The best of Serra da Cabreira and Serra do Gerês

The sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Lapa is mainly a chapel, which was built in a cave under a granite block on the hill of Penamourinho. It is one of the most important sanctuaries in Europe. According to the legend behind the belief, in this place the image of Nossa Senhora da Lapa appeared to a little shepherdess, under a rock.

The Ermal Albufeira, of unique beauty, is fed by the Ave River, certainly the most beautiful and beautiful in the whole world and, among the Portuguese, the most fruitful and productive. This Reservoir of pleasant, clear and crystalline waters is not only the delight of the most adventurous, but also the most peaceful ones. It is a place where visitors can cool off in the crystalline waters and rest listening to the sounds of nature. Albufeira do Ermal is today one of the most important points of tourist interest in this region. Ermal fascinates with its beauty and charm. Here visitors can enjoy its beaches or dare to practice water skiing.

Cascata da Candosa, the most beautiful waterfall in Serra da Cabreira. Yes, you have to walk a bit to be able to enjoy this wonder of nature in the North of Portugal, but we are confident that, when you lay your eyes on it, you will find the effort well spent. The Candosa Waterfall is fed by the crystalline waters of the Ave River. The eye-catching waterfall forms a lagoon of emerald green water that is simply paradisiacal. Needless to say, in summer it's irresistible to take a good couple of refreshing dips! Maybe a little too refreshing. As already mentioned, access to Cascata da Candosa is exclusively on foot. But fear not, it's only a couple of kilometers round trip. The trail has a wonderful natural setting that will allow you to discover the historic watermills on the Ave river and cross a medieval bridge. There you will find the Ponte da Candosa, a medieval construction that rises above the Ave River, measuring about 19m in length and 3m in width.

Aldeia de Agra is classified as Aldeia de Portugal, and constitutes a characteristic rural cluster typically from Minho, with granite houses and steep and full streets that lead to the main square next to the church. The building has some features dating back to the 18th century, and located next to the entrance to the village is the Romanesque bridge over the river Ave.

Inserted in the middle of Serra da Cabreira, at an altitude of 815 meters, the Serradela viewpoint offers a privileged panoramic view of what is nicknamed the lung of Serra da Cabreira, the Turio valley. It is the ideal place to see and record the unique landscape of the sunset, as well as to experience a new attraction, the Serradela swing.

The Cascata do Caldeirão, in the middle of Serra da Cabreira, offers its visitors a magnificent landscape. The flow reaches its maximum volume in the winter months, thus causing an even more dazzling and imposing effect. Here, the granite was sculpted by the force of water, which over the centuries formed structures in the rock, like giant's lunchboxes.

The small village of Lamalonga, classified as a village in Portugal, is located at an altitude of around 850 meters on the north slope of the Serra da Cabreira. It has managed to preserve over time the traces of its identity and social organization. Buildings of collective interest, namely the community oven, reflect strongly community experiences and transmit to the new generations the customs and knowledge of yesteryear.

The quality and purity of water are undoubtedly an essential element for tourism in this region. An example of this is the Poço das Traves leisure area. This is the ideal place for anyone looking for a mountain retreat with clear, transparent waters. It is a great space for picnics and socializing with family and friends.

Ponte da Mizarela or Ponte da Misarela, or Ponte do Diabo is located over the Rabagão River, built in the Middle Ages, at the bottom of a gorge, but in complete harmony with the surrounding nature, the Ponte da Misarela displays an arch with more of 10 meters solidly founded on granite cliffs. Of estimated heritage value, this bold architectural work has been classified as a Public Interest Property since 1958. This monument is linked to several centuries-old pagan beliefs and legends that have survived the passage of time. Built in the Middle Ages, at the bottom of a gorge, but in complete harmony with the surrounding nature, the Mizarela bridge displays an arch with more than 10 meters solidly founded on granite cliffs. Of estimated heritage value, this bold architectural work has been classified as a Public Interest Property since 1958. This monument is linked to various pagan beliefs and centuries-old legends that have survived the passage of time.

Pincães Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The waterfall is not accessible by car, which helps to keep the place a relative secret, but it is not difficult to get there on foot, which makes it one of the safest to visit with children.

The community village of Fafião is a Wolf Village. Come and discover this fabled land of Trás-os-Montes and one of the most beautiful Historical Villages in Gerês. Secluded and remote, this mountain village is part of one of the wildest and most exciting areas of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. From the best kept secret to an unavoidable destination in Gerês, since Sustainable and Nature Tourism came into vogue, the peaceful village of Fafião has become a popular destination. This is due, in large part, to its rivers and wells (lagoons) of crystalline waters and the stunning landscape of this little piece of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The rebellious river Fafião flows through these parts and holds secret wonders that only shepherds know. Some of these magical corners remain in the secret of the gods. And only the most daring dare to meet him. The spotlight turned to Fafião because of wolves, a Poço Verde and, more recently, an instagram-worthy viewpoint.

It is a unique waterfall full of mysticism. About 80 meters high, in a tight gorge opened by the small stream that has the name of Rio-Mau. Around the waterfall and its picturesque surroundings is associated a popular belief, according to which, the people of the land and neighboring parishes sought this place to cure the ills of children.