Family Adventure in Peneda-Gerês National Park

Chasing Waterfalls and Fault Lines

Day three in Peneda-Gerês National Park was nothing short of magical. Today was all about seeking out some of the park’s most stunning hidden gems. After the previous days' adventures, I was eager to see what other natural wonders this incredible place held. Sophie was practically bouncing with excitement, and even Jean-Pierre, ever the pragmatist, seemed genuinely thrilled. With our hiking boots laced and our backpacks packed, we set off, ready to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Gerês.

Our first stop was Bem Cozinhado for breakfast. It’s always a treat to start the day with a traditional Portuguese meal. The restaurant was cozy, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and strong coffee filled the air. We enjoyed some delicious pastries and strong coffee, fueling up for our day of hiking. Sophie, of course, couldn’t resist the *pastel de nata*, her favorite!

With our bellies full and spirits high, we headed towards our first major destination: Poço Azul. The drive itself was breathtaking, with winding roads offering panoramic views of the lush, green landscape. As we got closer, the anticipation grew. I had seen photos of Poço Azul, but I knew that nothing could truly prepare me for its beauty in person.

The hike to Poço Azul from Cascata do Arado was an adventure in itself. The trail was moderately challenging, with a few steep inclines and rocky paths, but it was well worth the effort. As we walked, we were surrounded by the sounds of nature – birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant rush of water. Sophie, ever the curious explorer, was fascinated by every little detail, from the colorful wildflowers to the tiny insects scurrying across our path. Jean-Pierre, with his keen eye for detail, kept pointing out interesting geological formations and sharing facts about the local flora and fauna.

Finally, after about three hours of hiking, we arrived at Poço Azul, and it was even more breathtaking than I had imagined. The water was an incredible shade of turquoise, so clear that you could see the bottom of the pool. The surrounding rocks were covered in moss and ferns, creating a lush, green frame around the water. It felt like stepping into a fairytale.


Explore the stunning turquoise waters and breathtaking trails of Poço Azul Gerês, a hiker's paradise in Portugal's national park.

Sometimes, the most beautiful places are those that require a little effort to reach.

We spent a good hour simply taking in the view, letting the tranquility of the place wash over us. Sophie couldn't wait to dip her toes in the water, while Jean-Pierre set up his camera to capture the stunning scenery. I just sat on a rock, closed my eyes, and listened to the gentle sounds of the waterfall. It was a moment of pure bliss, a perfect reminder of why we embarked on this adventure in the first place.

After our visit to Poço Azul, we were all feeling quite hungry, so we made our way to Restaurante Pedra Bela Gerês for lunch. This charming restaurant, located in the heart of Gerês, is known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. We sat on the outdoor terrace, enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains while we waited for our food. Jean-Pierre ordered the *francesinha*, a local specialty, while Sophie opted for a simple pasta dish. I decided to try the grilled fish, which was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The service was attentive and friendly, making our dining experience even more enjoyable.

With our stomachs happily full, we set off for our next destination: the Calcedónia Fault. This geological wonder is a bit of a hidden gem, known more for the challenging hike to reach it than for being a typical tourist spot. But that’s exactly what made it so appealing to us. We parked the car and began our ascent. The trail was steep and rocky, requiring a bit of scrambling and careful footing.

As we climbed higher, the views became increasingly spectacular. We could see the entire valley stretching out before us, a patchwork of green fields and forests. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the scent of pine and earth. Sophie, despite being tired from our earlier hike, was determined to make it to the top. Jean-Pierre, ever the supportive husband, kept encouraging her, pointing out interesting rock formations and telling stories about the history of the area.

The Calcedónia Fault itself was truly impressive. It’s essentially a massive crack in the rock face, creating a narrow passage that you can walk through. The rocks are jagged and uneven, and in some places, you have to squeeze through tight spaces. It felt like we were exploring a secret world, hidden deep within the mountain. I must admit, there were moments when I felt a bit claustrophobic, but the sense of adventure kept me going.


Discover the stunning Calcedónia Fault in Covide, Portugal—a geological wonder with breathtaking views and adventurous hiking trails.

Reaching the top of the fault was a triumph. The views were simply stunning, offering a 360-degree panorama of the entire national park. We could see for miles in every direction, the rolling hills and forests stretching out to the horizon. We took a moment to simply stand there, breathing in the fresh air and soaking in the beauty of it all.

After our adventurous hike, we decided to stop by Supermercado Amanhecer Gerês. We needed to pick up a few essentials, including some insect repellent, which I had forgotten to pack (a rookie mistake, I know!). It was a great opportunity to browse some local products and experience a bit of everyday life in Gerês. Sophie was thrilled to find some local honey, which she insisted on trying right away.


Experience local flavors at Supermercado Amanhecer Gerês, your one-stop destination for fresh produce and regional delicacies in the heart of Gerês.

For dinner, we chose Essentia do Gerês, a restaurant known for its modern take on traditional Portuguese cuisine. The ambiance was elegant and inviting, with soft lighting and contemporary decor. We started with some delicious appetizers, including local cheeses and cured meats. For our main courses, Jean-Pierre ordered the veal, while I opted for the codfish, a Portuguese classic. Sophie, of course, chose the mushroom risotto, which she declared to be the best she had ever tasted. The food was exquisite, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine surrounded by stunning landscapes at Essentia do Gerês in Terras de Bouro.

As we drove back to our guesthouse, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible day we had. From the turquoise waters of Poço Azul to the challenging heights of the Calcedónia Fault, we had experienced some of the most beautiful and unique natural wonders of Peneda-Gerês National Park. And as much as I enjoy these grand sights, I find I’m often just as happy experiencing the smaller, everyday moments that make up a place's culture, like our stop at Supermercado Amanhecer or enjoying a pastry at Bem Cozinhado.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Miradouro da Preguiça and Cascata da Portela do Homem. I’ve heard that the views from Miradouro da Preguiça are absolutely breathtaking, and I’m excited to see another of Gerês’s famous waterfalls. We might even stop by Pirata Do Gerês for a drink in the evening. I can't wait to see what new adventures tomorrow will bring!

The sun has set here. It’s time to rest up for another day of exploration. Goodnight from Gerês!