Bravia Country House

Tucked away in Portugal’s only National Park, this delightful house exceeded our expectations by the distance between two mountain peaks. Our host’s attention to detail was extraordinary: we booked accommodation and discovered a little home where even the cushions seemed pleased to see us. It is a splendid base for exploring, although “a gentle trek” occasionally proves to be a phrase requiring examination by one’s solicitor. The village welcomes modern comforts without losing its old rhythms. The cockerel announces morning with the confidence of a man who owns the place; church bells confirm that remaining in bed is no longer respectable. Husband and wife lead their dairy herds along the road,accompanied by cowbells, like an orchestra still deciding who is conducting. The walks are magnificent and sometimes demanding. Paths wind through extraordinary red and grey granite formations, some balanced above ravines like an uncle leaning back in his chair after his third port. One admires the arrangement while hoping nobody sneezes. We encountered goats guarded by three dogs so enormous that “dogs” seemed an understatement. Each looked capable of taking a wolf aside and explaining the rules. Wolves inhabit the higher country; the old village wolf pit recalls their closer interest in local affairs. Lunch offers fewer hazards. The café serves excellent food with a modern flourish, while other restaurants provide wholesome cooking in portions suggesting the chef believes you spent the morning shifting granite. Our host shares these treasures with infectious enthusiasm and affection, welcoming us with two delicious examples of the baker’s art. The villagers embrace tourism while preserving their home’s special character. A wonderful place to walk, eat and unwind, although the cockerel would doubtless regard a lie-in as evidence of serious moral decline.

Possibly a washing machine with tumble dryer nearby.

Beatriz is such a welcoming & beautiful host, we felt very lucky to have landed at her place in Fafião. She sent us lots of recommendations of things to do in the town & places to eat. Arriving at Bravia Country House was very special with a home cooked cake, fresh eggs from her garden & a loaf of bread. We couldn't have wished for a more comfortable stay!

L'accoglienza di Beatriz è stata fantastica. Il suo sorriso e la sua gentilezza mettono di buono umore e anche il dolce che ci ha fatto trovare in casa era delizioso. C'è durato per ben due colazioni. Il paesino è molto carino, per niente turistico e ci sono pochi e buoni ristoranti. La sua posizione è ideale per fare delle bellissime passeggiate. Siamo arrivati al Poço Verde dopo un lungo trekking tra le meravigliose rocce presenti in questa parte del Parco di Pineda di Geres. Ad agosto c'era gente ma la situazione era vivibile, forse perché i portoghesi non urlano come noi... Non abbiamo incontrato un italiano. Sono facilmente raggiungibili anche altri posti in cui fare il bagno, tra torrenti azzurrissimi, cascatelle e pozze d'acqua. Beatriz di ha dato una mappa molto dettagliata per trovare tutte le attrazioni presenti.

Ci sono un po' di mosche in giro che a volte entrano in casa. Si tratta solo di fare attenzione e/o di farle fuori.

Beautiful house in a wonderful location. Everything was very well laid out and practical. Beatriz the host could not have been more helpful. Fafiao is a great base for exploring the National Park.