Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês

This park in northeast Portugal is a delight to tour. We rented a car and spent two days driving through fantastic scenery and visiting historic villages like Soajo with its Espigueros, Lindoso with its castle, Peneda with its famous church, and Castro Laboreiro with its castle.
Roads are narrow and winding but nothing extreme. A wonderful experience.

We had an amazing day at Geres National Park. The nature and architecture is well preserved. Enough water fountains and cafes to refresh after hiking. Clean area, a few spots for camping, a lot of spots to swim and chill. On a busy day - a bit hard to park

Mother nature's gift shared by Portugal and Spain with historical remains from the Roman period. The drive to the park goes through small villages, narrow roads and care must be taken to be safe. The entry to the park is 1.50 Euros and there are parking areas by the entry points.
The drive through the park is beautiful and shaded by trees and vegetation. The roads are narrow, curvy and need common sense to enjoy the drive.
There are many hiking routes, access to river and waterfalls but limited parking or pull over areas.
We drove to explore the Roman ruins and came across the ruins on the drive to the park from Lindoso and also in the Mata da albargaria trail. This trail is closer to the park entrance from the town of Geres (3 km from the toll/entry fee) and is on the left. This is a nice shaded trail and great for hiking. We drove through due to time limitations and came across two set of milestone markers.

These are well preserved considering the timeline and is an amazing reminder to the ancestors that paved the way for future generations.

A park worth exploring if you are in North Portugal area.

Stunning landscapes and scenery, small villages that speak to the history of the place, and surprises around every corner.

There are no words to describe the awe-inspirationg beauty of Gerês. As a Portuguese citizen with ancestral roots in this area, all I can say is NO I am not biased, this place is paradise! Ancient, sacred, heavenly, it can also be dangerous. It's facilities are limited and trails are rugged, and the wolfs are around. Some locals may also be cool and not comfortable with foreigners. Remember, you are in the Terras de Bouro area, or in the Lands of the Buri", a Germanic tribe that along with the Suebi settled in this area in the IV-V century, and their descendants are still there. Just chk out the town of Brufe and all around. There's a reason for some of that aloofness. Locals DO NOT want their own piece of heaven destroyed, and I don't blame them. I want to see the wild horses roam freely on the roads and mountains of Gerês! I want the wondering sweet cows, rummaging goats and the wondering Iberian Wolf to roam around and left in peace. Unfortunately, one is already seeing the utter disregard of the irresponsible visitors that leave behind their banana peels and tuna cans, 🙈 😩🤔🤬fortunately, it's a one off. In Gerês, the single lane roads are dangerous, tight and winding. The views and sights are simply spectacular. I've, been around the world twice and visited some of the world's most iconic parks like Yellowstone (and where I lived for 3 years!) but Gerês is not far behind, if ever it will be. It's absolutely spectacular, and until the day I die, NO place on earth will make me as happy as when I am in Gerês National Park. Go around it, see it all, take in the amazing vistas, the waterfalls, the cristaline lakes, the trails, the old Roman Road to Astorga (named The Geira) and its 2000+ yr old dozens milliard markers. If you don't you do yourself a disservice. Last week I stayed at Campo do Gerês and then Rio Caldo, stunning and of course I will be back for more. A rugged vehicle is very much suggested and/or needed along with very good tires with a V6 min power engine. Stock up on water and food, as no 🛒 anywhere near and even in the height of Summer, it can be nippy at night. Enjoy Gerês and leave it better than when u came.

Perfect to slow down from a busy life and to connect with nature. There are so many different lovely villages to stay at and activities to do within Gerês Nationalpark. You should respect the nature around and keep in mind that you will walk a lot. Do that with open eyes and an open heart and you will have the best time.

Beautiful place, for everyone o likes to be surrounded by nature

I took a trip outside of Porto to visit the National Park and the beautiful village of Fafião. This truly is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a must for nature lovers. I spent a glorious morning swimming under a waterfall. The temperature of the water was surpassed by the exhilaration of the experience. I also enjoyed talking to the village locals who seemed genuinely pleased to welcome me to their village and discuss their incredible stories of cows and crops. This is an ageing population, but their stories and pride in their way of life are nothing less than beautiful, particularly for city dwellers such as I. Even the dogs are affextionate. Don't forget to fill ip your water bottle from the numerous fres water springs that issue from the roadside rocks. If you are offered the opportunity to visit, then seize it with both hands.

Amazing place. Beautiful views and great walking trails. This place has a natural beauty all of its own and it surprises you every time you turn a difficult corner. Amazing

I had the pleasure of visiting Peneda-Gerês National Park, and despite having limited time to explore, it turned out to be an incredible adventure. This park is a hidden gem, offering breathtaking natural beauty and an abundance of opportunities to immerse oneself in nature. I am already eagerly planning my return to embark on some real tracking and delve deeper into all it has to offer.

