Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda
There are places that seem to have been designed to surprise those who arrive there. The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda is one such place. The narrow road enters the valley, curve after curve, between cliffs and steep slopes. For a few kilometers, it seems as if we're always going “down to the bottom”. And that's exactly what happens: suddenly, [...]
Mezio Gate
Many people say that the Peneda-Gerês National Park begins at the Mezio Gate. It's not an official border, of course, but it's a point where the mountain becomes closer, more organized and more accessible. For families, the curious and nature lovers, it's the simplest way to “open the door” to the mountains. [...]
Granaries and the village of Soajo
To reach Soajo is to enter a mountain village where everything seems to have been carved from the same stone. The road goes uphill, the bends bring you closer to the mountains and suddenly the concentrated houses appear, embraced by the hills. At the top, the unmistakable silhouettes of the granaries stand out, lined up on a huge granite slab. It's there, in that [...]
Village of Sistelo - The Portuguese "Tibet"
Sistelo is the national winner of the “7 Wonders of Portugal”, in the Rural Village category, in yet another distinction for its originality and charm. Arriving in Sistelo gives you the feeling that the road has taken you to a place that has always existed, but which has been discreetly hidden for years. At a certain point, the valley opens up, [...]