Family Adventure in Enchanting Sintra

Conquering Castles and Discovering Exotic Gardens

Today was a day of contrasts, from the rugged, historical heights of the Moorish Castle to the serene, almost fantastical, gardens of Monserrate. It’s amazing how much history and natural beauty can be packed into a single day here in Sintra. I was particularly excited to share these experiences with Hans and Sophie, creating memories that I know we’ll cherish for years to come.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Nau Palatina. The restaurant was nestled away from the main tourist drag, a tip I picked up from some online forums. It was exactly what we needed to fuel up for a day of exploring. I opted for a traditional Portuguese pastry, while Hans had a savory egg dish. Sophie, of course, went for the pancakes. The warm, inviting atmosphere and the friendly service made it a perfect start to our adventures.

Fueled and ready, we headed towards our first destination: the Moorish Castle. As we ascended the winding roads leading to the castle, the views became increasingly breathtaking. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth – a welcome change from the city air of Berlin. I made a mental note to remember to pack a raincoat next time, since I forgot it this time, and the weather in Sintra can be quite unpredictable. The castle itself is a testament to the region's rich history, dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries during the Moorish occupation. I could almost feel the echoes of the past as we walked along the ancient walls.


Discover the ancient allure of The Moorish Castle in Sintra, a stunning historical landmark with breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage.

Sophie was particularly fascinated by the ramparts, imagining knights and battles. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the structural engineering and the strategic importance of the castle's location. For me, it was the panoramic views that stole the show. From the castle walls, we could see the entire town of Sintra spread out below us, with the Pena Palace perched majestically on a neighboring peak. The Atlantic Ocean glittered in the distance, a constant reminder of Portugal's maritime history. I tried to capture the scene with my camera, but no photograph could truly do justice to the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape.

To walk through Sintra is to walk through layers of history, each step revealing a new facet of its captivating story.

After thoroughly exploring the Moorish Castle, we descended back into town for lunch. We chose Sabores de Sintra, a restaurant recommended for its authentic Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with traditional decor and a lively atmosphere. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including grilled sardines, seafood rice, and a hearty stew. Everything was delicious, bursting with fresh flavors and local ingredients. Sophie, surprisingly, enjoyed the sardines, declaring them “not as fishy as I thought!” Hans and I shared a bottle of local wine, toasting to our family adventure.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Sabores de Sintra, where local flavors meet warm hospitality in a charming setting.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we set off for our next destination: the Park and Palace of Monserrate. This was a completely different experience from the Moorish Castle. Where the castle was rugged and historical, Monserrate was serene and almost fantastical. The palace itself is a stunning example of 19th-century Romantic architecture, blending Gothic, Indian, and Moorish influences. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale.


Discover the exquisite Park and Palace of Monserrate in Sintra, where history and nature intertwine in a breathtaking landscape.

The gardens surrounding the palace were even more enchanting. Designed by Thomas Gargill, they feature plants from all over the world, carefully arranged to create a series of themed landscapes. We wandered through bamboo forests, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside tranquil ponds. Sophie was in her element, discovering hidden grottoes and chasing butterflies. Hans and I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings. It was hard to believe that such a place existed, tucked away in the hills of Sintra.

According to legend, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built here after the reconquest of Sintra around 1093. Later, in 1540, another chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Monserrate was constructed on its ruins. The estate eventually came into the possession of the Mello e Castro family in the 17th century, but the 1755 Lisbon earthquake left the farmhouse uninhabitable. In 1789, an English merchant named Gerard de Visme rented the farm and constructed a neo-Gothic house over the ruins of the chapel. The property was later subleased by William Thomas Beckford, who began designing a landscaped garden. Lord Byron visited in 1809, and the palace’s magnificent appearance inspired him, leading him to mention the beauty of Monserrate in *Childe Harold's Pilgrimage*. It became the summer residence of the Cook family, and the design was influenced by Romanticism and Mudéjar Moorish Revival architecture with neo-Gothic elements. The Islamic architectural influence is a nod to the region's history as part of Muslim Gharb Al-Andalus until the 13th century.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to stop for a drink at Bar Fonte da Pipa. It was a charming little spot with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. We ordered some tapas and local wine, savoring the last moments of our day in Sintra. Sophie enjoyed a refreshing juice, recounting her favorite parts of the day.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Bar Fonte da Pipa, the perfect spot for relaxation in Sintra.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the National Palace of Pena and the Chalet of the Countess of Edla. I've heard so much about Pena Palace, with its colorful turrets and whimsical architecture. I'm eager to see it for myself and share it with my family. The Chalet of the Countess of Edla, with its romantic history and beautiful gardens, also sounds like a must-see. I'm particularly interested in the story of the Countess, an American opera singer who captured the heart of King Ferdinand II.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such incredible places with my family. Sintra has a way of transporting you to another time and place, of filling you with wonder and inspiration. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, creating a truly magical atmosphere. I’m so glad we decided to extend our stay here. I know that the memories we're making will last a lifetime.

Before heading back to our hotel, A Raposa beckoned us with its cozy and vintage-style ambiance. What started as a charming tea room by day transforms into an elegant restaurant in the evening. Chef Sergio's culinary prowess was evident in every dish, blending international flavors with local delicacies. I savored the perfectly cooked, locally sourced fish, while Hans indulged in the succulent shredded lamb. The meticulously curated wine list, overseen by Sergio himself, ensured that our meal was perfectly complemented. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at A Raposa in Sintra, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality in a charming setting.

Tomorrow, we will have breakfast at Metamorphosis, and then explore the Pena Palace and the Chalet of the Countess of Edla. We will have lunch at Adega do Saloio and dinner at Dom Pipas, ending the day at Casa do Fauno bar.

Tonight, as I reflect on our experiences, I realize that Sintra is more than just a collection of beautiful palaces and gardens. It's a place that stirs the soul, that awakens the imagination, and that reminds us of the importance of history, nature, and family. And as we prepare for another day of adventure, I can't help but feel excited about what tomorrow will bring. I'm sure it will be filled with new discoveries, new memories, and new reasons to fall in love with this enchanting place.

We are also planning a visit to Quinta da Regaleira, and I am looking forward to exploring its mysterious wells and gardens. I've heard that it's a place full of secrets and hidden meanings, and I can't wait to uncover them with my family. I’m also keen to visit the Sintra National Palace, as I am eager to see its iconic twin chimneys and learn more about its royal history.

As I drift off to sleep, I'm already dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. I know that Sintra has many more wonders to reveal, and I'm excited to explore them all with Hans and Sophie by my side. Sintra has a certain magic that captivates you, and I am eager to see what else it has in store for us.

Before I forget, I noticed there's a Surf & Art Retreat happening nearby until May 7th. It sounds like something right up my alley, blending creativity with outdoor adventure. Maybe next time, I'll come alone for a few days and indulge in some surfing and art workshops. For now, though, I'm content with exploring Sintra's cultural offerings with my family.

The blend of art, history, and nature here is simply intoxicating, and I'm already looking forward to sharing more of our adventures with you all. Until tomorrow, *Adeus*!