Family Adventure in Enchanting Sintra

Embracing the Edge of Europe

Today was a day of dramatic landscapes and hidden gems, a true testament to the untamed beauty that Portugal has to offer. Leaving behind the fairytale palaces of Sintra for a day, we ventured out to explore the rugged coastline, where the land meets the vast Atlantic Ocean. It was an adventure filled with breathtaking views, a touch of daring, and a reminder of nature's awe-inspiring power.


Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Meia Pipa Sintra. It’s such a cozy spot. I had a lovely coffee, and Sophie enjoyed one of their almond cakes. Hans went for the pork sandwich, which he said was delicious and gave him the energy he needed for the day’s adventures. I appreciated the friendly atmosphere, and it was the perfect start to our explorations.


Discover authentic Portuguese cuisine at Meia Pipa Sintra, where local flavors meet a charming atmosphere in the heart of scenic Sintra.

Cape Roca's Majestic Views


Our first stop was Cape Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. As we approached, the wind picked up, carrying with it the salty scent of the sea. The dramatic cliffs rose majestically from the crashing waves below, creating a scene that felt both wild and serene. Sophie was immediately captivated, her eyes wide with wonder as she gazed out at the seemingly endless horizon.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cape Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, where stunning cliffs meet the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

The air was crisp, and the sun played hide-and-seek behind the clouds, casting dramatic shadows across the landscape. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at standing on the edge of the world, so to speak. It's moments like these that remind me why I love to travel – to witness the raw, unfiltered beauty of our planet.


We took the obligatory photos with the monument marking the cape, a simple stone cross bearing the coordinates and altitude. It's a popular spot, and there were plenty of other tourists vying for the perfect shot, but the vastness of the landscape seemed to dwarf the crowds. We walked along the cliff's edge, careful to keep a safe distance, as the wind threatened to sweep us off our feet. Sophie, ever the curious explorer, peppered us with questions about the ocean, the rocks, and the history of the place.


I tried to explain how this very spot had been a navigational landmark for centuries, a beacon for sailors charting their course across the Atlantic. I shared stories of explorers and adventurers who had set sail from these shores, their hearts filled with hope and their minds set on discovering new worlds.


The Secret of Praia da Ursa


From Cape Roca, we set our sights on a more secluded destination: Praia da Ursa. I had read about this hidden beach before our trip, and the photos I had seen online had piqued my interest. Known for its dramatic rock formations and pristine sands, Praia da Ursa is not easily accessible, which adds to its allure. The reviews I read mentioned a steep and challenging descent, so I made sure we were all wearing appropriate footwear. I had almost forgotten my raincoat today, but the weather was thankfully on our side today.


Experience the untouched beauty of Praia da Ursa, a serene beach in Portugal's Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, where cliffs meet crystal waters.


The trail to Praia da Ursa begins near the lighthouse at Cape Roca. As we started our descent, the path became increasingly narrow and rocky. Sophie, usually so energetic, grew a bit apprehensive, but Hans and I encouraged her, pointing out the stunning views along the way. The landscape was rugged and untamed, with hardy vegetation clinging to the cliffs and the constant sound of the ocean providing a dramatic soundtrack.

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are the ones that require a little extra effort.

The descent was indeed challenging, but it was also exhilarating. We had to navigate steep drops and loose gravel, carefully choosing our footing with each step. There were moments when I questioned my sanity, wondering if bringing a nine-year-old down such a treacherous path was the best idea. But then I would look at Sophie's face, her eyes shining with determination, and I knew that this was an experience she would never forget.


Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the bottom of the cliff. And there it was: Praia da Ursa, a crescent of golden sand nestled between towering rock formations. The beach was even more beautiful than I had imagined, a true hidden paradise.


The name 'Ursa' comes from a bear-shaped rock formation, which, when viewed from the north, resembles a bear holding a cub. I tried to point it out to Sophie, but from our vantage point on the beach, it was difficult to make out the shape. Nevertheless, she was thrilled to be there, running towards the water with joyous abandon. The waves were strong, and the currents looked treacherous, so we decided to stay close to the shore, splashing in the shallows and building sandcastles.


Even in May, the water was surprisingly cold, but that didn't deter Sophie. She squealed with delight as the waves crashed around her, her laughter echoing against the cliffs. Hans and I watched her, our hearts filled with a sense of contentment. This was what family travel was all about: creating memories, sharing experiences, and discovering the world together.


We spent a few hours on Praia da Ursa, soaking up the sun and enjoying the solitude. There were only a handful of other people on the beach, mostly adventurous types who had braved the challenging descent. It felt like we had stumbled upon our own private sanctuary, a place where we could escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.


A Taste of Portugal


As the afternoon wore on, we reluctantly began the ascent back to Cape Roca. The climb was even more strenuous than the descent, but we took our time, stopping frequently to catch our breath and admire the views. Sophie, surprisingly, seemed to have more energy than Hans and I. She skipped ahead, her little legs carrying her effortlessly up the steep path.


Back in Sintra, we were famished. For lunch, we stopped at Tacho Real, a restaurant recommended for its authentic Portuguese cuisine. The cozy atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff were incredibly friendly. We started with some local appetizers, including cheese and olives, and then ordered a variety of traditional dishes. I had the baked octopus with olive oil and garlic, which was amazing. Hans tried one of the cod dishes, and Sophie enjoyed a simple but delicious pasta. The reviews online were good, and I can confirm that this spot is great for families.


Experience authentic Portuguese flavors at Tacho Real in Sintra - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

The food was hearty and flavorful, a true taste of Portugal. We lingered over our meal, savoring each bite and sharing stories of our day's adventures. It was the perfect way to refuel after our hike and to celebrate another day of discovery.


A Nightcap in Sintra


As the day drew to a close, we decided to stop by Villa Craft Beer & Bread for a nightcap. The bar had a relaxed atmosphere, and they had a great selection of local craft beers. Hans and I sampled a couple of different brews, while Sophie enjoyed a refreshing lemonade. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and we chatted with them about the local area and the best places to visit.


Discover the heart of Sintra at Villa Craft Beer & Bread, where craft brews meet artisanal bread in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Before heading back to our hotel, we enjoyed the atmosphere of the town. There were a few conferences in Sintra, so there were more people out and about. After our drinks, we strolled through the town, enjoying the atmosphere and the twinkling lights. Sintra is truly magical at night, with its historic buildings and charming streets illuminated by soft golden light.


Tomorrow, we bid farewell to Sintra and head to Lisbon. We plan to visit Castelo de São Jorge and the Jerónimos Monastery. We will end our trip with dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. I’m looking forward to exploring a new city, but I will always cherish the memories we made in Sintra. It's a place that captured our hearts, with its fairytale palaces, lush landscapes, and rugged coastline.


Reflecting on the Day


As I sit here writing this, I can still feel the wind in my hair and the taste of salt on my lips. Today was a day of contrasts, from the majestic cliffs of Cape Roca to the secluded shores of Praia da Ursa. It was a day of challenges and rewards, of breathtaking views and quiet moments of reflection. It was a day that reminded me of the power of nature and the importance of family.


And as I think about our upcoming adventures in Lisbon, I know that the memories we made in Sintra will stay with us long after we've left. This enchanting town has woven its spell on our hearts, and I have a feeling that we'll be back someday to explore its hidden corners and relive its magic.