Peneda-Geres was the first national park in Portugal and is still the most
important one. As the name suggests there are two parts of it: Peneda and
Geres, both beautiful, although Geres more popular probably due to the
abundance of water sports on offer at the only lake in the area. We stayed in
this part of the park as well for there were few campsites in the whole park,
most located in Geres. However, we did visit Peneda and discovered that we
liked it better and would've liked to stay at a campsite there.
On the way to Portugal
Old Spanish-Portuguese check point, no longer in use.This is the main road from Spain to the North of Portugal and it goes through the national park. There is now a little cafe on the Portuguese side and a car park for those who want to have a swim in the nearby river as it is not allowed to park a car on the side of the road and the local authorities ensure no one does it. You also pay a tax to use the part of the road that goes through the national park.
A very popular swimming spot
Our campsite in a village called Campo do Geres
Serra de Geres
Trying out a track that happened to be on our way to Vila do Geres, a nearby town.
I was about to write it is an abandoned house along the track but it actually has some tenants.
And here's one of them
Checking whether we'd be able to continue
And the decision was 'no' for obvious reasons.
Back on the road to Vila do Geres
An afternoon tea in Vila do Geres
Taking a detour back to our campsite through some lovely woods.
Roman
road trails
There
was once a Roman road that stretched 320km between Braga (Portugal) and Astorga
(Spain). The trails have now World Heritage status. There are still some milestone
along the trail – at miles XXIX, XXX and XXXI. Here's one of them.
Another little track not far from our campsite.
A refuge (?) at the end of the track
The popular lake in Geres part of the park
Relaxing at the campsite
SERRA
DA PENEDES
We did a day's trip around Serra da Penedes. Soajo was our first stop. It is mainly known for its photogenic espiguerros – corn granaries – dating from
the 18th and 19th centuries. They were created to dry and store corn that
ripened late and hence was exposed to autumn rains that threatened harvests
with rot. They are topped with a cross symbolising God’s protection of the
harvest. And yes, they do look like a village graveyard.
On the
way to Soajo
Soajo - espiguerros
On the way to Peneda village
Apparently a very Portuguese cow - due to the horns
Peneda village
Peneda
is considered the most beautiful village in the park and it is indeed very
pretty. On the hot afternoon we visited it we very much enjoyed its historic
church, Igreja Senhora de Peneda, however; for reasons other than its beauty or
history: it’s the coolness of its interiors that we found very appealing.
Igreja Senhora de Peneda
The mountain Peneda in the background. It can be climbed with your own equipment.
Aaron's favourite afternoon activity...
Whilst the rest of us walked up to the church despite the heat.
SERRA
DA PENEDES
Castro Laboreiro
On the way to the Castle of Castro Laboreiro, XIIIC
On of the entrances to the castle
Views from the castle. The village of Castro Laboreiro in the background.
