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hot springs in northern Portugal

Hot springs in northern Portugal: authentic relaxation near SlowTinys

🧖‍♀️ The most authentic hot springs near SlowTinys: disconnect and recharge in nature Looking for a different kind of escape in northern Portugal? Sleeping in a sustainable tiny house, waking up to birdsong and soaking in a hot spring in the middle of nature… it’s possible. From SlowTinys, in Sabadim (Arcos de Valdevez), you have privileged access to some of the most authentic hot springs in northern Portugal — and even across the border in Galicia. Here are our favorites, with exact distances from our tiny house, so you can plan your getaway with ease. ♨️ 1. Termas do Peso (Melgaço) 🚗 40 minutes by car from SlowTinys 📍 View on Google Maps Located in the charming village of Melgaço, these medicinal springs offer a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by gardens. While mostly focused on health treatments, the area invites you to stroll and relax. You can also visit the Vinho Verde Wine Route or walk along the Laboreiro River. ♨️ 2. Lobios Hot Springs (Galicia, Spain) 🚗 45 minutes from SlowTinys 📍 View on Google Maps Across the border in Galicia you’ll find these outdoor natural hot springs. Free, open all year round, and located beside the Caldo River, in the heart of the Baixa Limia–Serra do Xurés Natural Park. Perfect for a hot bath with a view. ♨️ 3. Thermal pools of Bande (Galicia, Spain) 🚗 55 minutes from SlowTinys 📍 View on Google Maps Another hidden gem on the Spanish side. These small thermal pools are located next to Roman ruins, deep in nature. There’s no tourist infrastructure — and that’s their charm. Free and rarely crowded. 🌿 Extra: Carvalhelhos Hot Springs (closed, but worth seeing) 🚗 1 hour 30 minutes from SlowTinys 📍 View on Google Maps These hot springs in Boticas are currently closed, but the modernist architecture and surrounding landscape are worth the visit. If you’re driving a scenic route from Sabadim, this can be an interesting stop. 🏡 Where to stay? In nature, with soul SlowTinys is an eco-friendly and fully equipped tiny house, located just 10 minutes from Melgaço and the Peneda-Gerês National Park.Ideal for couples, hikers, nature lovers… and hot spring seekers. 👉 Check availability and book directly on our website

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Top hiking trails Peneda-Gerês

🏞 Discover the Best Hiking Trails in Peneda-Gerês If you’re looking for the best hiking trails Peneda-Gerês has to offer, you’re in for a treat. From our Slow Tiny House in Sabadim, you’re just minutes away from the stunning Peneda-Gerês National Park — a hiker’s paradise filled with scenic routes, hidden waterfalls, and untouched nature. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or just looking for a peaceful walk through the woods, the region offers something for everyone. We’ve selected a few trails that are easy to reach from SlowTinys and perfect for a half-day or full-day adventure. 🌿 Ecovia do Vez (Arcos de Valdevez – Jolda São Paio) Distance: ~15 km (adaptable) Level: Easy to moderate Highlights: Wooden walkways, riverside views, suspension bridges, picnic stops. This well-maintained route runs along the Vez River and is perfect for families or anyone looking for a relaxed hiking experience. It’s flat, beautiful, and starts just minutes from SlowTinys. 📍 Google Maps: Ecovia do Vez – Main Access 🐾 Mezio Trail – Porta do Mezio Distance: 7–13 km Level: Moderate Highlights: Stunning viewpoints, shepherd huts (brandas), wild horses. Located at the Mezio Gate (one of the entrances to Peneda-Gerês National Park), this circular trail offers both forest paths and open ridgelines. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. 📍 Google Maps: Porta do Mezio 💧Cascata do Tahiti & Poço do Arado Distance: ~3 km (optional extensions) Level: Moderate Highlights: Natural pools, waterfalls, granite rock formations. If swimming near waterfalls is your idea of a good time, this trail is for you. The hiking trail Peneda-Gerês that leads to Poço do Arado and Cascata do Tahiti is scenic and refreshing — a must during warmer months. 📍 Google Maps: Tahiti Waterfall Access 🐐 Trilho dos Currais – Gerês village Distance: 10 km loop Level: Moderate to hard Highlights: Panoramic views, granite mountains, native flora. A classic among the hiking trails Peneda-Gerês offers, this loop trail begins near the village of Gerês and climbs to breathtaking views. It’s best done early in the day to avoid midday heat and crowds. 📍 Google Maps: Trilho dos Currais 🗺️ Trail Tips for SlowTravellers Always bring water, sunscreen, and snacks. Wear proper footwear – some trails can get muddy or rocky. Download the offline map on Google Maps or use Wikiloc for trail tracking. Respect nature and leave no trace 💚 🚶‍♀️ Ready to Explore the Hiking Trails of Peneda-Gerês? Staying at SlowTinys means waking up just minutes from the most beautiful hiking trails Peneda-Gerês has hidden away. Whether you’re into peaceful riverside walks or more adventurous climbs, we’ll be happy to recommend the perfect route for your pace. You can ask us before or during your stay — we love helping our guests explore this magical region.

