Family Adventure in Peneda-Gerês National Park

High Points and Ancient Footsteps

Today was a day of reaching new heights, both literally and figuratively, as we explored more of the stunning Peneda-Gerês National Park. It was a journey filled with panoramic views, serene forests, and a tangible connection to history. Greta and Marko were especially excited, and their enthusiasm made the day even more special.

Our day began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast at O Pimpão. It's becoming a tradition, and I must say, their ‘frango no churrasco’ is something I will miss when we leave Gerês. Marko, of course, devoured his usual ‘pão com manteiga,’ fueling up for the day’s adventures. I had some coffee with Greta and we discussed the plan for the day.

First on the agenda was Pico da Nevosa, the highest point in the Serra do Gerês. The drive up was an experience in itself, with winding roads offering glimpses of the vast landscape. As we ascended, the temperature dropped noticeably. I had checked the weather forecast, which predicted partly cloudy conditions and a temperature around 4°C at the peak, so we were well-prepared with warm layers. The weather forecast for the next 10 days is showing that the weather will be partly cloudy with chances of rain.

Reaching the summit of Pico da Nevosa (1548 m) was truly rewarding. The panoramic view was simply breathtaking. I could see the rolling hills of the national park stretching out in every direction. Marko was ecstatic, pointing out different landmarks and asking endless questions about the landscape. Greta, ever the photographer, was busy capturing the stunning scenery. I felt a sense of accomplishment, having reached the highest point in this beautiful mountain range. It was a moment of pure joy, sharing this experience with my family.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Pico da Nevosa, a must-visit tourist attraction in Serra do Gerês, Portugal, offering stunning views and thrilling hikes.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in grand gestures, but in the simple act of exploring the world around us with those we love.

After soaking in the views and snapping plenty of photos, we began our descent. Our next destination was Mata de Albergaria, a protected forest known for its lush greenery and historical significance. I had read about the ancient Roman road, the Geira, that passes through the forest, and I was eager to walk a part of it. The Geira once connected Braga to Astorga, Spain.

Before heading to Mata de Albergaria, we stopped for lunch at Restaurante Retiro do Gerês. It had great reviews, with people praising the traditional Portuguese cuisine and the cozy atmosphere. We ordered some local specialties, including the highly recommended 'secretos de Porco'. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. Marko enjoyed his meal too, which is always a win! The restaurant definitely lived up to its reputation, and I'd happily recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Arriving at Mata de Albergaria felt like stepping into another world. The forest was incredibly dense, with ancient trees creating a canopy overhead. The air was fresh and filled with the scent of pine and damp earth. We parked near Portela do Homem, close to the Spanish border, which seemed to be the most convenient starting point for exploring the area. It's worth noting that the trails aren't officially marked, but thankfully, it was easy enough to follow the main path.


Explore the lush landscapes of Mata de Albergaria, a serene national forest in Gerês National Park, perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and rejuvenating nature escapes.

We found a relatively easy circular trail, about 4.5 km long, which took us through some of the most beautiful parts of the forest. We walked along sections of the old Roman road, imagining the legions that once marched along this very path. The Geira trail follows the Roman road and it was measured in Roman miles. Marko was fascinated by the large paving slabs, and we tried to picture what it must have been like in Roman times. I found myself reflecting on the layers of history embedded in this landscape, from the ancient Romans to the shepherds who have grazed their flocks here for centuries.

The sunlight filtering through the trees created a magical atmosphere. We crossed small wooden bridges over babbling brooks and paused to admire the Lagoons of the Albergaria Forest. The trail followed the river Homem, and the sound of the water was incredibly soothing. We even saw a few small waterfalls cascading into crystal-clear pools. Greta was in her element, taking photos of the scenery from every angle.

One of the highlights of our walk was discovering a particularly scenic spot where the river widened into a small pool. Marko, of course, couldn't resist dipping his toes in the water, even though it was quite chilly. He splashed around for a few minutes, much to Greta's amusement. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so special – the spontaneous joys and shared experiences that create lasting memories.

As the afternoon wore on, we made our way back to the car. Before heading back to our accommodation, we decided to stop at Stand Up Gerês, a local bar I had spotted earlier. I thought it would be nice to relax with a drink and reflect on the day's adventures. Greta ordered a glass of Vinho Verde, while I opted for a local beer. Marko, of course, was happy with a simple juice. We sat outside, enjoying the warm evening air and the lively atmosphere of the bar.


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

For dinner, we ventured to Restaurante Cantinho do Antigamente. The restaurant is known for serving the best products from the Serra do Gerês. Greta and I shared a plate of pataniscas de bacalhau accompanied by arroz de feijão and vegetables. After dinner we went back to the accommodation.


Experience authentic Portuguese flavors at Restaurante Cantinho do Antigamente in beautiful Gerês.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to explore the Reserva de la Biosfera Transfronteriza Gerês-Xurés and visit Lagoa. I'm excited to see what other natural wonders this region has to offer. It's incredible how much beauty and history is packed into this relatively small corner of Portugal.

As I sit here writing this, I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences we've had today. From conquering the heights of Pico da Nevosa to walking the ancient paths of Mata de Albergaria, it has been a day of discovery, connection, and shared joy. I'm also grateful that I didn't forget any of the trip essentials today, a welcome change after yesterday's oversight. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings, and I'm so glad to be sharing this adventure with my amazing family.

Tomorrow we'll have breakfast at Novas Pontes, lunch at Saber ao Borralho and dinner at Restaurante Cerdeira. We might also visit In Rio - Vestuário e Acessórios, a local shop.

Goodnight from Gerês!