Tag archives for trekking
Walk in the Historic Center of Borba (Borba)
Points of Interest: Bicas Fountain, Borba Castle, Historic Center, Processional Steps of Borba - Footsteps of Jesus, Churches and Chapels. Tips: Park next to Bicas Fountain and start the walk there. Do not throw garbage on the floor. There are restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a typical Alentejo…
PR1 AJZ – Historical, Cultural and Environmental Trail (Aljezur)
Points of Interest: Market square, Public Fountain, Municipal Museum, Misericórdia Church, Sacred Art Museum Mons. Manuel Francisco Pardal, Antoniano Museum, José Cercas House-Museum, Aljezur Castle, Lies Fountain, Aljezur river, Mediterranean Forests and Aromatic Plants, Old Inn and Toll House, Old Port Cistern, "Azinhagas" with access to the old patterns of…
Hike along Falperra Trails (Braga)
Points of Interest: Sanctuary of Santa Maria Madalena da Falperra, Chapel of Santa Marta do Leão, Lion Fountain, Rampa da Falperra. Tips: Do not throw garbage on the floor. There are picnic tables in the forest park. There is a hotel and a restaurant to rest and recover energy. HIKING…
Discover Juncal Ecocamping Trails (Marco de Canavezes)
Points of Interest: Juncal Ecocamping, rural village, quiet. Tips: Do not throw garbage on the floor. Do not leave the trails. There are 2 comfortable rooms, places for tents and caravans. This hiking trail was carried out a few years ago, we don't know if the Ecocamping will still be…
Discover the Historic Center of Tomar (Tomar)
Points of Interest: Convent of Christ, "Manuelina" Window, Tomar Castle, Seven Hills National Forest, Historic Center, Republic Square, Church of S. João Baptista, Nabão River Tips: Families have discounts on Convent of Christ tickets. All tickets can be purchased online. On Sundays and holidays, tickets are free for all citizens…
PR 25 – Walkway Trail (Arcos de Valdevez)
Points of Interest: Sistelo village, Vez ecovia, Vez river, Srº dos Aflitos chapel. Tips: Do not throw garbage on the floor. There are restaurants and cafés where you can boost your energy. HIKING INFO Video Photo Album Brochure/Website 5/5signage 1/5difficulty Not accessibleto stroller 4/5landscape 203melevation min 297melevation max 139melevation gain…
PR1 VVC – Exploring the Royal Road (Vila Viçosa)
This adventure started very early with the first rays of sun in Florbela Espanca hometown. We are in the middle of summer and walking with temperatures as high as those seen in the last few days in Alentejo wouldn't be advisable at all, especially with children. So, in the cool…
Hiking in Oliveira de Frades (Oliveira de Frades)
We dedicated this day to the lands of Beira Alta, more specifically to the beautiful village of Oliveira de Frades, district of Viseu. Its privileged location, in a territory bathed by Vouga River and surrounded by exuberant mountains, attracted the first people to this region from an early age. And…
Hiking in Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz – Madeira)
You hadn't heard from us in a while. This is the first text written in a world turned upside down, in a life that stopped overnight and changed us around. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, since March a lot has changed in the world, in the world of…
Hike to Discover Eira do Serrado Viewpoint (Câmara de Lobos – Madeira)
We arrived early at Eira do Serrado, right in the mountainous heart of the central massif, in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, 25 minutes north of Funchal, next to the hotel Eira do Serrado, we found one of the most beautiful landscapes of the island, a fantastic enchanted scenario…
Walking Trails of Morraceira Island – Four Seasons Hiking – Spring (Figueira da Foz)
Bathed to the north by the waters of the Mondego River and to the south by the Pranto River, Morraceira Island is a pearl of Figueira da Foz municipality. With about 600 ha of salt pans, fish farms, rice fields, marshes and cane fields, it has an impressive orniotological richness…
Hiking in Funchal – From Marina to Monte (Funchal)
On the second day in Madeira we wanted to take on the role of real tourists and discover the city of Funchal with its major attractions. It was difficult to include everything in a day's walk, but we tried to at least visit the most iconic places, although in some…
Hiking Trail of “Nossa Senhora da Piedade” (Machico – Madeira)
It was 4 o'clock in the morning when we arrived at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Oporto. No one saw a soul. Having an airport just for us is a strange feeling. It seemed like we were all alone in the world, in a disconcerting silence, as in another dimension.…
