Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park

A Fond Farewell to Gerês

As our eleven-day journey through the Peneda-Gerês National Park draws to a close, Lena and I find ourselves reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared. From the serene hikes to the charming villages, this park has truly captured our hearts. Today, our final day, we set out to soak in a few more of its gems before heading back to Germany, filled with memories and the soothing sounds of nature.

Our day began, as many others did, with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Cantinho do Antigamente in Covide. The name itself, meaning 'Old Corner Restaurant', hinted at the traditional delights that awaited us. We savored every bite of the *pataniscas de bacalhau* (cod fritters) and *posta*, accompanied by bean rice and seasonal vegetables. It was the perfect fuel for our final day of exploration. I also ordered a glass of their good house wine. Lena opted for a coffee to get an energy boost before our hike. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service made it a memorable start to the day.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off towards Tibo Lookout. The drive itself was a treat, winding through the park's scenic roads, with each turn revealing breathtaking vistas of the mountains and valleys. As we ascended towards the lookout, I was reminded of similar drives in the Greek mountains back home, a comforting sense of familiarity washing over me.

Reaching Tibo Lookout, we were greeted by a panoramic spectacle that stretched as far as the eye could see. From its vantage point at 800 meters above sea level, we could see the imposing Peneda mountains and valley, as well as the valley of the Laboreiro River. The village of Tibo nestled in the foreground, surrounded by wheat fields, added a charming touch to the landscape. In the distance, we caught a glimpse of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda, sheltered in its green valley. I took out my portable audio recorder, hoping to capture the ambient sounds of the wind and the distant murmur of the village below. Lena, ever the photographer, snapped away, trying to capture the vastness and beauty of the scene.


Experience the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere at Tibo Lookout, a must-visit scenic spot in Arcos de Valdevez.

           

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

After spending a good hour at the lookout, simply soaking in the views and the serene atmosphere, we continued our journey towards Espigueiro de Alecrimes. These traditional granaries, raised on stone pillars, are a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage. As we approached, I couldn't help but think of the countless generations who had relied on these structures to store their precious harvests, protecting them from rodents and the elements.

The *espigueiros* themselves were fascinating, each one unique in its construction and design. Lena and I wandered around, admiring the craftsmanship and imagining the stories they could tell. It was a humbling experience, connecting us to the past and reminding us of the simple, sustainable way of life that was once prevalent in this region. The architecture was amazing! I took the time to appreciate how the *espigueiros* were built with local granite, and they seemed to blend in with the landscape.


Explore the Espigueiro de Alecrimes, a captivating granary in Terras de Bouro, showcasing Portugal's rich agricultural heritage amid breathtaking landscapes.

For lunch, we drove to Restaurante Fojo dos Lobos in Fafião. The restaurant's traditional ambiance and hearty menu were exactly what we were looking for after a morning of sightseeing. We shared a *posta barrosã* (Barrosã steak) and *bacalhau de cebolada* (cod with onions), savoring the authentic flavors of the Trás-os-Montes region. The portions were generous, and the ingredients were fresh and locally sourced, making it a truly satisfying meal. Lena was delighted to find vegetarian options, opting for the bean and cabbage stew, which she thoroughly enjoyed.


Discover authentic Portuguese flavors at Restaurante Fojo dos Lobos in Peneda-Gerês National Park - a true culinary delight surrounded by nature.

In the late afternoon, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy at Josephine Loja Atelier. Although the shop is technically located in Monção, a short drive from the park, it was well worth the detour. Lena, with her keen eye for fashion, was immediately drawn to the boutique's unique collection of clothing and accessories, all crafted by local artisans. I enjoyed browsing the shop and admiring the craftsmanship of the items. She ended up buying a beautiful hand-woven scarf, a perfect souvenir to remind her of our time in Portugal.


Explore unique fashion at Josephine Loja Atelier in Monção, where local craftsmanship meets contemporary style in a charming boutique atmosphere.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to O Abocanhado in Brufe for our final dinner in Gerês. This restaurant, nestled on the slopes of the Serra Amarela, is known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine and stunning views. We feasted on *cabrito assado no forno* (roast goat) and *bacalhau com migas* (cod with breadcrumbs), accompanied by a bottle of local wine. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was simply magical. We finished our meal with a *mousse de chocolate* and *bolo inglês*.


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

As we savored our last bites, Lena and I raised our glasses in a toast to Peneda-Gerês National Park, a place that had captivated us with its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. It was a trip we would cherish forever, a reminder of the importance of slowing down, connecting with nature, and appreciating the simple things in life.

Tomorrow, we will be heading back to Porto to catch our flight back to Berlin. While we're eager to return to our cozy apartment in Potsdam, a part of us will forever remain in the mountains of Gerês.

This park is truly unique, and I hope that our blog has inspired others to explore its wonders. Until next time, *adeus* from Portugal!