Where trails become tales
Bem-Vindo!
Welcome!
Welcome to Ways Of Wonder, where Jolien and Lowie invite you to a majestic hiking journey through the Portuguese mountains. In a society where everything tends to go towards big and fast, we see in Ways Of Wonder a healthy alternative. It can all be softer, more personal, and above all, more genuine. Brace yourself for a unique voyage of discovery that is full of wonder, serenity, and joy!
"Hello," says the mountain. "Hello," says the boy. The girl says nothing, but she giggles. The boy and the girl stand next to each other, gazing upward with wide eyes.
"We've arrived," says the mountain. The boy responds that they're still far from the peak. That there are still many footsteps between them and the highest point. Where they can overlook the beauty of all the valleys around them.
The girl agrees with the mountain and she squeezes his hand. He startles and looks into her eyes. "What's that sparkle?" he thinks. He exhales. And as his thought dissipates and a moment of calm settles within, his own eyes start to sparkle. He looks around and his mouth falls open. "Wow."
"We've arrived," says the mountain.
"We've arrived," says the boy.
What we bring you
Ways Of Wonder brings you a fully arranged wonderwalking journey where you hike the most magical trails in the mountains of Central Portugal. We have many different options, depending on your dates and the amount of people. We adapt to your budget and organise wonderwalks for 1 - 7 people to keep it small and cozy! You'll only carry a small daypack while hiking, while we take care of transporting your luggage with care! From transportation to and from Porto to cozy accommodations, freshly prepared meals, the most beautiful hiking routes, creative activities, workshops, and complete immersion in nature – everything can be arranged for you.
… A carefree, breathtaking vacation awaits!
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The mission of Ways Of Wonder
We aim to organize unforgettable journeys. Not through grand spectacles of fireworks and bangs, but by embracing simplicity in its full glory. Our fireworks are nature. Our bangs are meaningful conversations. We want to expose you to the abundance of beauty here in Portugal on social, cultural, personal, and natural dimensions. New experiences awaken you and bring your attention to the present. Perhaps a feeling of wonder will arise within you, along with a sparkle in your eyes. That's the emotion we almost constantly felt as children. It's like, 'Wow, what a wonderful world.' At the end of the trip, we will look back with satisfaction, knowing that you have traversed the Ways of Wonder. Our mission? Accomplished.
What you will experience on our WonderWalks
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Magical Hikes
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Comfortable and special accomodation
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Pristine nature
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Local Portuguese culture
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Off-grid/eco projects
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Safe and playful guides
Discover the real Portugal: an extraordinary hiking journey through the Majestic Mountains.
Together we organize a tailor-made trip based on your preference. We can hike from charming villages deep in the valley to the highest point of Portugal in the magical Serra Da Estrela mountains. With WOW, you'll discover the REAL Portugal, where the average tourist will never tread. Walk through a forgotten village with just a few inhabitants, enjoy a Portuguese meal at a local restaurant, and immerse yourself in the peaceful culture.
The historical village of Piodão
Sleep either in comfortable nature homes, sometimes completely off-grid, or in a small village among the locals. We'll take you to small-scale alternative projects where you'll hear personal stories and see how people are truely living here. To friends of ours. To what we know, what we believe in, and what we love.
Crosses above the door to ask for protection against rain and snow in the mountains.
Our accomodation
We have a wide range of possibilities
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Surrounded by nature
Sleeping in the middle of the mountains in a modern off-grid house or a small cute Portuguese village
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Diversity of experience
From an authentic slate house to a Portuguese casa or glamping in a yurt, there's always something captivating for the eyes! Sometimes with a delightful extra touch.
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Comfortable
We want you to sleep soundly, so we ensure comfortable accommodation where you feel happy to rest
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Homefeeling
We aim for a sense of home. You'll be staying with hosts who graciously open their doors to you.
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Ways Of Wonder
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Enjoy
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Rest
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Discover
Some of our favourite places
Benfeita
This oh-so-adorable village is Lowie's hometown. Here, you'll find a harmonious blend between old Portuguese residents and new 'estrangeiros,' or foreigners, who start their projects in the midst of this beautiful environment. The village is known for its stunning waterfall, called 'Fraga Da Pena’, reaching a height of 19 meters."
Piodão
Known for its typical style of xist houses with blue windows and doors, Piodão attracts quite a few Portuguese visitors - especially for a village situated in the midst of the mountains. Together, we wander through the maze of houses, organically constructed, feeling like a historical open-air museum.
Torre
Embarking down in the valley with a refreshing pause at the river beach of Loriga, our journey ascends to Portugal's lofty peak, nearly touching 2000 meters. In favorable weather, the views from this vantage are simply breathtaking. The majestic rocks bring a sense of awe, while the mountaintop market offers delightful local treats. There exists no more symbolic culmination to our hike than this magnificent summit.
Example of a dayprogram
08:15 - Nutritious and delicious breakfast
featuring toppings from local produce
09:00 - Start hiking (approx. 11 km)
We trek the Xisto trail along ancient paths, passing picturesque water channels and Portuguese vegetable gardens, as well as discovering the gorgeous valley where Lowie is building his house.
10:30 - Tea break at Lowie's neighbors
Relax with herbal tea from the garden and homemade cookies. We'll have a look at their naturally, clay constructed house.
12:30 - Lunch with a view
Arrive at the top of the valley and expect a delightful meal to recharge your energy.
13:45 - Continuation of the hike
Passing through the picturesque village of Sardal to the impressive Fraga Da Pena waterfalls (a stunning 19 meters high!). We stroll through the valleys until we reach the village café atop the hill in Pardieiros, where we'll have a drink with the locals.
15:30 - Arrival at accommodation
Free time to rest, write, explore the land,
talk, use our art supplies or anything else.
We can offer an optional creative or nature activity for example a paintingworkshop, wild foraging or a museum visit.
18:30 - Dinner together
Home made pizza in a clay oven at a friends house.
You can engage in post-dinner conversations, make a campfire, play board games, or retreat to your room.
... Close your eyes and rest deeply. Until tomorrow!
Traveling is very personal, and it's important that there's a connection. We'd love to call you to get to know each other. If it feels like a match we can plan a trip together.
Ways Of Wonder - where the path is the destination
Ways Of Wonder - where the path is the destination