Family Adventure in Serra de São Mamede Natural Park

Echoes of the Past

Today was a day of diving deep—literally and figuratively—into the history and natural beauty of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. With Lena and Sophie in tow, I set out to explore ancient caves, megalithic monuments, and, of course, indulge in the local cuisine. As a family, we've always cherished these kinds of immersive experiences, where every stone and every flavor tells a story.

Our Alentejo adventure continues, and today promised a journey back in time. After a good night's rest, we started our Sunday with a hearty breakfast at Café Libolo. I went for the *francesinha*, a local favorite, while Lena enjoyed some freshly baked bread with local cheese, and Sophie devoured a *pastel de nata* with gusto. It's funny how even a simple breakfast can feel special when you're surrounded by new sights and sounds. I made sure to try some of the local Serra de São Mamede cheese. Fuelled up, we headed towards our first destination: the Grutas de Santo António.


Discover the breathtaking Grutas de Santo António, a stunning cave system in Alvados, showcasing nature's beauty through incredible geological formations.
The drive to the caves was scenic, with rolling hills and cork trees dotting the landscape. As we approached the Grutas de Santo António, Sophie's eyes widened with anticipation. I must admit, even I felt a thrill of excitement. Having lived in bustling cities like Heidelberg, the quiet mystery of these natural formations was a welcome change. The Grutas de Santo António are part of a network of caves formed approximately 180 million years ago. Imagine, dinosaurs once roamed this very area! It's humbling to stand in a place with such a deep connection to the Earth's history.

Inside, the caves were a cool sanctuary from the warm June sun. The formations of stalactites and stalagmites created a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere. Sophie was fascinated, pointing out shapes that resembled animals and mythical creatures. Lena, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the geological processes that shaped these underground wonders. I found myself somewhere in between, captivated by the sheer beauty and the echoes of time that resonated within the caves. The way the light filtered through the openings created an ethereal glow, highlighting the intricate details of the limestone formations. It's truly a photographer's dream.

Time is like a river flowing endlessly, carrying with it the echoes of the past and the whispers of the future.

After spending a couple of hours exploring the depths of the Grutas de Santo António, we emerged blinking into the sunlight, our minds buzzing with the wonders we had witnessed. It was time for lunch, and we were all looking forward to sampling more of the local Alentejo cuisine. We drove to Carlos Caeiro, a restaurant known for its authentic Portuguese dishes and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all eager to enjoy a delicious midday meal. I opted for the grilled lamb, a regional specialty, while Lena chose the *bacalhau à brás*, a classic codfish dish. Sophie, of course, went for the *bitoque*, a simple but satisfying steak and fries. The food was hearty and flavorful, and the portions were generous. We left feeling full and content, ready for our next adventure.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off to explore the Parque Megalítico dos Coureleiros. This megalithic park, also known as the Necrópole Megalítica de Coureleiros, is home to several *antas* (dolmens) dating back to the 3rd and 4th millennia BC. As we walked among these ancient stones, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. These monuments were built by people who lived thousands of years ago, and they still stand as a testament to their ingenuity and resilience.


Uncover ancient mysteries at Parque Megalítico dos Coureleiros, a serene park filled with megalithic wonders in the heart of Portalegre, Portugal.
Sophie was particularly intrigued by the *antas*, asking questions about who built them and what they were used for. I did my best to explain, drawing on my knowledge of history and archaeology. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so rewarding – the opportunity to learn and discover together, to share in the wonder of the world around us.

The Parque Megalítico dos Coureleiros is spread out over a large area, and we spent several hours exploring the different *antas* and learning about their history. The good thing about the Parque Megalítico dos Coureleiros, also known as Necrópole Megalítica de Coureleiros, is that it concentrates several megalithic monuments relatively close to each other, making it possible to visit no less than five *Antas*. And right next door, only 8km away, you can also visit the impressive Menir da Meada. It's amazing how well-preserved these ancient structures are, considering their age. Standing there, surrounded by these silent witnesses to history, I felt a profound connection to the past.

As the sun began to set, we decided to head back to our accommodation. But before calling it a day, we made a pit stop at O Castelo - Café Lounge for a well-deserved drink. This café lounge is known for its ambrosial food, fresh fruit juice, and unmatched atmosphere. The views from the café were stunning, overlooking the rolling hills and valleys of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. I savored a glass of local wine, while Lena enjoyed a refreshing juice, and Sophie treated herself to an ice cream. We sat there in comfortable silence, watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Discover the cozy charm of O Castelo - Café Lounge in Marvão, where exquisite espresso meets breathtaking views.
For dinner, we decided to try Taberna Facha, a charming tavern in Portalegre known for its authentic Portuguese cuisine and warm hospitality. It was a bit of a drive, but definitely worth it! The tavern was cozy and inviting, with rustic decor and a lively atmosphere. We ordered a variety of traditional dishes, including *sopa de cação* (dogfish soup), *migas alentejanas* (bread crumbs with pork), and *carne de porco à alentejana* (pork with clams). The food was delicious and comforting, and the service was friendly and attentive. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploration and discovery.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Taberna Facha in Portalegre - a charming tavern with delicious dishes and warm hospitality.
As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've had today. Exploring the Grutas de Santo António and the Parque Megalítico dos Coureleiros was like stepping back in time, connecting with the ancient history of this region. And the delicious food we enjoyed along the way only added to the richness of the experience. I am excited about tomorrow, where we will be heading to Portas do Ródão Natural Monument and Torre Medieval da Portagem. And with that, it's time to get some rest, so we can be ready for another day of adventure in the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. Good night from Portugal!

Today was an amazing one, and it reminded me of something I once read:

“The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask.”

Until tomorrow!