One of the fascinating aspects that caught my attention was the presence of numerous villages and houses nestled within the national park. It was unexpected to find such human habitation in the midst of a protected area, but it added a unique charm to the experience. These villages seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings, providing a glimpse into the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Peneda-Gerês National Park is not only a sanctuary of stunning landscapes but also brimming with intriguing history. The park has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. It is home to several ancient archaeological sites, including prehistoric rock art, ancient castros (hillforts), and Roman settlements. Exploring these historical remnants adds a layer of depth and fascination to the park, connecting us to the past civilizations that once thrived in this very land.

While venturing through this vast natural playground, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, be sure to pack suitable hiking gear and come prepared for various weather conditions. The park's terrain can be rugged and challenging, so sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing are essential. Additionally, it is crucial to stay on designated trails and respect the park's rules and regulations to preserve its pristine environment for future generations.

As you explore Peneda-Gerês, keep an eye out for its unique flora and fauna. The park is known for its diverse ecosystem, with rare and endemic plant species dotting the landscape. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Iberian wolf, wild horses, or majestic birds soaring overhead. Take your time to appreciate the delicate balance of nature and the incredible biodiversity that thrives within this protected area.

For nature enthusiasts, Peneda-Gerês National Park offers a wealth of activities to indulge in. From challenging hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints to refreshing dips in crystal-clear lagoons and cascading waterfalls, there is no shortage of memorable experiences to be had. Be sure to bring your camera along to capture the awe-inspiring vistas and picturesque landscapes that will leave you in awe.

Its natural beauty, intertwined with intriguing history and vibrant biodiversity, creates an enchanting experience for visitors. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or a deeper connection with nature, this park has it all. Just remember to come prepared!

Obviously follow the park's guidelines, and immerse yourself in the wonders that await you. I can't wait to return and embark on even more memorable adventures in this captivating national park.

Beautiful national park. Photos of Cascata do Arado.

Even though it rained and was very cold most of the time while i was there, its one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to.
Our air BnB was lovely with an awesome log fire which definitely helped with the cold and wet clothes. I would recommend decent hiking gear for the trails around there at the very least a good pair of boots and a rain coat.
There aren't many food shops at all, we found two at the hotel/church but they don't have many options. Fortunately the man in the cafe was incredibly friendly and helpful. He called a local who goes around in the van full of fresh groceries and pretty much anything else you can think of.

One of the most beautiful parks in Europe. The photos speak why!!

An incredible and totally unknown wild and isolated natural region in a forgotten corner between Portugal and Spain. You'll hike on granite peaks, cross torrents with waterfalls, and you'll be mostly alone. Fantastic.

Absolutely beautiful Parque!

Geres is really outstanding place. If you want to escape from big cities and have real contact with nature, it's a place for you. There are a lot of campings. Mountains are not very high so everyone could hike there and there is bunch of amazing trails. Waterfalls are nice as well, although there is not a lot of water during summer.

We spent a couple of nights in Soajo, a local village, in a charming little Airbnb. We went in Oct 2022 with our 2 kids (aged 6 and 7) and it was amazing!

We also hiked the PR7 Caminhos do Pao e Caminhos da Fe (which is a circular trail that starts from inside the village of Saojo and ends there). Lovely views, quite a decent elevation, and just the right amount of difficulty: not easy but nothing scary either. Tens of streams and a beautiful waterfall on the way back. We took lots of breaks and finished it in just under 3 hours.

Gorgeous natural area, Portugal's own green lung! Days and days and days of beautiful sights, peaceful spots, and all the excitement and activities you may want or need. No matter how many times you came already, there's is something more to see and do. I'd say we need over a decade to really get to know this gorgeous place 😁

In a country with many contrasts, Gerês water landscape stands as the closest Portugal has to a Suisse Alps' valley and lake. It explodes to activity in the summer months. Visitors can choose a pletora of activities, from water sports to off-road motor tours. Hiking is celebrated in Gerês National Park and many consider it to be a must-go if you happen to include Portugal in your plans. There are many treks to choose from, most are always near streams and creeks with all shorts of difficulty levels. Lodging is plentiful, from hotels to B&B, as well as houses to rent. As to the food, well, your are in Portugal, food is great every were! Trust & Go.

One of the best national parks in Portugal and probably Western Europe. Views of the the villages are stunning, great roads to drive on and the vibe is just surreal. If Portugal is on your list, definitely visit this park.