Family Adventure in Peneda-Gerês National Park

A Fond Farewell to Gerês

As our ten-day adventure in Peneda-Gerês National Park draws to a close, I wanted to share the magic of our final day. It was a day filled with the soothing sounds of cascading water and breathtaking panoramic views. While I'm a little sad to leave this beautiful place, I'm also filled with gratitude for the incredible memories we've made as a family. Today was all about soaking in the last moments of natural beauty before our journey back to Lyon.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Espigueiro do Soajo. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong coffee filled the air, setting the perfect tone for our last day in the park. It’s amazing how a good meal can really energize you for the day's adventures. I savored every bite of the traditional Portuguese pastries, knowing I’d miss these simple pleasures when we returned home.


Experience authentic Portuguese flavors at Restaurante Espigueiro do Soajo – where every dish tells a story.

Our first stop was the Cascata da Rajada. The drive there was an adventure in itself, winding through narrow, cobblestone streets and lush green hills. When we arrived, the sight of the waterfall was simply stunning. The water cascaded down the rocks into a crystal-clear pool below. Sophie was immediately captivated, her eyes wide with wonder. Jean-Pierre, ever the photographer, started snapping away, trying to capture the beauty of the scene. I just stood there for a moment, taking it all in. The cool mist on my face and the sound of the water were incredibly refreshing.


Experience the serene beauty of Cascata da Rajada, a breathtaking hiking area in Portugal, famous for its stunning waterfalls and lush landscapes.

Sometimes, the most beautiful experiences are the ones that require a little effort to reach.

The trail to the waterfall was a bit challenging. It was rocky and uneven, but we took our time, helping Sophie navigate the trickier parts. I was so proud of her; she never complained, even when she stumbled. She was too excited to see the waterfall up close! It reminded me of our hikes in the French Alps, although the terrain here was quite different. The vegetation was lusher, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and damp earth.

When we finally reached the base of the Cascata da Rajada, it was even more impressive than I had imagined. The water was so clear that you could see the bottom of the pool. Some brave souls were even swimming, but I decided it was a bit too chilly for me. Instead, we found a nice spot on the rocks and had a little picnic. I had packed some sandwiches and fruit, and we enjoyed our lunch while listening to the soothing sound of the waterfall. It was a perfect moment of peace and tranquility.

After spending a couple of hours at the Cascata da Rajada, we packed up and headed to our next destination: Miradouro da Ermida. This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The drive to the viewpoint was steep and winding, but the views along the way were incredible. We passed through the charming village of Ermida, with its traditional stone houses and narrow streets. I could imagine what life must be like here, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.


Experience the serene beauty and breathtaking views at Miradouro da Ermida, a hidden gem in Portugal's picturesque countryside.

When we arrived at Miradouro da Ermida, the view was simply breathtaking. From the viewpoint, we could see the entire valley spread out before us. The rolling hills, the patchwork of fields, and the distant mountains created a stunning vista. Sophie was fascinated by the view; she kept pointing out different landmarks and asking questions about the landscape. Jean-Pierre and I took turns holding her up so she could get a better view. I felt so grateful to be able to share this experience with my family.

We spent some time at the viewpoint, just soaking in the scenery. I took a few deep breaths, trying to imprint the image in my memory. It was a moment of pure bliss, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the love of my family. I felt a sense of peace and contentment that I rarely experience in my busy life back in Lyon.

For lunch, we stopped at Restaurante Cerdeira, which was conveniently located near a campsite. I remember camping with my family when I was younger in Yosemite National Park and how we would always look forward to eating at the restaurant after a long day of hiking. We enjoyed some traditional Portuguese cuisine, including delicious bacalhau (codfish) and hearty stew. Sophie, of course, opted for the kid's menu, but she did try a bite of my bacalhau and seemed to enjoy it. It’s always fun to see her try new things.


Discover authentic Portuguese cuisine amidst the stunning landscapes of Gerês at Restaurante Cerdeira.

In the late afternoon, as a final hurrah, we decided to check out Stand Up Gerês, a local bar known for its relaxed atmosphere. While Jean-Pierre enjoyed a local beer, Sophie and I shared a refreshing sumo de laranja natural (fresh orange juice). It was a lovely way to unwind and reflect on our incredible journey. I thought about how much I enjoyed exploring the local cuisine here in Portugal, similar to how I enjoy trying new recipes from the local markets in Lyon.


Experience thrilling outdoor sports at Stand Up Gerês, where adventure meets stunning natural beauty in the heart of Portugal.

For our final dinner in Gerês, we chose Vai... Vai Gerês. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere and a diverse menu. Jean-Pierre and I shared a francesinha, a traditional Portuguese sandwich. Sophie devoured a delicious pizza. The staff was friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. As we ate, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip: Sophie's excitement at seeing the wild Garrano horses, our challenging but rewarding hike to the Poço Azul, and the quiet evenings spent stargazing.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine in the heart of Peneda-Gerês National Park at Vai... Vai Gerês.

As the sun began to set, we drove back to our guesthouse, our hearts full of memories. I felt a pang of sadness knowing that our adventure was coming to an end. But I also felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to explore this beautiful part of Portugal with my family. Peneda-Gerês National Park had exceeded all of my expectations. It was a place of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and warm, welcoming people. I knew that we would be back someday.

Tomorrow, we start our long drive back to Lyon. It will be a bittersweet journey, filled with memories of our incredible adventure. I'm already looking forward to sharing our experiences with my readers and inspiring them to explore the natural wonders of Peneda-Gerês National Park. Until next time, adeus, Gerês!