Where Natural Beauty & Endangered Species Thrive
We decided to rent a camper van for our two-week Portugal adventure, and it turned out to be the best decision we made! With the flexibility and freedom of our own wheels, we were able to explore Portugal at our own pace and see all the sights we wanted to see.
We landed in Porto but instead of spending time in the city, we headed straight to pick up our camper van. After getting our wheels, we drove to the north of Portugal.
We shop for our food and other necessities, stocked up on fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie, local wine and other local treats to sustain us during our journey.
Next, we looked for a campsite to stay for the night. We found a beautiful spot by the vineyards, surrounded by lush green trees and mountains.
The next morning, we were woken up to the rumbling sounds of thunder. It can be a bit unsettling at first, but once I realise what was happening, it turned into a spectacular experience.
Lightning bolts flashing across the sky, and the sounds were deafening. We were in awe of the raw power of nature. As I stood there, mesmerised by the sky, I had to make a decision: should I take out my camera and snap some photos, or should I simply enjoy the moment as it was?
In the end, I chose to live in the present and enjoy the moment. While I may not have captured the beauty of the lightning bolts, I felt more connected to nature and the experience as a whole. I realised that sometimes it's more important to be fully present and engage with the world around us rather than simply capturing it for later viewing.
It's essential to find a balance and not let the desire to capture every moment take away from the experience itself. I felt contented, the memory of the lightning bolts over the mountains was vivid in my mind, and I didn't need a photo to remind me of it.
After breakfast, we packed up and hit the road. We drove towards the border of Spain, to start our trip from the northernmost part of Portugal, to the The magnificent Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês.
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s first and only national park was established in 1971.
As we made our way towards the park, the rain started pouring down on us. At first, we were disappointed that the weather was not in our favour, but we soon realised that it added a different charm to the already picturesque surroundings.
So, we decided to drive slowly along the road of the park, taking in the breathtaking views around us. The lush greenery was a sight to behold, and we couldn't help but feel rejuvenated by the beauty that surrounded us.
The roads were winding, and at times, a bit narrow, but that only added to the thrill of the journey. We stopped along the way to take in the views and snap some photos, capturing the natural beauty that surrounded us.
Driving through the park, we saw waterfalls, and tranquil lakes.
We didn't catch sight of any animals (since we mainly drove across the national park because of the rainy weather), but that doesn't mean there aren't any to be seen! In fact, the park is home to a wide variety of animal species, including some that are endangered.
The park's diverse habitats, ranging from mountains and forests to rivers, provide a home for a range of animals. Some of the most impressive animals found in the park include the Iberian wolf, the Iberian lynx, and the Pyrenean desman, all of which are endangered species.
While we may not have been fortunate enough to spot any animals during our drive, there are plenty of opportunities to see them up close by hiking through the park. The park's many trails offer a chance to explore the different habitats and encounter a variety of wildlife.
As we continued our journey, we were surprised to see the landscape change around us. The lush green surroundings gave way to rocky terrain and towering cliffs. It was a stark contrast, but just as breathtaking.
In the lush valley oak and laurel line the riverbank, replaced by holly, birch, pine and juniper at higher elevations. A total of eighteen plant species, including the Serra do Gerês iris are found nowhere else on earth.
It was a refreshing change from our daily routines to witness such natural beauty, definitely a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life in Malta.
