Family Adventure in Enchanting Sintra

Unveiling Sintra's Hidden Gems

Today was all about diving deeper into Sintra, beyond the fairytale castles and lush gardens. It was a day of exploration, discovery, and a whole lot of learning. Sophie was especially excited, as she loves anything to do with science and history. I was eager to see what Sintra had to offer beyond its more famous attractions. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was just happy to be spending quality time with his family in such a beautiful setting.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Taverna do Município. It was a cozy spot, filled with locals, which is always a good sign. I opted for a traditional Portuguese pastry and a strong coffee to fuel our adventures. Sophie, of course, went for the pancakes. Hans enjoyed a 'sandes mista' - a ham and cheese sandwich. It's funny how even on vacation, he sticks to his familiar favorites.

With our stomachs full, we set off for the Sintra Science Workshop. I'll admit, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I had visions of a stuffy museum, but what we found was anything but.

The Sintra Science Workshop turned out to be an absolute delight. It's designed to make science accessible and fun for all ages. Sophie was immediately captivated by the interactive exhibits. She spent ages experimenting with different concepts, from building simple circuits to exploring the principles of mechanics. I even found myself getting drawn in, rediscovering the joy of hands-on learning. It was a refreshing change from the usual tourist trail, and a reminder that learning can be an adventure in itself. The workshop is part of Sintra's Municipal Water and Sanitation Services, which I found quite interesting.

The best kind of learning happens when you don't even realize you're being taught.

After a morning of scientific exploration, we were ready for lunch. We headed to A Lanterna, a local restaurant known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a distinctly local feel. I ordered the 'filet américain', while Hans opted for a classic Portuguese steak. Sophie, predictably, chose the fries. The food was simple, but delicious, and the prices were very reasonable. It was exactly the kind of unpretentious, authentic meal I crave when traveling. I love finding those little local spots that offer a true taste of the region.

Next on our itinerary was the Museu de História Natural de Sintra. I was particularly excited about this, as I have always been fascinated by natural history. The museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building in the heart of Sintra's old town. It was founded by Miguel Barbosa and his wife, Fernanda Barbosa, who spent about 50 years putting together a collection of thousands of fossils of incalculable cultural and scientific value.

The Museu de História Natural de Sintra was fascinating. The museum houses an impressive collection of fossils, minerals, and other natural artifacts. Sophie was particularly taken with the dinosaur exhibit, marveling at the skeletons and learning about prehistoric life. I was fascinated by the collection of minerals, admiring their beauty and diversity. Hans, surprisingly, seemed most interested in the exhibit on the geological history of the region, peppering me with questions about tectonic plates and rock formations.

One of the highlights was a rare flying reptile, Braseodactylus sp. There were also dinosaur eggs discovered in the Gobi Desert in China. The museum also had a simulation of the Big Bang. The space has a dynamic presentation, using modern furniture and equipment, and also playing with the use of new technologies. The exhibition open to the public begins with the formation of Primitive Earth and the mutations it underwent over millions of years, during the different Geological Eras, from the Pre-Cambrian to the Quaternary, showing the entire evolution of life through the Municipal Collections of Paleontology, Mineralogy, Malacology and Petrology from the most diverse parts of the world.

After our museum visit, we decided to indulge in a sweet treat. We stopped by Queijadas da Sapa, a local institution famous for its traditional 'queijadas' – small cheese tarts. The shop was tiny and unassuming, but the aroma of freshly baked pastries was irresistible. I bought a selection of 'queijadas' to take back to our hotel. They were the perfect afternoon pick-me-up – sweet, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Apparently, the shop was founded in 1756 and is considered the originator of the famous Queijadas de Sintra. These small sweets are prepared using cheese, eggs, milk, and sugar. The Sintra version also includes almonds.

As evening approached, we made our way to Curral dos Caprinos for dinner. This restaurant is known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine and rustic ambiance. The restaurant was bustling with locals, creating a lively and authentic atmosphere. I ordered the roasted lamb, while Hans chose the grilled fish. Sophie, ever adventurous, opted for the chicken. The food was hearty and flavorful, and the portions were generous. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and discovery. The restaurant apparently got its name and heritage from an old sheep and goat farm that used to be on the site. It was established in 1974 to complement the farm's operation and has specialized ever since in traditional lamb and goat recipes.

Throughout the day, I couldn't help but reflect on how much I enjoy these family trips. It's not just about seeing new places, but also about sharing experiences and creating memories together. As an English teacher, I value learning and exploration, and I love seeing Sophie's curiosity and enthusiasm for the world around her. And even Hans, with his predictable routines, seems to come alive when he's exploring new places with us.

Tomorrow, we're off to Lisbon to explore the Palácio Nacional de Belém and the Museum of Lisbon. I'm excited to see what the capital city has to offer, but I know I'll always cherish our time in Sintra. It's a place that has captured my heart with its beauty, history, and charm. And, of course, its delicious 'queijadas'.

As we walked back to our hotel, Sintra Marmoris Camelia, under the starlit sky, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Today had been a perfect blend of learning, exploration, and family bonding. It was a reminder that the best travel experiences are often the ones that surprise you, taking you off the beaten path and revealing hidden gems along the way.


Discover the charm of Sintra at Sintra Marmoris Camelia, where comfort meets culture in a perfect blend for travelers seeking relaxation and exploration.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to enjoy a 'queijada' and a cup of tea before bed. Until tomorrow!