maybe we’ll venture to Southeast Asia. Wherever we go, I know that we will continue to seek out authentic experiences, immerse ourselves in local cultures, and create lasting memories together. After all, that’s what travel is all about. And with that, I bid you farewell from Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. Until our next adventure, happy travels!

Reflecting on the Journey

As I reflect on our time here, I realize that it's not just about the places we visited, but the moments we shared as a family. These are the memories that I will cherish the most.

This trip to Serra de São Mamede was particularly special for me, as it allowed me to combine my love for nature with my desire to create meaningful experiences for my family. As a freelancer, it's not always easy to balance work and family time, but these trips are a reminder of what truly matters. Seeing Lina's eyes light up as she explored the caves, watching Mei relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings, these are the moments that make it all worthwhile. And as we prepare to return to our busy lives in Berlin, I know that these memories will sustain us and bring us closer together.

Final Thoughts

As our adventure in Serra de São Mamede comes to an end, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment. This trip has been a reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world, and the importance of taking the time to explore it with loved ones. Until our next journey, farewell!