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Before starting this journey through one of the landmarks of the Peneda Gerês National Park, through this link, you should read and learn a little more about Soajo Village.
What to visit in Soajo?
Soajo Interpretive and Ethnographic Center
The first point of visit to Soajo, and without a doubt a must-see, is the Soajo Interpretive and Ethnographic Centre, the Soajo Council and also a prison. In this small museum you will learn more about the Soajo and its people.
Before visiting the Soajo Interpretive and Ethnographic Center, through this link, you should read and learn a little more about it.
Soajo Pillory
In the same place where the Interpretation Centre is located, that is, in Largo do Eiró, there is also the Soajo Pillory, an indisputable symbol of Soajo people and synonymous with justice, as it was there that criminals were judged.
Soajo Granaries
A little further down, about a 3-minute walk away, are the 24 Granaries of Soajo, an icon that most resembles this land from north to south of the country.
The granaries were and are warehouses used to preserve/store corn, "the gold of Minho".
Ladeira Bridge
The Ladeira Bridge is a medieval bridge located relatively close to what was the center of the municipality of Soajo, and in times past, the main crossing point to the eastern area.
Access to this bridge is only on foot via dirt and cobblestone paths, it is uneven and must be done with care.
Cunhas Viewpoint
The Cunhas Viewpoint, recently modernized with a glass structure, is also undoubtedly a must-see in Soajo. It offers a glimpse of perhaps the most impressive curve of the Lima Valley.
Access to the Cunhas Viewpoint is on foot, includes some unevenness and must be done with care.
Lindoso Dam
Between Soajo (Arcos de Valdevez) and Lindoso (Ponte da Barca), you will find the Alto-Lindoso Dam.
This dam is different from all others nationwide, as it is the most powerful due to the high drop in level that the Lima Valley creates.
Várzea Viewpoint
The Lindoso Dam embankment creates an authentic mirror of water between mountains, thus allowing the visualization of a natural scene of rare beauty, seen from the Várzea Viewpoint.
Várzea Rural Agglomeration
In other times a town and municipality, today Soajo is made up of several villages, including Várzea, a place characterized by the silence of the mountains and the breeze of the Lima Valley.
If you want to try to forget everything for a moment and empty your mind, perhaps this is the right place, "the village of oblivion".
Tibo Viewpoint
Tibo Viewpoint... there are no words to describe this viewpoint, or even to count the number of visitors who have passed through here.
This viewpoint allows you to see the Amarela Mountain and Gerês Mountain, the Lima Valley, Spain, the Peneda Valley and the Pomba River Valley.
Despite all being different, this is perhaps the number 1 viewpoint in the whole world. Peneda Gerês National Park .
Adrão Rural Agglomeration
The village of Adrão, located in the northern part of Soajo, allows you to travel back in time for a moment.
Visit this rural settlement and don't forget to pay attention to all the details.
Coto Velho Viewpoint
The Coto Velho Viewpoint is perched above Soajo and offers a panoramic view of the town.
Mezio Interpretation Gate
The Mezio Interpretation Gate is one of the 5 gates of the Peneda Gerês National Park (one in each municipality).
This place is an interpretive and educational center, where you can learn more about the park's fauna and flora, and the regional culture.
Mezio Dolmen
The Mezio Dolmen, located next to the Mezio Interpretation Center, is a thousand-year-old record of the existence of prehistoric settlements in this region.
The dolmens or dolmens were ancient tombs where those who transgressed were placed.
Mezio Swing
Also close to Mezio Interpretation Center, you will find the Mezio Swing, "the largest in Portugal".
At this photo point you can capture spectacular photos.
Sun Gate
About 100m from the Mezio Swing, is the Sun Gate.
Is a photo point, with Cabana Maior village in the background.
Travanca Lagoon
If you are thinking of taking a dip, or simply want to take some photos of the waterfalls, 100m from Sun Gate is the Travanca Lagoon.
Access to this watercourse is on foot via a walkway, including some unevenness and stairs, where you must be careful.
In watercourses (lakes), you must be very careful when walking and where you place your feet, as these areas are very slippery.
Also in this place, namely at the waterfall, there is a natural slide, however you should always be careful. (center of the photo)
Ermelo Monastery
Once belonging to Soajo , the Ermelo Monastery is located in the Ermelo Village.
This monastery was probably built by D. Teresa, and belonged to the Cistercian order.
The side door is usually open so you can visit it.
Access is only on foot.
Ermelo Medieval Bridge
Similar to Ladeira Bridge, the Ermelo Medieval Bridge was, in other times, the only crossing point to the southwest of Soajo.
Access is only on foot.
Ecovia de Ermelo
On the banks of the Lima River, below the Ermelo Monastery, you will find Ecovia de Ermelo , where you can enjoy a healthy walk without any unevenness.
Before visiting Ecovia de Ermelo, through this link, you should read and learn a little more about it.
Pedralta Viewpoint
Of the various viewpoints listed, this is the most recent, the Pedralta Viewpoint.
If you have the chance, be sure to visit.
1st Portuguese Hydroelectric
"A relic in disrepair."
This was the first Portuguese hydroelectric, built during the time of kings, the mother of the Lindoso Dam.
Today it is abandoned, with a promise to be fulfilled regarding its rehabilitation for interpretative/educational purposes.
It is not possible to enter, however the road is right next door. Be impressed by the size of the pipes that carried the water down to the turbines where the energy was generated.
Poço Negro Lagoon
In this region, the lakes are called "poço" (pit), due to their characteristics and depth.
During hot weather, Poço Negro is visited by hundreds of tourists who bathe in these cooler waters.
The name of this well is related to its depth, which creates a dark (Negro) color in the water (photo). Some even say that no one can touch its bottom (be careful, it is not a challenge, it can be dangerous).
Access is via stairs with some unevenness, and must be done with care.
Poço das Mantas Lagoon
If Poço Negro is full, you can always opt for Poço das Mantas, which already has human intervention, namely linked to water retention for crop irrigation.
Soajo is much more...
However, the main points of interest in Soajo are listed here.
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