The Call of Gerês: Nature, Adventure, and Tranquility 🌿

Newsletter #11

The PorTuguese PosTcard Newsletter:

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Portugal every week.

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📌 Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês

Dive into the heart of Portugal's pristine natural reserve, where nature's beauty meets adventurous spirits.

🌳 Why Gerês' Hidden Waterfalls Are Your Perfect Escape from Reality

In the north of Portugal, a mountain range awaits to offer you an amazing adventure. There, you can experience a dash of adventure with a sprinkle of the extraordinary, where the rush of waterfalls fills the air and trails invite you to new heights. That destination is the inspiring Gerês!

The Parque Nacional da Peneda- Gerês (National Park of Peneda-Gerês) has peaks that reach almost 5000 ft, several trails were developed and are being kept for people to enjoy the full beauty of nature, from hiking, immersing in lagoons or bird watching. Explore these landscapes that transform every view into a vivid memory.

Let's dive into the natural splendor and culinary delights of Gerês together!

💦 Waterfalls and Natural Pools: Serenity and Refreshment

In the heart of Gerês, waterfalls like Cascata do Arado and Cascata do Tahiti offer more than a picturesque setting. They provide a refreshing escape from the mundane. 

Cascata do Arado (Arado Waterfall), easily accessible and majestically grand, cascades into a series of delightful natural pools where the water is so clear, you can watch small fish dart around your feet. 

Then there’s Cascata do Tahiti (Tahiti Waterfall), not far from the Aldeia da Ermida (Village of Ermida), a less frequented gem where the water tumbles over smooth rocks, creating natural slides that wave the more adventurous souls.

Adding to the allure are lesser-known but equally enchanting spots like Poço Azul and Cascata da Portela do Homem (Portela do Homem Waterfall), with its enchanting blue waters, offers a quieter, more secluded spot perfect for those seeking privacy and serenity. 

Cascata da Portela do Homem rewards hikers with a spectacular waterfall plunging into a spacious pool, ideal for cooling off on warm Summer days.

It's not just the chill of the water but the tranquil surroundings, the lush greenery, the soothing sound of flowing water, that make this experience uniquely revitalizing.

🎒 Trekking the Trails: Adventure Meets Beauty

Gerês is a hiker's paradise with trails that satisfy every level of adventurer.

The Trilho da Preguiça (Preguiça Trail) leads you through a landscape dotted with granite boulders and stretches of heather before rewarding you with stunning views of the Rio Cávado (Cávado River).

This trail, about 5 kilometers long, is perfect for beginners or those looking for a leisurely hike, offering easy terrain and plentiful opportunities to admire the local flora and fauna.

For a more vigorous experience, the trail to the Miradouro da Pedra Bela (Pedra Bela Viewpoint) is not to be missed. It’s a more demanding 7-kilometer trek that ascends through mixed forest and harsh terrain, culminating in one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of Gerês.

From this vantage point, you can see the vast expanses of the National Park spread out below- a mosaic of greenery and wild landscapes that captivate the eye and the spirit.

Another exceptional trail is the route through Vilarinho das Furnas, which offers both historical intrigue and natural beauty.

This trail is about 10 kilometers long and takes hikers through areas rich in cultural heritage, including submerged ruins of the old village of Vilarinho das Furnas, visible only when the reservoir levels are low.

The path also meanders along the Rio Homem (Homem River), providing stunning water views and lush, verdant scenes typical of the region.

Adding to the variety of trails, the Rota de Xertelo (Xertelo Route), also known as the Trilho das Sete Lagoas (Path to the Seven Lagoons), is a must-visit for those who enjoy combining physical exertion with the reward of spectacular natural sights.

This trail leads to the Seven Lagoons, a series of natural pools and waterfalls that are renowned for their beauty and tranquility. 

The hike to Xertelo is challenging but manageable, stretching over roughly 8 kilometers of varying terrain.

The lagoons themselves, each uniquely shaped and ranging from deep, clear pools to shallow, rippling waters, offer hikers a refreshing respite and a perfect spot for a picnic or a restful break amidst nature’s artwork.

🍲 A Taste of Gerês: Local Cuisine That Surprises

When it comes to savoring the local flavors of Gerês, the Carne Barrosã (Barrosã Beef) and Cabrito Biológico da Serra do Gerês (Organic Goat from Serra do Gerês) stand out as culinary highlights that embody the essence of the region.

The Carne Barrosã comes from a cattle breed that is native to northern Portugal, known for its robust flavor and tender meat. This beef is often the star in dishes where it's simply grilled to perfection, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

The cattle are raised in the open pastures of Gerês and Barroso, grazing on the rich, verdant grasslands that impart a distinctive quality to the meat.

Dining on Barrosã Beef isn't just eating, it's an experience that connects you to the traditional pastoral life of the region.

Then there's the Cabrito Biológico da Serra do Gerês (Organic Goat from Serra do Gerês), a local goat meat, known for its succulence and depth of flavor.

The goats wander freely across the mountainous terrain, and their diet of wild herbs imparts aromatic nuances to the meat, which are accentuated during the cooking process.

A traditional dish is prepared by roasting the goat with local herbs and vegetables, creating a hearty meal that resonates with the rustic charm of Gerês. 

These meats not only offers a taste of local culinary traditions but also reflects the sustainable practices of farming in the area.

🌾 Unveil Your Next Adventure

Whether it's the thrill of scaling rugged trails, the refreshment of diving into crystal-clear waters or the joy of a meal that tastes of the terrain, Gerês offers a sanctuary where both nature and nurture play their part. 

This region invites you to step away from the familiar, encouraging you to indulge in experiences that rejuvenate both body and spirit.

Each visit unfolds like a well-loved book, revealing hidden chapters and unexpected pleasures.

Consider Gerês not just as a destination, but as a journey to delight your senses and renew your thrill of life. 

The natural beauty and rich flavors of Gerês are ready to welcome you into their embrace, promising stories you’ll want to tell and retell.

Fascinating Facts- Marly Explains:

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💌 Return next week as our newsletter takes you to another captivating location in Portugal, to explore its unique culture and storied heritage.

Your Team,