Are you one of those people who leaves everything to the last minute? Or don’t know where to enjoy a few days away from Porto with your better half? Then take a look at our list of romantic getaways in nature.
On the one hand, there are couples who prefer luxury hotels overlooking the sea; on the other hand, others choose the hustle and bustle of the city. However,it was with the fans of ‘remote‘ places in mind that we chose some of the best ‘green’ destinations.
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Vilarinho de Negrões, Montalegre
Located about two hours’ drive from Porto, Vilarinho de Negrões is a destination for those who want maximum tranquillity. Here, life flows slowly, like the water of a river with no current.
The typical granite houses scattered along the narrow peninsula add a picturesque touch to the landscape. Seen from afar, Vilarinho de Negrões seems to float on the water of the Alto Rabagão reservoir.
In fact, it is said that the village was lucky not to have been submerged when the dam was completed in 1964… And that’s a good thing! Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to contemplate its peculiar beauty.
What to visit on a romantic getaway to the village
As well as its natural charms, the village is worth a stroll. Fountains, ponds and the typical granaries, everything there takes you back to a different rhythm, where traffic delays and frustrations are absent.
On the outskirts of Vilarinho de Negrões, you can visit other places. For example, the village of Ribeira da Pena, which stands out for its religious heritage. Or Montalegre with its castle and the famous Ponte Velha, or Roman Bridge.
Vilar da Veiga, Terras de Bouro
A weekend is not enough to visit Gerês. After all, this is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful natural pools and waterfalls to visit in Portugal.
However, you can always choose to stay in a ‘strategic’ place for a quick trip. That’s why we recommend Vilar da Veiga, in the municipality of Terras de Bouro. Located about 1h30 by car from Porto, this is an excellent option for those who want to visit several places of interest in one go.
Close to the Caniçada reservoir, the parish of Vilar da Veiga has some of the best river beaches in Gerês. There are also plenty of local restaurants and accommodation, so you don’t have to go far.
What to see
From Vilar da Veiga you can visit several well-known viewpoints and waterfalls.
Among the points of interest are the following: Miradouro das Rocas; Miradouro da Pedra Bela; Cascata do Arado; among others.
Serra da Freita, Arouca
Of our suggestions for romantic getaways in nature, Serra da Freita is the destination closest to Porto. Located just over an hour’s drive away, these magical mountains are definitely worth a visit.
Freita stretches across the municipalities of Arouca, São Pedro do Sul and Vale de Cambra. Its length and altitude, with peaks of over 1000 meters, hide real natural ‘treasures’. Some you really have to see at least once in your life.
Points of interest on a nature getaway
Some routes culminate in natural pools; others take you through villages ‘lost’ in the mountainsides. A real ‘overdose’ of fresh air.
However, if you prefer, you can always get around by car. Even so, you’ll still be able to visit some of the main places of interest in Serra da Freita.
Among the many places to visit, two are a must: Frecha da Mizarela and Pedras Parideiras. The first is a waterfall – the largest in mainland Portugal and one of the largest in Europe. The Pedras Parideiras are a rare geological phenomenon.
As the name suggests, they are stones that are ‘born’ from a ‘mother stone’. You can also take the opportunity to visit the typical villages that are scattered throughout the Serra da Freita.
Secret’ villages near Porto
The beauty of Porto has earned international attention, such as the recent feature in “Food and Travel”. But it also feels good to explore the region and the north of the country, right?
Not far from Invicta, you can find schist villages with picturesque houses, where calm prevails and you can take a deep breath. Some examples are:
- Quintandona;
- Drave;
- Pias;
- Trebilhadouro, among others.
Historical Villages of Portugal
To find out more about the “Historical Villages of Portugal”, it ‘s best to read our article dedicated exclusively to each of them.
However, we can already tell you that this is a network, created in 1991, with the aim of restoring and promoting historic places in Beira, such as Sortelha.
There are 12 destinations in all, each with its own charm and with the ability to take us back in time to the medieval era.
Each of these destinations has its own particularities. But they can be used either for romantic getaways in nature or as a family retreat, or with friends.
In any case, and regardless of their unique charms, there is something that unites these places: the bucolic peace of their landscapes!