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5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint – Sustainable Travel Tips

🌍 5 Easy Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Looking for simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint? At SlowTinys, we believe small changes can lead to meaningful impact. From how you travel to what you consume, every action counts when it comes to sustainability. Here are 5 easy steps you can start today — even during your stay in our eco-friendly tiny house in Northern Portugal. 1. Choose Sustainable Transportation Whenever possible, opt for walking, cycling, or public transport instead of driving. At SlowTinys, we’re just a short walk away from local trails and villages. You can also rent bikes to explore the area — it’s healthier and greener! 2. Support Local & Seasonal Products Reduce your carbon footprint by eating local. Seasonal produce not only tastes better, but also requires less transportation and storage. Visit Arcos de Valdevez farmers’ markets or nearby small shops to buy local cheeses, vegetables, and bread. 3. Reduce Energy Use Even on vacation, you can be mindful of energy. Turn off lights when not needed, unplug electronics, and use natural daylight whenever possible. Our tiny house is designed to be energy-efficient — with natural materials, good insulation, and plenty of sunlight. 4. Minimize Waste Bring a reusable water bottle, say no to single-use plastics, and recycle your waste. We provide glass jars and cloth bags for guests. Small actions like these go a long way to reduce your carbon footprint and protect local nature. 5. Travel With Intention Slow travel is more than a trend — it’s a mindset. Instead of rushing to see everything, choose to connect deeply with fewer places. At SlowTinys, we encourage guests to embrace the rhythm of nature, stay longer, and discover the beauty of simplicity. 💚 Every Step Counts By choosing to reduce your carbon footprint, you’re joining a growing movement of responsible travellers. Your choices — from your meals to your means of transport — matter. Let’s create a more conscious way of exploring the world. Want to experience sustainable living in Portugal? Book your stay at SlowTinys and be part of the change.

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Healing Power of Nature: Discover Its Benefits | SlowTinys

🌿 Healing Power of Nature: Discover Its Benefits Have you ever felt better just by walking through the forest or listening to the sound of a river? The healing power of nature is more than just a feeling — it’s backed by science. From reducing stress to improving physical health, nature has a profound impact on our well-being. 🧠 Why Nature Heals the Mind and Body Scientific studies have shown that spending time in natural environments can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood. This phenomenon, often called nature therapy, helps us slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. 📚 The Science Behind Nature’s Healing Benefits Research from institutions like Harvard and the NIH confirms the link between nature exposure and health. Forest bathing, hiking, and even gardening can trigger physiological responses that enhance immune function, improve sleep, and lower anxiety. The power of the natural world isn’t just poetic — it’s measurable. 🌱 Nature Therapy in Practice Whether it’s a walk through the woods, a weekend in the mountains, or a stay at a tiny house surrounded by nature, spending time outdoors brings lasting benefits. At SlowTinys, we believe that reconnecting with nature is essential for modern life. 🔗 Want to Learn More? Harvard: Nature and Mental Health 5 Easy Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 🌿 Ready to Reconnect? Whether it’s through a weekend stay at a nature-surrounded tiny house or a simple walk in the forest, the healing power of nature is always accessible. Slow down, breathe deep, and let nature do the work. Your mind and body will thank you.