Fiães Walkways – Uíma River (Santa Maria da Feira)
This was a happy day, a day of reunion and celebration of a friendship. It was a good day. We all know that life plays with us and it's up to each one of us to find the best way to overcome the obstacles in our way. On the one…
Hiking Discovering the Historic Village of Sortelha (Sabugal)
On the last day along the Historical Villages of Portugal route we couldn't miss visiting one of the most beautiful and well preserved, the Historic Village of Sortelha. From Sabugal, we took about 15 minutes to drive the 12km that separate the village from the Municipality. We parked at Dr.…
Discover the Historic Center of Sabugal (Sabugal)
Sabugal, in Guarda district, was the chosen destination for today. We parked next to the ascent of "Sr. dos Aflitos", at the western entrance of the village, just after the small bridge that crosses Côa River. It was along its banks that we began the first steps of this walk,…
Hiking in Castelo Mendo Historical Village (Almeida)
Castelo Mendo is a small village of Beira Interior, located in the municipality of Almeida, Guarda district, belonging to Historic Villages of Portugal. If this wasn't enough to arouse our curiosity, the village was classified as Property of Public Interest in 1984. Its medieval characteristics are visible immediately upon our…
Hiking in Castelo Bom Village (Almeida)
In the early afternoon we arrived at Castelo Bom village by National Road number 16, the same one that in the opposite direction would take us to Vilar Formoso. We were close to the Spanish border and therefore the importance of this small village over the centuries in the history…
Hiking in Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo (Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo)
The Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo welcomed us on a very rainy day. If the day before we explored the beautiful village of Almeida, today we would head further north to find another Historical Village. From Almeida to Castelo Rodrigo it's about a 20-minute drive, on a quiet road similar…
Hiking Trail at “Star of Interior” (Almeida)
The village of Almeida, located in Guarda district, would be our "base camp" in the next days discovering the region. Due to its unique characteristics, it is integrated in the Historical Villages of Portugal and this was a great reason to know a little more about the history and peculiarities of…
Discover Historical Center of Guarda (Guarda)
Guarda is waiting for us at the top of its 1056m of altitude with a sunny day, where only for a few moments the fog managed to hide the intense blue sky. The highest city in Portugal, also known as the city of 5 F's - Forte (Strong), Farta (Satiate),…
Discover Jueus Village (Tondela)
The television has a weak signal of TDT (Digital Terrestrial Television). The image hides behind a flashy and noisy sandstorm. The internet access is very slow, almost nonexistent, at least in our room. And it's good to be "offline"! The perfect conditions were set for a quiet weekend with the…
Hiking in Tondela (Tondela)
On my way to Caramulo, more precisely to the mountain village of "Jueus" where we would spend the weekend, we made a brief stop in the city of Tondela to stretch our legs and feed our stomachs. On a very cloudy morning, we parked the car next to the city…
Ascent to Pombal Castle (Pombal)
This walk begins at Carlos Alberto da Mota Pinto Street and heads towards Cardal Garden and Várzea Garden in the city center. Here I gave special attention to the Bandstand, Pergola, Marquês do Pombal Bust, Pink House and the Fountain, a classified monument offered to Pombal in 1911. Lurking on…
PR1/FIG – Rice Fields Route – Maiorca (Figueira da Foz)
"PR1 / FIG - Rota dos Arrozais" begins in the center of Maiorca village, more precisely in "Terreiro do Paço" where the Viscount's Palace of Maiorca is located, also known as "Paço de Maiorca". This heritage built from the 19th century was declared a Public Interest Property in 1977 and…
2nd Walk for Health – Verride (Montemor-o-Velho)
Philharmonic Association of Verride organized the "Walk for Health" with its first edition in 2016. Being present in this first edition, I couldn`t miss the second one, a longer hiking route, starting at the Philharmonic's headquarters in Verride and arriving at Outeiro da Moura (photograph above), where after about 15…
New map available!
