Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Serra do Montemuro with Friends

A Day of Discoveries in Serra do Montemuro

Today was one of those days where the unexpected turns into the unforgettable. Leaving behind the familiar trails of Berlin for the rugged landscapes of Portugal has been a refreshing change, and today was no exception. With my friends, I set out to explore some of Serra do Montemuro's hidden gems, and what we found was a blend of natural beauty and local charm that I'm eager to share.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Sabores De Montemuro. The reviews online had piqued my interest, and I must say, the reality surpassed expectations. The restaurant had a charming ambiance. I opted for a traditional Portuguese breakfast, which included strong coffee and a selection of local pastries. Fuelled up, we were ready to tackle the day's adventures.


Discover Sabores De Montemuro in Cinfães - A culinary destination offering exquisite steaks and traditional Portuguese cuisine in a warm atmosphere.

First on our list was the Baloiço do Bestança. I had seen pictures online, but nothing prepared me for the actual experience. The swing is perched overlooking the Bestança River valley, offering stunning views of the lush greenery and rolling hills. It felt like flying over a landscape painting. The thrill of swinging high above the valley was exhilarating, and the views were simply breathtaking. We spent a good hour taking turns on the swing, capturing photos, and simply soaking in the scenery. It was a bit of a walk to get there, but so worth it.


Experience the breathtaking views and natural beauty at Baloiço do Bestança, a unique swing destination in Cinfães, Portugal, perfect for all adventurers.

The best views come after the hardest climbs.

Next, we headed to Cascata de Ponte de Vila. The drive itself was an adventure, winding through narrow roads and offering glimpses of traditional Portuguese life. When we arrived, the waterfall was a sight to behold. The water cascaded down the rocks, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere. We hiked around the area, exploring the various viewpoints and taking in the natural beauty. The sound of the water was incredibly soothing, and it was a perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature. I couldn't help but think how much Lena would have enjoyed this peaceful place.


Discover the serene beauty of Cascata de Ponte de Vila, a hidden waterfall in Cabril, Portugal, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

For lunch, we stopped at Estrela da Serra. This restaurant had been recommended to us by a local, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The service was friendly, and the food was delicious. I decided to try a local specialty, and it was a burst of flavors that truly captured the essence of Portuguese cuisine. The atmosphere was cozy, making it a perfect place to recharge before our next adventure.


Discover authentic Portuguese cuisine at Estrela da Serra in Ester – where tradition meets flavor in a cozy setting.

Our afternoon was dedicated to exploring Moinhos da Rocha. These traditional mills offered a glimpse into the region's history and culture. Although we couldn't go inside, the exterior was fascinating, and the surrounding landscape was equally captivating. It was a reminder of the simpler times and the ingenuity of the people who once relied on these mills for their livelihoods.


Discover the serene beauty of Moinhos da Rocha, a hidden gem in Castro Daire showcasing traditional watermills and stunning natural landscapes.

As the day wound down, we found ourselves at Guarita Light, a local bar in Mões. It was the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. The bar had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I ordered a local beer, and we all shared stories and laughter as the sun began to set. It was a great way to experience the local culture and connect with the community.


Discover the inviting atmosphere of Guarita Light, a charming bar and café in Mões offering delightful drinks and light bites.

For dinner, we decided to try Restaurante Solar do Montemuro. The restaurant had a rustic charm and offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The menu featured traditional Portuguese dishes, and I opted for a hearty meal that was both satisfying and delicious. The friendly staff and warm ambiance made it a memorable dining experience.


Discover authentic Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante Solar do Montemuro in Cinfães - where tradition meets taste.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Serra do Montemuro has a way of captivating you with its natural beauty and local charm. From the thrilling swing at Baloiço do Bestança to the serene waters of Cascata de Ponte de Vila, every moment was a reminder of the simple joys of life. And sharing it all with friends made it even more special.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Miradouro de Teixeirô and explore Penedo da Moura de Colo de Pito, and hopefully discover Queda água. I'm excited to see what other hidden gems Serra do Montemuro has in store for us. Until then, good night from Portugal!

I really should have remembered to pack insect repellent and a portable phone charger. It would have made the day much easier, but I guess that is something to add to the list for tomorrow!

While the day was filled with natural beauty and local charm, I couldn't help but think about Lena and how much she would have enjoyed experiencing this with me. Her background in graphic design would have given her a unique perspective on the stunning landscapes, and I know she would have appreciated the cultural insights we gained from visiting the traditional mills and local restaurants.

I also found myself reflecting on my work as a software developer back in Berlin. While I enjoy the challenges of coding and problem-solving, there's something incredibly grounding about being in nature and experiencing different cultures. It's a reminder that there's more to life than just technology and that sometimes, the best experiences are the ones that take you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown.

And as I think about our plans for tomorrow, I'm reminded of how much I enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. While the popular tourist spots have their appeal, there's something special about discovering hidden gems and experiencing the local culture firsthand. It's a way to connect with the people and the land in a more meaningful way, and it's something that I'll continue to seek out in my travels.

As the sun sets over Serra do Montemuro, I raise a glass to friendship, adventure, and the simple joys of life. Until tomorrow!