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Sustainable Living: Small Steps for a Big Impact | SlowTinys

🌱 Sustainable Living: Small Steps for a Big Impact Living sustainably doesn’t require drastic changes. In fact, the most lasting impact often comes from small, consistent actions. From reducing waste to making smarter choices, sustainable living is about being intentional in our daily habits. ♻️ What Is Sustainable Living? Sustainable living means reducing our environmental footprint by consuming less and choosing better. It involves conscious decisions that support a healthier planet — like using reusable items, eating locally, or reducing energy use. This mindset helps preserve natural resources and protect future generations. 💡 Easy Ways to Start Living Sustainably You don’t need to be perfect. Start by choosing one or two habits to adopt: bring your own bags, compost food scraps, or unplug electronics when not in use. You could also shop secondhand or switch to energy-efficient lighting. These small steps can lead to a big impact over time. 🏡 How SlowTinys Supports Sustainable Living At SlowTinys, sustainable living is at the heart of everything we do — from eco-friendly architecture and composting systems to low-impact materials and natural cleaning products. Our tiny houses are designed to show that less really is more, without compromising comfort or design. 🔗 Learn More and Take Action 5 Easy Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Hiking Trails Near SlowTinys World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Sustainable living is not a trend — it’s a mindset. By embracing it little by little, we become part of the solution and help build a better world — for ourselves and for future generations.

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Finding Yourself in Nature: Guest Stories | SlowTinys

🌲 Finding Yourself in Nature: Stories from Our Guests Sometimes, all it takes to reconnect with yourself is to disconnect from everything else. For many of our guests, spending time in the forest, surrounded by silence and nature, becomes a journey inward — a chance to pause and reflect. Finding yourself in nature can mean rediscovering balance, clarity, or even purpose. 🧘‍♀️ Rediscovering Inner Peace “I arrived exhausted and overwhelmed. After two nights surrounded by trees, stars, and silence, I left with a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in years.” – Lucía, Spain 🌿 Moments of Clarity “Something shifted during my hike to the river. Being alone in nature helped me process decisions I’d been postponing for months.” – James, Ireland 🔥 Slow Moments That Transform Guests often share that it’s the simple things — a warm coffee at sunrise, a barefoot walk on the grass, or a swim in the river — that create space for transformation. These moments don’t demand effort; they simply ask for presence. 🏡 Nature, Simplicity and the Tiny House Effect At SlowTinys, the environment encourages reflection. The minimalist design, the sounds of the forest, and the absence of distractions create ideal conditions for introspection. We believe that finding yourself in nature is easier when you slow down and let nature guide you. 🔗 Find Your Own Path Hiking Trails Near SlowTinys Mindful.org – Resources for a Conscious Life If you’re searching for peace, clarity or simply time for yourself, you might just find it by finding yourself in nature.

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How Nature Heals Your Mind and Body | SlowTinys

🌿 How Nature Heals Your Mind and Body Nature offers more than beauty — it helps us reconnect, recharge, and heal. How nature heals your mind and body is a process backed by science and felt deeply in personal experience. It’s something we witness in our guests every day. 🧠 Mental Health and Nature’s Calm Spending time outdoors lowers stress and anxiety. Walking through trees or sitting beside a stream helps regulate emotions, improve focus, and restore a sense of peace. These are small but powerful shifts in our brain and nervous system. 💪 Your Body Responds Too Fresh air, natural light, movement — these simple ingredients help reduce fatigue and tension. Your breathing slows, your muscles relax, and your body feels safe again. Nature restores what modern life tends to steal: stillness. 🌱 A Simple Habit With Lasting Results Just 20 minutes in nature can reduce stress hormones and improve mental clarity. Making nature part of your weekly routine — even if it’s a walk in the park — can have long-lasting effects on your health and mood. 🏡 Tiny Spaces, Big Impact At SlowTinys, everything is designed for balance: minimal distractions, natural materials, and surroundings that encourage presence. Guests often say they sleep better, think clearer, and feel more connected — not only to nature, but to themselves. 🔗 Keep Exploring Hiking Trails Near SlowTinys Mindful.org – Mindfulness and Nature Resources Even a short time outdoors can make a difference. If you’re looking for clarity, calm or reconnection, you might just discover it in the healing power of nature.

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