Hello! They say that when we do what we like, time runs 's true. So, Sola Gasta is almost ten years old! I hike the first trail in Mizarela (Arouca) almost a decade ago and here I am today with about 350 hiking trails in Portugal. The blog also grows…
PR2 – From the Seashore to Pedras Negras – São Pedro de Moel (Marinha Grande)
We started the "PR2 - From the Seashore to Pedras Negras" in the Afonso Lopes Vieira Square, near the beach of São Pedro de Moel, parish of Marinha Grande. Its official starting point is located in Vale do Ribeiro Park, at the back of this square where we can found…
Walking from Carcavelos Beach to Oeiras Marina (Cascais and Oeiras)
It's a cloudy day at our last visit to Lisbon, but that didn't stop us to walk along the Marginal Avenue of Cascais and Oeiras. Starting at Carcavelos Beach, we walked in the direction of Moinho Beach and São Julião da Barra Fort. This monument of the 16th / 17th…
Hiking Discovering Ponte de Sor (Ponte de Sor)
This small walk starts at "Praça da República", next to Ponte de Sor Municipal Market. While spending a few days in the region and after an excellent lunch in a local restaurant, I couldn't miss the opportunity for a short walk along the Sor River. There is a marked pedestrian…
Almourol Hiking Trail (Vila Nova da Barquinha)
Almourol Castle always aroused in me a strong curiosity. Perhaps because of its location or its enigmatic origins, the truth is that for a long time I wanted to visit it. The opportunity has arisen now. More than a pedestrian trail, this was a family outing. Located in the municipality of…
Hiking in Monte de Lobos (Mortágua)
"Monte de Lobos" brings me back to the earliest memories of my childhood. In the 80's the days passed very slowly in this village of the municipality of Mortágua, when the waters of the stream that ran under the bridge still heard our laughter in cold and invigorating baths. Near…
Walk in the Streets and Thermal Bath Park of Vizela (Vizela)
This small walk of about 4kms long, that runs through the streets and the Thermal Bath Park of Vizela began at "Sá e Melo" Street in this city of Braga district. In addition to "Bolinhol", the famous local cake, Vizela has much more to show. And a quiet walk on…
Walking in the Horta’s Marina (Horta – Faial)
We must focus on what makes us happy. Thus, I could not miss the opportunity to discover the city of Horta in Faial - Azores while waiting for a flight home. Walking is a pleasure in every circumstances. The time was short so I took a taxi at the airport…
PR1 COR – Cara do Índio (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
The van stopped halfway up the road between the village and "Caldeirão" (Caldron). This was the last afternoon spent in Corvo Island because in the next morning, after four fantastic days, we had the flight to the continent booked at the lunch hour. We couldn't return without visiting "Cara do Índio" (Indian Face), the…
PR2 COR – Caldeirão (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
We don't need many words to describe "Caldeirão" (Cauldron) of Corvo Island. We can see why looking at the picture above. On the third day on the island, the fog finally lifted and early morning we drive on the only access road to "Caldeirão" to hike the trail "PR2 COR…
Pedestrian Trail along the Village Cliffs (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
We satisfied our hunger by eating a quick lunch in the "The Pirates' Nest" kitchen. We cooked pasta and some "bifanas" to devour at a glance because we can't lose too much time. A new adventure is waiting for us in Corvo Island in the afternoon. We met Luís, our…
Hiking Discovering Corvo Village and its History (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
Corvo Island is not only one of the most isolated places in Portugal. For those who visit it, quickly realize that it's much more than that. It's a place of affections, shares, stories of pirates and smugglers, cruel stories, sorrows and escapes, stunning reports of a harder life. But none…
The Boat from Flores Island to Corvo Island (Flores and Corvo)
We arrived at "Porto das Poças" in Santa Cruz das Flores long before the scheduled boarding time in Ariel. The boat that would carry us to Corvo Island was already docked waiting for the crew, while the ripple helped by the strong wind, rushes the boat against the walls of…
Hiking in Santa Cruz das Flores (Santa Cruz das Flores – Flores)
