Family Adventure in Serra de São Mamede Natural Park

Whispers of History and Nature

Today was a day of diving deep into Portugal’s past and marveling at its natural wonders. We ventured further into the heart of Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, aiming to explore the historical and geological treasures of Vila Velha de Ródão. With Sophie’s boundless curiosity and Lena’s keen eye for detail, I knew we were in for an enriching experience. I packed my camera, hoping to capture the essence of this unique region, one snapshot at a time.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at A Adega. It was a cozy spot, filled with locals chatting and enjoying their morning coffee. I opted for a *tosta mista* and a *galão*, while Lena and Sophie enjoyed some fresh pastries. It was a simple but satisfying start to what promised to be a day full of exploration.

Fueled up, we set off to our first destination: the Portas do Ródão Natural Monument. The drive itself was scenic, winding through rolling hills and offering glimpses of the Tagus River. As we approached, the landscape transformed dramatically. The towering quartzite cliffs rose majestically on either side of the river, creating a breathtaking sight. It's easy to see why they call it 'doors' - the way the river cuts through the rock is simply awe-inspiring.

We parked the car and took a short walk to the viewpoint. The view was even more stunning up close. The sheer scale of the cliffs, combined with the tranquil flow of the Tagus below, created a sense of awe and wonder. Sophie was particularly fascinated, asking endless questions about how the river had carved its way through the rock over millions of years. I tried my best to explain the geological processes, drawing on my (admittedly rusty) knowledge from my university days. Lena, ever the patient teacher, chimed in with simpler explanations that Sophie could easily grasp. It was moments like these that made our family trips so special – a blend of education, exploration, and bonding.

The river whispers tales of ancient times, carved in stone and flowing through the heart of Portugal.

We spent a good hour at the viewpoint, soaking in the scenery and taking photos. I experimented with different angles and compositions, trying to capture the grandeur of the landscape. Lena and Sophie, meanwhile, were busy collecting interesting rocks and leaves, adding to their ever-growing collection of travel souvenirs. Before leaving the Portas do Ródão Natural Monument, we took a short boat trip to fully appreciate the grandeur of the griffon colony situated there. It was amazing to see these birds soaring above us.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Portas do Ródão Natural Monument, a serene national park in Portugal, perfect for outdoor adventures and nature lovers.

Next on our itinerary was the Torre Medieval da Portagem. After a short drive, we arrived at the small village of Portagem, located near Marvão. The tower, a medieval toll tower, stood proudly beside the bridge, a testament to the region’s rich history. We parked the car and strolled across the bridge, admiring its sturdy construction and the tranquil flow of the Sever River below. The bridge, I learned, dates back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries, though some believe it incorporates materials from an earlier Roman bridge. The tower itself, a square structure, likely dates back to the 14th century.

We climbed to the top of the tower, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From this vantage point, it was easy to imagine the tower’s original purpose – to monitor traffic crossing the bridge and collect tolls from travelers. I couldn’t help but think about the countless people who had passed through this spot over the centuries – merchants, pilgrims, soldiers, and ordinary folk going about their daily lives. The tower, in a way, was a silent witness to history, a tangible link to the past.

Sophie, of course, was more interested in the physical aspects of the tower – the steep steps, the narrow windows, and the crenellations along the top. She peppered me with questions about medieval warfare and castle sieges, drawing on her (somewhat limited) knowledge gleaned from cartoons and storybooks. I did my best to answer her questions, adding a bit of historical context and correcting some of her more outlandish misconceptions. Lena, meanwhile, was busy sketching the tower in her notebook, capturing its essence with her artistic talent.


Discover the Torre Medieval da Portagem, a historic landmark showcasing Portugal's medieval heritage and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

After exploring the tower, we decided to have lunch at Restaurante O Malagueta. We sat outside, enjoying the pleasant weather and the lively atmosphere of the town. I ordered the *arroz de marisco*, a traditional Portuguese seafood rice dish, while Lena opted for the grilled fish. Sophie, predictably, chose the *bitoque*, a steak and fries dish that seems to be a universal favorite among kids. The food was delicious, the service was friendly, and the prices were reasonable – a winning combination in my book.

With our bellies full, we decided to indulge in a bit of retail therapy at Sabores Apurados, Lda. This shop was a treasure trove of local products, from olive oil and honey to wines and cheeses. I was particularly interested in the olive oil, as the region is known for its high-quality production. I sampled a few different varieties, carefully noting their flavor profiles and aromas. Lena, meanwhile, was busy browsing the selection of local wines, looking for a bottle to take back to Germany.

We ended up buying a few bottles of olive oil, a jar of local honey, and a bottle of red wine. The shop owner, a friendly woman with a wealth of knowledge about local products, gave us some helpful tips on how to best use our purchases. It was a pleasant experience, a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and preserving traditional crafts.


Experience the authentic flavors of Portugal at Sabores Apurados, Lda., a charming farm shop in Ponte de Sor offering artisanal local delights.

For dinner, we decided to try Berangas Timur. The restaurant offered a mix of Portuguese and international cuisine, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I ordered the *francesinha*, a Porto specialty, while Lena opted for the seafood cataplana. Sophie, once again, chose the *bitoque*. The food was excellent, the service was attentive, and the overall experience was memorable. As we ate, we reflected on our day of exploration and discovery, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty and history of Vila Velha de Ródão.


Experience the heart of Portuguese cuisine at Berangas Timur in São Miguel do Rio Torto - where tradition meets flavor.

As we head into tomorrow, we are planning to visit the Sensory Ecopark of Pia do Urso and the Baloiço da Torre de Barrozinha. I'm looking forward to more hiking and photo opportunities.

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” I think Aldous Huxley had a point with this. Every place has so much to offer, and it's easy to misjudge a book by its cover. I'm glad we took the time to really see this place.

Back at our accommodation, I spent some time reviewing the photos I had taken throughout the day, editing them and selecting the best ones for my blog. Lena and Sophie, meanwhile, were busy playing a board game, their laughter filling the room. It was a perfect end to a perfect day, a reminder of the simple joys of family travel.