Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Serra do Montemuro with Friends

Embracing the Heart of Montemuro

Today was a symphony of sights, sounds, and tastes, perfectly encapsulating the serene beauty and rich culture of Serra do Montemuro. From panoramic viewpoints to quaint village shops and delightful local restaurants, every moment was a testament to the region's charm. Spending the day with friends amplified the joy, creating memories we'll cherish long after we've returned to Berlin.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Solar do Montemuro. The drive there was an experience in itself, winding through narrow roads that offered glimpses of the stunning landscape. The restaurant, perched high on the mountainside, provided breathtaking views of the Douro and Bestança rivers. I opted for a traditional Portuguese breakfast of *pão com manteiga* (bread with butter) and *café com leite* (coffee with milk), while the others chose various local pastries. It's always a pleasure to start the day with good food and even better company. Lena would have loved this view; I'll have to bring her here next time. I made a mental note to try the *posta arouquesa* on our next visit, a local specialty I'd read about.


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

Fueled and ready, our first stop was the Miradouro de Teixeirô. The viewpoint offered a panoramic vista of the Bestança River's mouth, considered one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. The views stretched across the Albufeira da Pala and the historic Porto Antigo, a key docking point for tourist boats on the Douro River. The Vale de Fratura do Bestança, a remarkable geological formation, was also visible, showcasing the dramatic shift in the Douro River's course. I captured a few photos, trying to encapsulate the sheer grandeur of the landscape. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love photography; freezing a piece of time, a fragment of beauty, to be revisited later.


Discover Miradouro de Teixeirô: A stunning viewpoint in Cinfães with breathtaking views of the Douro River and surrounding landscapes.

The beauty of Serra do Montemuro lies not just in its landscapes, but in the simple, authentic experiences it offers.

Next on our itinerary was Penedo da Moura de Colo de Pito. This natural sculpture, located in the Castro Daire region, is a testament to nature's artistry. The landscape around Colo de Pito is typical of Serra do Montemuro, with pure air and serene vistas. The Penedo da Moura itself is shrouded in local legends, adding to its mystique. As the legend goes, on Midsummer’s Eve, a young man named João can transform the stone into a beautiful palace filled with treasures, and a Moura into a lovely princess. While we didn't witness any transformations, the site was impressive nonetheless. We spent some time exploring the area, enjoying the tranquility and the unique rock formations. The fresh air and the quietude were a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of Berlin.


Discover the enchanting Penedo da Moura de Colo de Pito, where stunning natural beauty intertwines with local legends in Castro Daire, Portugal.

Our exploration continued with a visit to Queda água. Following the signs from the N225, we arrived at this natural spectacle in Parada de Ester. The waterfall, though not as grand as some I've seen, had its own charm, surrounded by lush greenery. The sound of the cascading water was soothing, creating a peaceful atmosphere. We took a short hike around the area, discovering smaller cascades and hidden pools. It was a refreshing break, and the cool spray from the waterfall was particularly welcome on this warm August day. I was reminded of hiking with Lena in the Harz Mountains; perhaps we could find a similar spot there.


Discover the enchanting Queda Água waterfall in Parada de Ester, where nature's beauty and serenity await your visit.

By lunchtime, we were all quite hungry, so we headed to Sabores De Montemuro. This restaurant in Cinfães is known for its regional specialties and certified Arouquesa beef. Chef Cláudio Gomes crafts a gastronomic journey that is both memorable and delicious. We started with *Alheira com Broa Frita* (sausage with fried cornbread) and *Camarões à Guilho* (garlic shrimp). For the main course, I opted for the *Posta*, while others chose the *Vitela Assada no Forno* (roasted veal). The food was exceptional, and the Vinho Verde, a local specialty, perfectly complemented our meal. The friendly staff and the cozy atmosphere made it a truly enjoyable experience. We lingered over coffee, sharing stories and laughter.


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

In the afternoon, we decided to explore the local shops in the area. Our destination was A Bolota. Though I was hoping to find a shop with local crafts, it turned out to be more of a general store. Nevertheless, it was a great opportunity to interact with the locals and get a sense of the community. I ended up buying some local honey and a few postcards. The shopkeeper was a wealth of information, sharing stories about the region and its traditions. It's these small interactions that often provide the most authentic travel experiences.


Explore A Bolota in Castro Daire for artisanal gifts, delicious handmade candies, and refreshing ice creams that celebrate Portugal's rich heritage.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Estrela da Serra for dinner. This restaurant, located in Portas Do Montemuro, offers stunning mountain views and a mix of European, Italian, Mediterranean, and Portuguese cuisine. While they are known for their regional specialties, they also serve delicious pizzas. We opted for a mix of dishes, including *carne arouquesa* (Arouquesa beef) and a couple of pizzas to share. The food was satisfying, and the views were simply spectacular as the sun set over the mountains. The restaurant had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and the staff was attentive and friendly.


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

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Observatório de Natureza da Senhora do Castelo, Miradouro de Aveloso, and Parque botânico do Paiva. I am particularly excited about the nature observatory, as I've heard it offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. We also plan to stop by Rochedo Bar for a drink in the evening. It promises to be another day filled with exploration and adventure.

Reflecting on today, I am struck by the simple beauty and authenticity of Serra do Montemuro. It's a place where time seems to slow down, where the landscapes are breathtaking, and where the people are warm and welcoming. Traveling with friends has made this experience even more special, and I am grateful for the memories we are creating together. As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. This is what travel is all about: discovering new places, experiencing new cultures, and connecting with people along the way. And with that, I bid you goodnight from Serra do Montemuro. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Looking forward to sharing more of our adventures with you soon!