Goodbyes are easier when we believe that is only a "see you soon". This was the feeling that accompanied me for the last hours in Flores Island. We left Aldeia da Cuada early in the morning towards Santa Cruz das Flores. From the western end to the eastern end of the island, it was…
Hiking from Fajã Grande to Aldeia da Cuada (Lajes das Flores – Flores)
Fajã Grande is the Europe's westernmost place and that alone was a very good reason for a visit. It was also the village where we finished the hiking trail "PR1 FLO – Fajã Grande – Ponta Delgada", a little tired of the effort it takes to walk in a muddy and slippery terrain,…
PR1 FLO – Fajã Grande – Ponta Delgada (Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores – Flores)
The day dawned cool and cloudy in Aldeia da Cuada. I don't know how it would be in the whole Flores island but in midsummer in a Azorean island is not surprising waking up in the morning wrapped in fog, something that residents have become accustomed but saddens anyone who is visiting, for…
Hiking Trail from “Aldeia da Cuada” to “Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro” (“Poço da Alagoinha”) (Lajes das Flores – Flores)
This is our second visit to the Azorean Archipelago. Two years ago we've been on S. Miguel island and now we would visit the Western Group islands, Flores and Corvo. Anxiety grew with the approach of the flight and now with the baby, the precautions and the preparation of the…
PR3 GMR – The Penha Route (Guimarães)
Penha Hill is the lung of Guimarães, an impressive green mantle which is also the protagonist of this hiking trail, the "PR3 GMR - The Penha Route". The landscape is dominated by granitic formations, cliffs, caves and gorges that gives to this natural observatory a unique beauty and it enables this…
Walking in Powerscourt Waterfall (Ireland)
The Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Ireland with 121m high, is located at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. On a private property, in a wide green park where Dargle river meanders, their access is restricted, with the obligation to purchase ticket to admire this magnificent natural attraction. After passing…
Hiking Trail from Riverside to Riverside (Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto)
There are many reasons to spend a day full of fun on the riversides of Porto and Gaia. By water, land or air, there are several activities to fill the soul with memories and the suitcase with eagerness to return soon. On a Douro's Cruise we discover the riverine areas of the two banks,…
Walking in Powerscourt Gardens (Ireland)
Today is dedicated to Wicklow County, also known as "Garden of Ireland", at least to a small part of it. The 19 hectares of Powerscourt Estate gardens, are located about 25kms away from Dublin (about 30 minutes), ranked third in the top of the National Geographic. Overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain…
Walking Trail of Biological Park of Serra da Lousã – Quinta da Paiva (Miranda do Corvo)
On Father's Day, the women from home joined to conspire among themselves, preparing this surprise without my suspicion. The plan consist of enjoying the day outdoors, despite a unfavorable weather forecast, and also taking the opportunity to hike and to picnic. Yes, simple things in life make us happiest, right?…
Hiking in Guimarães Historical Center (Guimarães)
Guimarães Historic Center, classified in 2001 as World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful and well preserved in Portugal. In this urban hiking trail, with just over 7kms, I wanted to find out what persuaded UNESCO to assign such a prestigious distinction to this city and also learn…
Urban Hiking in Dublin (Ireland)
This trip to Ireland, more specifically to its capital Dublin, began to take shape after a challenge proposed by friends. See them and discover the country of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, among others, and bands like U2, Cranberries or Pogues were more than enough reasons to fly to the Emerald Isle.…
Hiking in Póvoa de Lanhoso (Póvoa de Lanhoso)
It was in May 1846 that in Póvoa de Lanhoso, broke the popular uprising against the government of Costa Cabral, caused by the great discontent of the population by the new laws of military recruitment, by tax changes and the prohibition of burials in churches. An irreverent woman has taken…
Pitões das Júnias Trail (Montalegre)
