Soajo is the best starting point for discovering all about the culture, heritage and breathtaking natural scenery of this mountainous area. In the old village, you can’t fail to see the large group of traditional stone granaries known as espigueiros. You can also see these delightful constructions at Lindoso, where it’s well worth climbing up to the castle to enjoy the view over the valley of the River Lima.

A little further north, the Castro Laboreiro sheepdog is bred, a dog that is widely used in the region for guarding the animals all year round.

To the south is the Serra do Gerês. Set off from Campo do Gerês, leave your car at the entrance to the forest known as Mata da Albergaria and follow the river on foot as far as Portela do Homem. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll be able to see wild horses, or perhaps a roebuck, which is the symbol of the Park.

You certainly won’t be sorry if you decided to take this invigorating walk. On your way back, rest for a while at the spa of Caldas do Gerês. The River Cávado points the way to the Paradela dam and reservoir. A horse-ride and a swim in the river are amongst the many inviting and relaxing temptations.

If you really enjoy walking in the country, then you should make sure to visit Pitões das Júnias, a village where the traditional customs of an ancient community life are still practised. The road comes to an end here, so that you can only continue on from this village on foot. But the walk is well worth the effort, particularly because of the waterfalls and small streams that you’ll find along the path, as well as the delightfully surprising sight of the old Mosteiro de Santa Maria, a monastery that suddenly appears in the midst of the landscape.