Sometimes you just need to escape the city and go touch some grass. When that desire is growing you need to follow that urge into the wilderness. Whether that might be the local park, ocean, a lake, a forest or that nearby mountain range.
Nature Getaways from Porto
Here in Porto, I realised that the mountains are closer than I originally thought. Just an hour and a half drive later I found myself in Peneda-Gerês - the local national park. The only national park in the whole of Portugal to be precise.
Here, one can find many hidden gems like lakes, rivers, lagoons, waterfalls, and quiet villages far away from all the city troubles.
Adventure Awaits in Peneda-Gerês
Starting this adventure there are so many hidden hideaways and paths to be followed. Among forests and treetops, every elevation feels climbable. On the way you quite possibly will pass by some Levadas, carrying fresh and crisp mountain water which the villagers use on a daily basis to drink, cook and wash their clothes. Legend has it that these freshwater springs throughout the park have healing properties and I like to believe in that. Some might say all water tastes the same, but once you have had a taste of this you might be convinced otherwise.
Discover Hidden Waterfalls
Along some rocky trails all of a sudden, a noise grows louder, first just in the background but slowly making its way ever more present, until you take a turn and find yourself standing in front of a big waterfall, untouched and alone, not a single soul in sight. The sun is beaming down on you so you gladly go for a dip in the clear and icy but totally refreshing water.
Countryside Portuguese Lunch
After this rewarding stop you continue your route on a small path through shrubs and bushes, having some spectacular views alongside to your left and right. Blue skies stretch above, with not a cloud in sight. Just when you’re feeling a bit of a rumbling in your belly you spot the next village in close distance. You sit down and enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch, with a soup for entrada, savoury prato principal and a sweet treat as a sobremesa. These rustic restaurants might not be the most chic places you’ve been to but they for sure know how to cook hearty food that tastes just like it was made with love in someone’s home kitchen.
Wild Swimming in Emerald Lagoons
Back on the trail you pass several pine trees, strawberry tree (arbus unedo), chestnut and oaks as well as ancient cork trees providing some shade on the way. Continuing on the trail you see some ancient remains of wolf traps reminding the villagers and bypassers of the old days in which village and farm life was not only a romanticized way of living by the city people but everyday life for most of the population.
Why You Should Visit Peneda-Gerês
Taking a small path down the hill you spy the next emerald green lagoons in an enchanted looking forest. You enjoy a quick dip and relax on one of the warm stones surrounding the lagoon.
As you wander back to the car, your heart feels full — brimming with memories of sun, water, and serenity. Now you are ready to face the challenges that the city life holds for you.
Would you like to join us for a day trip? Here you can find more information!