The road to Pitões of Júnias is too long, but on arrival I knew immediately that the time spent in the trip would be largely compensated. This village of Montalegre municipality is located just over 1100m of altitude in the Peneda-Gerês National Park and is therefore the highest village of "Barroso"…
Searching for Loivos Waterfall (Montalegre)
No matter how well one knows a place or a region, there is always more to discover each time we visited that region. This sunny day I left the Vilarinho das Furnas Youth Hostel towards Pitões das Júnias, in the municipality of Montalegre, a journey of about 1hr 30m by…
Night Walk on São Bento da Porta Aberta Feasts (Terras de Bouro)
The celebration of "São Bento da Porta Aberta" occur every year during the month of August, more specifically between 10 and 15th when, by tradition, is made the great pilgrimage that animates the region. This town of Terras de Bouro municipality, in the Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG), receive a huge influx…
Walking in Caldas do Gerês (Terras de Bouro)
Whenever I visit the Peneda Geres National Park (PNPG), the village of "Caldas do Gerês" is a mandatory stop. About 20 kilometers from Terras de Bouro, the village belongs to the parish of Vilar da Veiga and it's located in a beautiful valley painted of a leafy green. Protected by…
Hiking in Tahiti Waterfall (Terras de Bouro)
The National Park of Peneda Gerês is rich in idyllic locations that make us daydream. Magical places where time stands still and nothing else matters except that enjoy this enchanted present. The Tahiti waterfall, common name assigned to the "Fecha de Barjas" Waterfalls is at the top of the list of this…
Hiking in Vale da Trave (Santarém)
Vale da Trave is a village from Alcanede parish, municipality of Santarém, also known as "Land of Herbalists", as indeed I could prove watching the wooden board at the village entrance. This designation, now brand image, is due to the fact that in this village, the plants are being used…
Walking Discovering the Historic Centre of the City of Santarém (Santarém)
I have repeatedly go by next to Santarém, in trips to the south of Portugal, but actually never had the opportunity to stop and calmly know the capital of the Ribatejo. Today was the day. This hike begins near the beautiful market of Santarém, opened in 1930. My eyes immediately jump out…
PR1 RMR – Marinhas de Sal (Rio Maior)
From Alcanede to "Salinas da Fonte da Bica", in Rio Maior, are about 19kms and after taking breakfast in the "Café Central" at the village, I went to the road on a rainy and cold morning. I arrive to "Fonte da Bica" valey, in the Natural Park of "Serra de Aire e Candeeiros" (PNSAC), under a huge…
Hiking Trail “Discover Alcanede” (Santarém)
At about 23 kms northwest of Santarém is Alcanede parish, just outside the Natural Park of "Serra d'Aire e Candeeiros". That's why this is a prime location for discovering this natural park and that was my intention when staying at Meio Center during the weekend. I arrived on Friday late…
PR6 VCT – Montedor Windmills Hiking Trail (Viana do Castelo)
The days were becoming smaller and it was almost at the sunset that I hike the "PR6 VCT – Montedor Windmills Hiking Trail", in the village of Carreço, at Viana do Castelo county. The trail starts just north of Carreço beaches, after the end of the cobbled road that follows…
PR9 VCT – Trail of the Water Pipes (incomplete) (Viana do Castelo)
The "PR9 VCT - Trail of the Water Pipes (Viana do Castelo)" is a circular hike with about 10 kms at its full route, starting near the Temple of Santa Luzia (or Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus), in Viana do Castelo. To get there we can take the funicular from the…
PR7 VCT – Paçô Fort Trail – Carreço Trails (Viana do Castelo)
The "PR7 VCT - Paçô Fort Trail" is one of several hiking routes marked in Viana do Castelo county. About 4 kms in length is classified of small route (PR) and develops more properly in Montedor village, Carreço parish. Reaching the beaches in Carreço, I go to north on the cobbled road…
Hiking Trail in Afife – River, Sea and Hill (Viana do Castelo)
In Afife, in Viana do Castelo county, it's still possible to sleep and wake up with the birds as neighbors. It was in Santa Filomena's House that his singing received me in the evening and it was with that same sing that after a good night sleep, woke up to…
Hiking from “Rendufe” to “Santa Maria de Émeres” (Valpaços)
