I wanted to share a few more photos about my last weekend getaway, but real life got in the way. Fortunately, there's no such thing as a bad time to share some experiences! So, back to the middle of nature, and to the typical vegetation we can find in this part of Serra da Estrela. I realised shortly after wandering a bit, that it had been a looooooong time since I visited my little corner of paradise in this time of the year; Spring makes everything more beautiful!
All the yellow bushes you see are brooms (Cytisus scoparius), and they are everywhere here.
Although most of them were in full bloom, there were some that were still closed, and some bushes that were like 50/50; here's one where half the flowers had bloomed, it's wasy to see the difference: in the right in bloom, in the left the whitish/grey buds from where bloom will take place!
You've probably noticed the purple bush in front; those are not brooms, nope. Here's a closer look:
This is rosemary (Lavandula stoechas), from the lavender family, its scent spreading everywhere. It's hard to miss them! And the little yellow flowers surrounding them, are a very common species as well; not only in the open field, but on the side of the small roads as well.
Do you know these ones? Maybe with a closer look?
The golden marguerite (Cota tinctoria) is as species most kids (at least in my time) would know! There was this silly game in which you picked one of these, and removed the petals saying he/she loves me/ loves me not, up to the last petal, where you would find out if the girl/boy liked you... or not! 😁
I also found another common plant in these parts, but have no idea which one it is... any flora expert out there?
Putting all these bushes and colours together, this is the kind of setting you can find over and over again, while walking around here:
Now you can already identify some of the typical mediterranean flora!
Another highlight of my trip, was having the opportunity to revisit the little stream where I took my first nature baths! This part of the stream creates a mini-mini swimming pool, that was the perfect place to relax and refresh in the hot Summer months.
And now, a suggestion for the non nature lovers (do they exist??), or the ones that want to relax a bit from all the nature walking. In Unhais da Serra, an old thermal place was completely overhauled a few years back... and it's now a beautifull not-to-miss SPA!
It's connected to a fancy hotel, and for the ones staying there the entrance is included. For the ones not staying, you can still do a ton of treatments and massages, and (and for me this is the highlight!) for a ridiculous low fee, you can do a 4h water circuit, and enjoy this awesomeness!
A complex with small waterfalls, saunas, jacuzzis, all with a great view to the surroundings!
The best part? There's an outside pool as well, that communicates with the inner pool!
Here's a better look of the outside view:
When I talked about a ridiculous low fee, i refer to the fact that you can enjoy this circuit for 20 euros (this was the price two weeks ago); for this kind of experience, I believe it's an absolute bargain! Though I must say, the best time to visit this place is in Winter time, with freezing cold outside. Imagine being in near zero temperatures, up to your neck in a how jacuzzi, admiring this view?
Priceless!
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thanks for sharing
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Wow, I’m not sure I’ll be able to return when I visit a place like this as a weekend getaway. Honestly, no one would blame you if you decided to live there forever😅. The place looks so serene and peaceful. Nature is indeed wonderful.
Fortunately, it's a place I can go back whenever I want! ;) !PIZZA
Beautiful place. The landscapes remind me of California. But not many spas in Cali for $20 haha
Neither in Portugal, this place is a true gem!
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@pardinus(1/5) tipped @yahuzah