Escape to Gerês, Portugal

In search of an escape for a night

View of the Cávado River (photo by author)

Do you ever just wish you could get away from everything, if only for a night? I found myself in need of just such an escape as my month-long road trip was coming to an end.

Taking a Break in Gerês Portugal

As my road trip through the less-traveled areas of Portugal was coming to an end, I was in need of a night off. The days had been filled with picturesque areas lined with treacherous golf-cart sized paths that subbed as mountain roads, tiny villages that charmed me while also testing my ability to survive the rural life, and locals, some who were openly hostile while others made me feel like family. 

While it had been a wonderful experience, I was in need of a night of rest and relaxation. 

Before heading to my next stop of Porto and facing the certain wrath of the rental car company for all the dings I’d added to the car, I decided to escape to the mountains of Gerês, not far from my next stop of Porto. I treated myself to a night in a lovely hotel in a mountain chalet, and splurged on a room with a terrace overlooking the peaceful Cávado River.  

The Chalet Hotel Where I Made My Escape (photo by author)

Arriving to a Temporary Setback 

After a semi-precarious drive on the mountain road leading to the chalet hotel, I arrived at the beginning of check-in, anxious to maximize my hours in this lovely place. After receiving my key, I headed to my room which was located on the top floor. After having exchanged several emails with the hotel staff to confirm that the room I was booking had a balcony, I was surprised to open the door and find what can only be described as the “Harry Potter” room. 

I muttered to the Universe, “Is nothing going to be easy on this road trip?” and headed back down to get the room I reserved.

The View in the Brochure (photo by author)

Upon opening Door #2, I found a room whose picture is plastered all over the marketing materials. Now that is the room I booked. 

My Idea of a Perfect Evening

After unpacking the essentials, I headed out to the deck and positioned a chair to face the beautiful view. Everyone should do this at least once a year. You don’t have to go anywhere super fancy, just get away. 

I relaxed on the chair, enjoying the view and listening to music. I found myself singing along, oblivious to the fact that I had an audience on the balcony above me. After discovering the couple there watching me, it did not deter me. I was in heaven.

Here on my “I got the room in the brochure” balcony, I found the peaceful moments I needed. 

After reluctantly pulling myself off my balcony perch, I soaked in the bath for a bit and then dressed for dinner. I headed down a bit early with a book and ordered a glass of wine in the bar area. I tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to focus on my book as the bar was surrounded by large picture windows, showcasing the mountains and view of the river. I was treated to a spectacular show as the sun set. 

Indulgent Dinner (photo by author)

Dinner was an indulgent mix of meats, which I rarely eat, piled on top of delicious savory rice, accompanied by another glass of wine. I enjoyed the fading view from the huge windows as the sun completed its evening descent. I moved into the lounge area after dinner, to read a bit longer. My mountain chalet felt even cozier after sunset as night enveloped the hotel, taking away the temptation to stare at the view. I read my book until I became sleepy and headed back up to my room from the brochure.  

Ready for the Next Stop

After a restful night’s sleep, I reluctantly packed my bags. While I was sad for my month of adventure to come to an end, I was also ready to park the car and enjoy the next month exploring life in my next city. Porto was a place I thought I would enjoy living in as I started this journey. I considered it my most likely next home when my year on the road came to a close.  

I had a farewell tea on my balcony before loading my things in the banged up rental car and heading out to start the next chapter of my “Year Around Portugal”.