This hike connects the villages of 'Rendufe' and 'Santa Maria de Emeres' in Valpaços county. I start walking on the sidewalk of Rua Formosa, in Rendufe, and down it to find the asphalt outside the village. The surrounding landscape consists mainly of vast expanses of olive groves, chestnut groves, vineyards…
Hiking Trail from Argeriz to “Pias dos Mouros” (Valpaços)
Who drives the National Road 206 (EN 206) west to the east, about 12 kilometers before the town of Valpaços is Argeriz, seated at the foot of "Serra da Padrela" and full of prehistoric remains. Due to its privileged location, this village of "Trás-os-Montes" benefits from an amazing view over the region. On…
Hiking Trail “Discover Rendufe” (Valpaços)
It was almost at sunset when I reached the place of Rendufe in Valpaços county. In my return to "Trás-os-Montes" region, I found at Formosa Street of this small village, more specifically in the door No. 13, the Quinta Rota d'Oliveira, who would welcome me during these days. It was after…
PR1 CND – Conímbriga Route (2nd Part) (Condeixa-a-Nova)
The second part of PR1 - CND - Conímbriga route is about 9 kms and develops northeast of the Roman ruins of Conímbriga. Making the route in the opposite direction to clockwise, first goes towards the "Castellum of Alcabideque" and after climbing the mountain, and continues down by crop fields…
PR1 CND – Conímbriga Route (1st Part) (Condeixa-a-Nova)
The "PR1 CND - Conímbriga route" is a route marked in the municipality of Condeixa-a-Nova, district of Coimbra. It starts at the complex of Conímbriga ruins and about 16 kms extension is divided into two distinct sections. The first facing south runs through the valley of "Rio de Mouros", the…
Hiking Trail from Ega to Arrifana (Condeixa-a-Nova)
The village of Ega has a long and rich history to tell. Their lands were donated to the Knights Templar in 1145, with the intention of people and halt the progress of the Moors to the north. With the extinction of the Temple Order, the Order of Christ settled in…
Hiking Trail from Vilas Boas to Oura (Chaves)
The hiking trail that takes us from Vilas Boas to Oura develops in about km (one way) tracks and rural roads that tear the Oura Valley and discover the villages of Vilas Boas, Fornos, Vila Verde and Oura. In addition to these villages, there are other points of interest, such as the…
Hiking Trail of Pereira de Selão Mines (Chaves)
The hiking trail of Pereira de Selão Mines is a circular route that I did from the Quinta do Olival, in Vilas Boas, Chaves municipality. With just over 7 km on pavement, asphalt, rural roads and forest tracks, leads us to discover the Pereira de Selão Mines and the villages…
Hiking River of “Loivos” Valley (Chaves)
This circular footpath, with just over 9 kms, begins at Vilas Boas, a typical village "transmontana" of Chaves council. I go down the narrow streets paved in rough stone, where the houses aged holds many stories of hard lives, most of them dedicated to work from dawn to dusk in…
Hiking Trail of Santa Bárbara (Chaves)
A little more than 5 kms from Vidago, in Chaves municipality, is quiet and pretty village of Vilas Boas. It was already late in the afternoon that scoured the pavement of National Road 549 (EN549) that after Valverde led me to Quinta do Olival, just outside the village. The set built…
Sola Gasta TV
Está já online um novo espaço de caminhadas e percursos pedestres em Portugal, a Sola Gasta TV. Em pode ver em transmissão contínua todas as caminhadas, percursos e aventuras realizadas pelo Sola Gasta em Portugal. Para ver em sua casa, numa pausa no escritório, na sala de espera de um consultório, numa viagem…
Hiking in Puebla de Sanabria (Spain)
Estava em Bragança a passar uns dias nas belas terras de Trás-os-Montes quando decidi visitar a vizinha Espanha para conhecer o Lago de Sanabria. A caminho, parei na pitoresca Puebla de Sanabria onde parece que entramos numa outra era, num outro espaço temporal. Percorrendo o centro histórico temos a sensação…
Hiking in Baiona – Paseo de Monte Boi (Spain)
A caminho de Portugal após uns dias em Vigo, optámos por vir pela costa. Parámos em Baiona para esticar um pouco as pernas e descobrimos o “Paseo de Monte Boi”. Com inicio na “Playa de A Concheira” o percurso circunda a fortaleza de Baiona e termina junto à Porta Real.…
Alto do Príncipe Route and Monteagudo Route – Islas Cíes – Vigo (Spain)
