Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park

Arado's Cascade and the Azure Dream of Poço Azul

Today, Lena and I ventured deeper into the heart of Peneda-Gerês National Park, eager to uncover more of its hidden gems. Leaving behind the familiar sounds of Potsdam, where I meticulously recreate sonic landscapes for films, I find a different kind of soundscape here – the rush of waterfalls, the chirping of unseen birds, and the gentle rustling of leaves. Today was all about chasing waterfalls and discovering the serene beauty of natural pools.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Cerdeira. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Restaurante Cerdeira was charming. We enjoyed regional flavors, including a taste of the local *costeletão* (veal). It was the perfect fuel for our adventurous day ahead. I made sure to record the sounds of the breakfast, the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of voices, all adding to my growing collection of Portuguese soundscapes.


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

First on our itinerary was the Cascata do Arado. The drive there was an experience in itself, with winding roads offering breathtaking views of the park. As we approached the falls, the sound of rushing water grew louder, building anticipation. We parked near the stone bridge, took a moment to capture the scene, and then ventured down the short path to the base of the waterfall.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cascata do Arado, a hidden gem in Portugal's Gerês National Park, perfect for hikes and nature exploration.

The Cascata do Arado was stunning. The water cascaded down the rocks in a series of drops, creating a mesmerizing display. The sunlight filtering through the trees added a magical touch to the scene. I couldn't resist setting up my portable audio recorder to capture the raw power and delicate nuances of the waterfall's symphony. Lena, ever the nature enthusiast, was already exploring the surrounding flora, pointing out various plant species and their unique characteristics.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

After spending a good hour at Cascata do Arado, soaking in its beauty and capturing its sounds, we set our sights on our next destination: Poço Azul. This 'Blue Pit' was a bit more challenging to reach, requiring a small trek, but the promise of its crystal-clear waters kept us motivated. We drove towards Miradouro das Rocas, parked the car, and started our hike.


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

The trail to Poço Azul was an adventure in itself. The path winded through rocky terrain and lush vegetation, offering glimpses of the stunning landscape. Despite the summer heat, the forest canopy provided welcome shade, and a gentle breeze kept us cool. Along the way, I made sure to record the ambient sounds of the forest – the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the occasional buzzing of insects. These sounds, I knew, would later transport me back to this serene place, even when I was back in my Potsdam studio.

As we hiked, Lena and I chatted about our life back in Potsdam, our cozy apartment, and her adorable kindergarteners. It’s these moments, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, that we truly cherish and that bring us closer together. We also reminisced about our wedding day, the Greek music, and the German folk songs, a blend of our cultures that defines us.

After about two hours of hiking, we finally arrived at Poço Azul, and it was everything we had hoped for and more. The 'Blue Pit' lived up to its name, with its water shimmering in a mesmerizing shade of turquoise. Surrounded by towering rocks and lush greenery, it felt like a hidden oasis, a secret sanctuary far from the world's worries.

We immediately jumped into the refreshing water, washing away the sweat and fatigue of the hike. The water was cool and invigorating, a welcome contrast to the warm summer air. I even took my waterproof microphone and recorded the underwater sounds, capturing the muffled echoes and subtle currents of this hidden pool.

We spent a blissful afternoon at Poço Azul, swimming, sunbathing, and simply enjoying the tranquility of our surroundings. We shared stories, laughed, and marveled at the beauty of nature. It was a perfect moment, a memory we would cherish for years to come.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we reluctantly packed our things and started our trek back. The return journey was just as rewarding, with the setting sun casting a golden glow over the landscape. We arrived back at our car tired but content, our hearts full of gratitude for the day's adventures.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we stopped at Vai... Vai Gerês for a quick lunch. We enjoyed tasty burgers and sandwiches. It was a popular spot, and the service was fast. I appreciate a good, filling meal after a long day of hiking.


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

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a traditional Portuguese meal at O Abocanhado. This restaurant values local ingredients and offers dishes like *cabrito assado no forno* (roast goat) and *posta à Abocanhado*. The restaurant is located on the edge of the village of Brufe, offering beautiful views of the Homem River valley. The food was delicious, and the ambiance was perfect. It was a fitting end to a day of natural beauty and adventure.


Discover O Abocanhado: An exquisite restaurant offering traditional Portuguese cuisine amidst Brufe's stunning landscapes.

To cap off the night, we stopped by Pirata Do Gerês for a drink. The bar had a vibrant atmosphere, and we enjoyed local wine while chatting with fellow travelers. It was a great way to relax and unwind after a day of hiking and exploring. The bar was cozy, and it was easy to see why it's a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.


Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Pirata Do Gerês, where refreshing drinks meet the beauty of nature in a welcoming bar setting.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can still hear the sounds of the waterfalls and the gentle murmur of the forest. I close my eyes and I'm transported back to Poço Azul, swimming in its crystal-clear waters, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. These are the moments that make travel so rewarding, the moments that remind us of the beauty and serenity that exists in the world, far away from the concrete and noise of urban life. I am grateful for this day, and I look forward to more adventures tomorrow.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Cascatas de Fecha de Barjas, also known as Cascatas do Tahiti, and visit Miradouro da Preguiça. I'm eager to capture more of Gerês' natural beauty with my recorder and camera. Lena is excited to discover more of the park's hidden corners and unique flora.

Good night from Gerês!