Solo Adventure in Peneda-Gerês National Park

A Breath of Fresh Air

After a slightly delayed journey from Dublin, I finally arrived in Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, ready to immerse myself in its natural splendor. As someone who spends most of her days in a Dublin office, the sheer thought of spending ten days camping and exploring the Portuguese wilderness fills me with an excitement I can barely contain. I'm eager to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, embracing the challenges and joys that come with solo travel.


Experience the natural splendor and adventure of Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, a top destination for tourists seeking stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.

The journey itself was fairly straightforward. My flight from Dublin to Porto was uneventful, thankfully. From Porto, I hopped on a bus headed towards the park. The bus ride offered a tantalizing glimpse of the Portuguese countryside, with rolling hills and quaint villages dotting the landscape. I made a mental note to explore more of this region later, perhaps with Liam. Once I arrived, I felt a rush of exhilaration - the air was fresh, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth, a welcome change from Dublin's city air. The park stretched out before me, a tapestry of green hills and rocky peaks under the vast, open sky.

My first order of business was to find a suitable spot to set up camp. I wanted somewhere relatively secluded but also safe and accessible. After a bit of scouting, I found a lovely clearing near a small stream. Pitching my tent was a bit of a struggle, I must admit. I’m definitely not an expert camper, and I may have forgotten a thing or two. I really wish I had remembered to pack sunscreen and insect repellent! I made a mental note to pick those up tomorrow. But eventually, with a bit of German efficiency (if I may say so myself), I managed to get the tent up and secured.

With my base camp established, it was time to explore! The first attraction on my list was the Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês itself. I decided to start with a leisurely hike, wanting to get a feel for the terrain before tackling anything too strenuous. The park is vast, covering over 70,000 hectares, and I knew I wouldn't be able to see it all in one day. As I walked, I was struck by the incredible biodiversity of the area. Lush forests of oak and pine covered the hillsides, and wildflowers bloomed in vibrant colors along the trails. I even spotted a few garrano ponies, the small wild horses that roam freely in the park. They were beautiful creatures, with their shaggy coats and gentle eyes.

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

Next up was the Cascata do Arado, a stunning waterfall that I had seen pictures of online. The hike to the waterfall was relatively easy, though there were a few steep sections that got my heart pumping. The trail wound through the forest, with glimpses of the surrounding landscape through the trees. The weather was perfect, with a high of 29°C (84°F) and a comfortable humidity of 59%. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow on everything. I had read that the hike to the waterfall is considered easy to moderate, and I would agree with that assessment. There were a few rocky patches, but nothing too challenging. As I got closer, I could hear the roar of the water, and my anticipation grew. Finally, I reached the viewpoint, and I was not disappointed. The Cascata do Arado was even more impressive in person than in the photos. The water cascaded down the granite rock face, creating a misty spray that felt cool and refreshing on my skin. I spent some time simply admiring the view, taking in the beauty of the natural world. I even saw a few brave souls swimming in the pools at the base of the waterfall, but I decided against it. Perhaps another day.


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

After my hike, I was feeling quite hungry, so I made my way to Restaurante Adega Ramalho for breakfast. I know what you’re thinking, it’s late afternoon, why are you having breakfast? Well, I got a late start and I wanted to try this place. I had read good things about it online, and I was eager to sample some local cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a rustic charm that I found appealing. I ordered a traditional Portuguese breakfast of bread, cheese, and coffee. The food was simple but delicious, and the coffee was strong and flavorful, just the way I like it. It was the perfect way to refuel after my morning adventures.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante Adega Ramalho in Gerês, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.

For lunch, I decided to try Restaurante Cantinho do Antigamente. This restaurant was located in a charming village, and it had a reputation for serving authentic Portuguese dishes. I ordered the *cozido à portuguesa*, a hearty stew of meats and vegetables. It was a delicious and filling meal, and I savored every bite. The restaurant had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and attentive. I felt like I was getting a true taste of Portuguese culture.


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

Before heading back to my campsite, I made a stop at Loja do Parque, a local shop that sells products from the Peneda-Gerês National Park. I wanted to pick up a few souvenirs for my family and friends back home, and I also needed to stock up on sunscreen and insect repellent, remembering that I had forgotten them. The shop was small but well-stocked, with a variety of local crafts, food products, and souvenirs. I bought some honey, some cheese, and a few small trinkets for Liam and my parents. I also made sure to grab that sunscreen and insect repellent – lesson learned!


Explore Loja do Parque: Your ultimate destination for unique Portuguese crafts and local treasures in a charming atmosphere.

As the day drew to a close, I made my way to O Abocanhado for dinner. This restaurant was known for its stunning views of the valley, and I wanted to experience it for myself. The restaurant was located on a hilltop, and the views were indeed breathtaking. I ordered the *bacalhau com migas*, a traditional Portuguese dish of codfish with breadcrumbs. The food was delicious, and the views were simply stunning. It was the perfect way to end my first day in Peneda-Gerês National Park.


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

Back at my campsite, I sat by the stream, listening to the sounds of nature. The stars twinkled above me, and the air was cool and crisp. I felt a sense of peace and contentment that I hadn't felt in a long time. This solo adventure was exactly what I needed. Tomorrow, I plan to explore Mata de Albergaria and Cascata da Rajada. I'm also hoping to check out Pirata Do Gerês, a local bar. I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings, but for now, I'm content to simply enjoy the tranquility of the night.

As I reflect on my first day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of Peneda-Gerês National Park. It's a reminder of the importance of disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnecting with nature. I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead and the memories I will create on this solo journey. I am also grateful for the opportunity to support the local economy by purchasing local products and dining at local restaurants. It's important to me to travel in a way that is both sustainable and respectful of the local culture.

And to anyone considering a visit, I say this: pack your hiking boots, embrace the unexpected, and prepare to be amazed by the raw beauty of Peneda-Gerês. Just don't forget the sunscreen!

Oh, and before I forget, I should mention that I read that there are bears in the park. I haven't seen any yet, but I'll be sure to take the necessary precautions. I'm not sure what those precautions are, but I'll figure it out!

Good night from Peneda-Gerês! I can't wait to share more of my adventures with you all.