O almoço foi em jeito de piquenique à beira mar. Numa mesa de pedra junto à Praia de Rodas devorámos as sandes que nos acompanharam na mochila durante a manhã. Terminámos com uma peça de fruta para sobremesa. Pela tarde iríamos percorrer a ilha a sul, mais propriamente, os trilhos…
Monte Faro Route and Faro da Porta Route – Islas Cíes – Vigo (Spain)
As “Islas Cíes” são dos lugares mais incríveis que alguma vez visitei. Soube-o assim que o barco atracou no pequeno cais. Logo ali, a Praia de Rodas com a sua areia branca une as duas ilhas a que chamamos “Cíes”. Se por um lado a praia encontra o Atlântico, nas…
Hiking from Castro Park to Samil Beach – Vigo (Spain)
Este percurso de 16 km, ida e volta, encheu-nos as medidas. Com inicio no Parque do Castro, uma mancha verde no centro de Vigo com magníficas vistas sobre a cidade, a ria e as ilhas, descemos depois até à beira-mar percorrendo inúmeras praias ao longo da costa. Na praia de…
Hiking in Vigo (Spain)
Depois de fazermos o check-in no hotel partimos à descoberta de Vigo. A primeira impressão foi a de uma cidade muito “escura”, talvez por toda a pedra presente nas fachadas dos edifícios, mas ao fim de algum tempo de habituação, isso é uma característica que até dá uma certa graça…
Hiking in Oslo (Norway)
Em Oslo podemos encontrar todas as vantagens e desvantagens de uma grande capital europeia. Depois do check-in no hotel, saímos à descoberta da cidade. Encontrámos uma arquitectura que combina a preservação do passado com a modernidade do presente e a ousadia do futuro. Desde o Teatro Nacional à Casa da…
De Flåm a Oslo passando por Gol Stavkyrke Gordarike (Noruega)
Depois do passeio de bicicleta matinal, fizemos as malas e partimos para Oslo. Deixávamos Flam para trás e uns dias de descoberta incríveis que iríamos recordar com saudade. Caminhadas, percursos de bicicleta, de comboio, enfim…algumas das actividades que preencheram os nossos primeiros dias na Noruega. Agora estávamos de partida para…
From Blomheller to Flåm by bicycle (Norway)
O dia de hoje iria ser diferente. Antes da partida para Oslo, estava previsto um percurso de bicicleta pelos trilhos do vale de Flam. Ainda cedo alugámos as bicicletas junto à marina. Aguardámos pelo comboio que nos iria transportar para o inicio do percurso em Blomheller. Não pudemos ir mais…
Aurland and the Viewpoint (Norway)
Em Aurland procurámos algo para nos aconchegar os estômagos. No minimercado local, após vaguear pelos corredores na tentativa frustrada de encontrar algo saudável para comer, conseguimos saciar a fome com alguma “comida plástica”. Estava na hora de conhecer a localidade. Em pesquisas efectuadas na internet encontrámos um dos motivos de…
From Flåm to Myrdal by Train (Norway)
Esta é uma viagem que vem descrita em muitos guias turísticos noruegueses. Uma viagem obrigatória para quem visita a Noruega, dizem. Não demorámos muito a perceber porquê. Na estação de Flam, o comboio esperava-nos à hora marcada. Com carruagens restauradas a preceito, fomos transportados para uma outra época, onde os…
Tvindefossen (Noruega)
Tvindefossen parece esculpida por mãos humanas. Ou talvez não, pois se assim fosse deixaria espaço para a imperfeição resultante do simples facto de o artista pertencer a essa espécie sujeita a muitas imperfeições. E em Tvindefossen a natureza foi perfeita. A queda de água faz parte do lote de fenómenos…
Stalheimskleiva (Norway)
Foi uma surpresa o que encontrámos em Stalheimskleiva. No planeamento desta viagem recorremos ao Google Earth para localizar alguns pontos que gostaríamos de visitar. Sabíamos que naquela estrada encontraríamos algumas cascatas mas nada nos preparou para a magestosa realidade. Em Stalheimskleiva sentimo-nos pequenos, minúsculos mesmo. A força das águas que…
Gudvangen (Norway)
Gudvangen foi o local escolhido para tomarmos um “expresso” quentinho. Não foi planeado, mas no café da localidade com fortes influencias vikings encontrámos as paisagens ideais para repousar um pouco e recordar os sabores caseiros. Confundiram-nos com italianos ao pedirmos “expressos”. Corrigimos amavelmente informando que éramos portugueses e que também…
De Flåm a Undredal (Noruega)
A primeira manhã na Noruega foi memorável. No pequeno apartamento da marina de Flam acordámos cedo, ansiosos por partir à descoberta da região. Da varanda surpreendemo-nos com um gigantesco navio cruzeiro que durante a madrugada atracou no porto de Flam. As máquinas fotográficas não tinham descanso. Pequeno almoço tomado e…
Onde ficar alojados quando saimos para um fim de semana de trekking?
