Family Adventure in Enchanting Sintra

A Day of Coastal Charms
Today's adventure took us beyond the fairytale castles of Sintra to the captivating coastal town of Cascais. It was a day filled with dramatic landscapes, charming streets, and, of course, delicious food. The change of scenery was refreshing, and the family was excited to explore a different side of Portugal. After a week immersed in the lush hills of Sintra, the salty air and crashing waves were a welcome change. I was particularly excited, because after a week of castles and nature, I could indulge in my passion for shopping.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Villa 6. I opted for a traditional Portuguese pastry and coffee, while Hans enjoyed a more substantial breakfast of eggs and toast. Sophie, as always, chose a croissant with Nutella. Fueled up, we set off to explore the rugged coastline, eager to witness the famous Boca do Inferno.

The Mouth of Hell

Boca do Inferno, or Hell's Mouth, is a dramatic cliff formation where the Atlantic Ocean relentlessly crashes against the shore. The powerful waves have carved a natural arch and cave into the cliffs, creating a breathtaking spectacle. We arrived just as the morning sun was beginning to warm the stone, and the views were simply stunning. The girls were mesmerized by the sheer force of nature, as the waves pounded against the rocks, sending plumes of spray high into the air.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Boca do Inferno, a scenic spot in Cascais, where dramatic cliffs meet the roaring Atlantic Ocean.

We walked along the viewing platform, taking in the panoramic views of the coastline. The air was filled with the salty scent of the sea and the thunderous roar of the waves. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the power of nature. It's moments like these that remind me how small we are in the grand scheme of things. The kids were especially fascinated, peppering me with questions about how the rocks were formed and why it was called Hell's Mouth. I did my best to explain the geological processes at work, drawing on my somewhat rusty knowledge from high school science classes.

The sea is a desert of waves, A wilderness of water.

After spending a good hour at Boca do Inferno, soaking in the views and the invigorating sea air, we decided to head towards Cascais Marina. The walk along the coast was beautiful, with stunning views of the ocean on one side and charming villas on the other. We even saw a few brave souls fishing off the cliffs, though I wouldn't dare get that close to the edge myself!

A Stroll Through Cascais Marina

Cascais Marina is a bustling hub of activity, with yachts bobbing gently in the water and a lively atmosphere. The marina has been redeveloped in recent years and now boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafes. We strolled along the waterfront, admiring the boats and soaking in the sunshine. Sophie was particularly excited by the ice cream parlors, and it wasn't long before we made a pit stop for a sweet treat. I must confess, I couldn't resist joining her. I opted for a scoop of pistachio gelato, while she went for her usual strawberry. Hans, ever the practical one, used the opportunity to check his emails and plan the next leg of our journey.


Discover the beauty and vibrancy of Cascais Marina, a perfect blend of leisure, adventure, and culinary delights on the stunning Portuguese coast.

The marina was bustling with activity. I couldn't help but notice a sign for the ECG General Assembly & Spring Congress being held at the Pestana Cidadela Cascais hotel. It seemed like an interesting event, but perhaps not quite up my alley. I also saw advertisements for the Women in FVL network meeting, which sounded intriguing, but I was here for leisure, and not work. We watched the fishermen bringing in their daily catch and enjoyed the lively atmosphere. The marina is definitely a place to see and be seen, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Lunch with a View

For lunch, we chose Taverna dos Trovadores, drawn in by its charming atmosphere and promise of traditional Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its live music, which unfortunately wasn't playing during lunchtime, but the ambiance was still delightful. I had heard great things about Taverna dos Trovadores, and it was said to be one of the most well known restaurants in the area.


Discover authentic Portuguese flavors at Taverna dos Trovadores in Sintra - where every meal tells a story.

We started with some delicious appetizers, including garlic shrimp and smoked sausage, before moving on to our main courses. I opted for the grilled fish, which was fresh and flavorful, while Hans chose the roasted pork. Sophie, predictably, went for the spaghetti Bolognese. The food was excellent, and the service was friendly and attentive.

Shopping at A Vida Portuguesa

After lunch, it was time for some retail therapy. I had heard about A Vida Portuguesa, a shop that sells traditional Portuguese products, and I was eager to check it out. Fortunately, there was a branch in Cascais, so we made our way there. The shop was a treasure trove of vintage-inspired goods, from soaps and perfumes to ceramics and textiles. I was in heaven! I spent a good hour browsing the shelves, admiring the beautifully packaged products and imagining how they would look in my Berlin apartment. I ended up buying a few bars of artisanal soap, a tin of sardines, and a colorful tea towel. I couldn't resist a few small gifts for friends back home, too. The shop was beautifully designed, with high wooden cabinets displaying the products in an attractive way. I felt like I had stepped back in time, and it was a wonderful experience. I think that this shop is such a fantastic way of keeping the Portuguese traditions alive, showing people the beautiful products that they have to offer.


Explore A Vida Portuguesa in Lisbon for authentic Portuguese home goods, artisanal treasures, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Portugal.

Dinner at Casa das Minas

As the day drew to a close, we decided to have dinner at Casa das Minas, a restaurant known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine and cozy atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end our day in Cascais.


Discover authentic Portuguese flavors at Casa das Minas in Sintra – where culinary tradition meets charming ambiance.

We started with some delicious appetizers, including local cheeses and olives, before moving on to our main courses. I opted for the seafood stew, which was rich and flavorful, while Hans chose the grilled steak. Sophie, surprisingly, decided to try the fish and chips, which she declared to be the best she had ever tasted. The service was friendly and attentive, and we felt right at home. I am so glad that we chose to come here for dinner, as it was a perfect and relaxing end to a busy, but exciting day.

As we walked back to our accommodation, the air was filled with the sound of laughter and music. Cascais is a town that truly comes alive at night, and it was wonderful to be a part of it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience this beautiful place with my family.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Cape Roca and Praia da Ursa. I am excited to explore these natural wonders and see more of the stunning Portuguese coastline. I am sure that it will be another day filled with adventure and unforgettable memories. I am also hoping that we have a chance to visit Villa Craft Beer & Bread, a bar that I have heard great things about. I am looking forward to trying some local craft beers and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Until then, goodnight from Cascais!

As I reflect on our day, I'm struck by the contrast between the rugged beauty of Boca do Inferno and the refined charm of Cascais Marina. It's a town that offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences. I'm so glad we decided to spend a day here, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Sintra region. And as I drift off to sleep, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what tomorrow will bring. Cape Roca, here we come!