Soajo.

Deep in the granite highlands of Peneda-Gerês National Park, the ancient mountain village of Soajo offers a stark, beautiful window into Portugal’s rural past. Its defining feature is a striking cluster of 24 communal espigueiros—18th- and 19th-century granite granaries perched on a massive rock outcrop. Elevated on stilts to keep rodents at bay and topped with stone crosses to ward off evil, these structures are often mistaken by newcomers for small tombs. Beyond this famous site, the village itself is a quiet labyrinth of sturdy stone houses and narrow alleys that feel entirely untouched by modern tourism. It serves as an ideal, rugged base for hikers exploring the national park’s northern trails, as well as a prime spot to sample the region’s hearty, traditional mountain cuisine.