Um dos maiores problemas com que nos deparamos na preparação de uma caminhada é a escolha do alojamento onde ficar. Hotéis, Pensões, Residenciais, Turismo rural, Pousadas, "Hostals", Parques de Campismo, vasto número de alternativas e ofertas com que somos inundados, desde os inúmeros websites temáticos existentes, cada um com os…
Majalasna Peak and Siete Picos (Valle de la Fuenfría – Sierra de Guadarrama) (Spain)
No último dia em Espanha, regressámos à zona onde iniciámos esta descoberta da “Sierra de Guadarrama”, agora para percorrer o trilho “Pico de Majalasna” e atingir também, outro dos ícones desta serra, os “Siete Picos”. Seguindo as marcas amarelas bem definidas, iniciámos a ascensão que, entroncando com o “Camino Schmid”…
R1-R3-R4 – Casa del Parque – Peñalara Peak – Los Pájaros Lagoon – Claveles Lagoon – Peñalara Lagoon (Peñalara Natural Park – Sierra de Guadarrama) (Spain)
Ao terceiro dia rumámos ao “Parque Natural de Peñalara”, na “Sierra de Guadarrama”. Com muitos motivos de interesse, este parque dispõe de diversas rotas assinaladas, tendo todas o seu inicio na “Casa del Parque”, o centro de informações local. Planeámos uma rota circular que nos ocupasse todo o dia e…
Los Miradores – Cercedilla – Sierra de Guadarrama (Spain)
Após mais de seis horas de viagem pelas estradas ibéricas, chegámos a Cercedilla, a cerca de 50 km de Madrid, ainda sem alojamento marcado. Por via das dúvidas, repousavam num dos cantos da bagageira, as tendas e sacos cama para uma eventualidade. A prioridade era estabelecer o “quartel general” que…
Picos de Europa – Dia 7 – Collado Hermoso – Fuente Dé (Espanha)
O amanhecer no Collado Hermoso veio acompanhado com mais uma daquelas sensações indescritíveis de bem estar. Durante a noite o nevoeiro cerrado envolveu o abrigo como que a aconchegar quem lá estava. Esse abraço prolongou-se pela manhã. A 2065 m de altitude a vida parecia perfeita. O contacto com a…
Picos de Europa – Day 6 – Cordiñanes to Collado Hermoso (Spain)
O toque de alvorada ouviu-se cedo no “Albergue El Diablo de la Peña” em Caín. Afinal tínhamos pela frente talvez o dia mais incrível de toda a travessia – a ascensão ao Collado Hermoso, um dos locais mais isolados e remotos dos Picos de Europa. Enquanto o pequeno almoço descia…
Picos de Europa – Day 5 – Garganta del Cares (Bulnes – Cordiñanes) (Spain)
Acordámos cedo. Pela frente teríamos a mais extensa etapa da travessia e deveríamos começar cedo. Saímos de “Bulnes” após o pequeno almoço em direcção a um dos trilhos mais frequentados dos Picos de Europa – a “Garganta del Cares”. Algumas centenas de metros percorridos e entrámos na Ruta de la…
Picos de Europa – Day 4 – Naranjo de Bulnes to Bulnes (Spain)
"Naranjo de Bulnes" ou em asturiano "Picu Urriellu" não é o pico mais alto da Cordilheira Cantábrica mas, com os seus 2519m, é um dos mais conhecidos. De toda a Europa recebe alpinistas para conquistar o seu emblemático cume. Na face oeste, a sua parede vertical de 550 m impõe…
Sola Gasta agora também “lá fora”…
O SOLA GASTA tem agora um novo espaço dedicado a caminhadas e expedições "lá fora". Em irão encontrar algumas sugestões de percursos pedestres fora de Portugal. Para já conta com a primeira aventura fora de portas - a travessia a pé em semi-autonomia do maciço central dos Picos de esta…
Picos da Europa – Day 1 – The Trip
Doubts were many that morning. The station railway wake deserted, patiently waiting for the morning hubbub ... people who still did not lie down and the wandering banks, we now woke up and yawns nestles a sleepless night, people that to be people follow the routines of many other people…