PT-Vale da Ribeira do Mosteiro (PR 1) — Parque Natural do Douro Internacional

Holidays around Freixo de Espada à Cinta in Portugal. As in many places in Europe, it was hot! Nearly 40 degrees towards the end of the hike. Luckily we had a swimming pool close to where we were staying. The swimming pool is actually in the river Douro. One of the main attractions to see. It has carved its way through stone and has formed a beautiful canyon. It also forms the border between Spain and Portugal in that area. Wine, almonds, olives are the main agricultural products of the region. Also forestry. This whole region of Portugal has been hit by fires. Enormous areas have been turned to bare mountains with burned trees. A very sad sight. In some places we saw replanting is on the way. We enjoyed visiting the area, the nature, and the towns and villages. In August they are pretty empty, although sometimes we were lucky as town festivals are taking place. This was our first hike in Portugal, and it was beautiful. Well recommended. If you walk it in summer, start early, and, not like we did, walk it counter clock-wise. You have the benefit of the lower temperatures in the morning on the exposed parts of the hike, and, the shade on your way back.