Monforte de lemos

This morning, we woke to a scene straight out of a dream. The village of Montforte de Lemos was completely covered in fog a sea of cloud stretching to the horizon. From our room at the Parador de Monforte, perched high in the old Monastery of San Vicente do Pino, we were quite literally above the clouds. It felt like the world had disappeared beneath us.

The Parador itself is a treasure — a former Benedictine monastery with origins dating back centuries, transformed into a heritage hotel in 1928. Its stone corridors and quiet courtyards echo with history and offer the most serene start to the day.

After a delicious buffet breakfast — truly one of the best we've had — we set off on foot, descending from the hilltop into the fog-covered village below.

Just outside the Parador, we met two lovely women, Carmen and Pell, who greeted us with warmth and offered to guide us into town. They led us through Montforte’s Jewish Quarter, winding through cobbled backstreets rich with stories. Along the way, we chatted, laughed, and learned a little more about this beautiful corner of Galicia.

True to their word, they brought us to the best coffee shop in town — and it did not disappoint. We shared a coffee, some conversation, and a lovely moment of connection.

Joanne had some retail therapy and got some shoes and a blouse, both will be treasures.

Montforte, with its misty morning charm and kind-hearted people, has etched itself into our journey.Read more