Braga

Be sure to visit Braga, the impressive Monte do Bom Jesus (see page 119 for more information), and the Peneda-Gerês National Park where you will be surrounded by great natural beauty. This is an ideal spot for relaxation, free of the seduction of sights other than peaceful forest and cool, blue mountain lakes. If hiking in an untamed forest brimming with wildlife piques your interest, plan to spend some time here. Almost every conceivable outdoor recreation is a possibility in the park: horseback riding (and horse-drawn carriage rides for the less hearty), aquatic sports on the reservoirs, mountain climbing, etc. Guided tours of the park are available, and in one day you can easily make the drive from the pousada to the little spa of Gerês, which retains a faded glamour. It used to be quite the “in” place to go and even King Luis I came here to “take the cure,” although it doesn’t say much for the medicinal merits of the spa as he died the next year!Depending on where you are headed, if you continue north, we suggest the picturesque river town of Ponte de Lima with its wealth of gorgeous bed and breakfasts as your next stop. Alternatively, you might consider following the N103 as it travels through the serras, weaves a journey high above the mountain lakes, and leads you to the old spa town of Chaves. While in Chaves you will want to visit the citadel, the old streets of the main town, the spa, and the thermal waters, and there is a wonderful half-hour walk along the River Tâmega and the Roman bridge.