Is Portugal in your plans? Even if it’s not yet, it will become one. One of the must things to do in the north of Portugal, is to visit the Peneda-Gerês National Park. It’s the only national park in Portugal and it’s one of the greatest natural attraction in the country. This is also the place where the Portuguese nation was founded in the 12th century. By going there, you would have the chance to explore traditions preserved for centuries as well as interesting fauna species such as the wild horses of Geres that the young children will love them. Other species include: wolves, otters, deers, boars among others. Wildlife watching is also quite popular, Birders should look for eagles, owls, buzzards. Continue to read if you want to know what to do in Peneda-Gerês National Park.
What to do in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Villages to explore in Geres
Soajo
If you wonder what to do in Peneda-Gerês National Park, discover its villages. A small and very traditional village of Portugal, Soajo has breathtaking views over the Lima river and of the surrounding meadows. Get lost in the old streets and you will get back centuries ago. Soajo is famous for its dog breed, Ladeira medieval bridge and the long-horned cows which will grab your children’s attention immediately.
It’s also famous for its ‘’espigueiros’’: these are the granite granaries which are raised from the ground. Their function is to protect the food crops from the rats and other animals.
Castro Laboreiro
This is another one of the authentic villages in the area which will captivate you with its Portuguese history and charm. There are just about 500 people living there and it’s located 1000 meter of altitude which will also give you the chance to admire the beautiful surroundings. Before everything else, we suggest exploring the castle ruins where you and your family will enjoy one of the best views over Peneda-Gerês National Park. Once on the top, have a break, close your eyes, take a deep breath and let yourself immerse in the wonderful ambiance.
Once, you’ve relaxed, go to the center of the village where again you’ll encounter with the typical granite houses. take a walk around it and you will see the church, the pillory, the old bridge (Ponte Velha) and the museological nucleus which is worth the visit. There, you will find out how people have been living for centuries along with their customs and traditions. This will be an interesting activity to include in your timetable especially for the little ones who are curious to know about everything.
Lindoso
Lindoso is another typical shepherds’ village with well-preserved Portuguese history and authenticity. It’s mainly known for its castle that dates back from the 13th century and the fact that it has 50 granaries from the 17th and 18th century which still nowadays are used to dry the corn and preserve it. The small constructions are lifted from the ground by pillars and have some openings so that the air can get in.
❧ Tip: If you are reaching Lindoso from Soajo, you will pass by the biggest and most important hydroelectric power plant in Portugal – Alto-Lindoso dam. Make a stop and have a break for a while admiring the construction.
Nature wonders
Portela do Homem waterfall
Of course, your visit to the National Park won’t be complete if you don’t stop at the Homem waterfall and take a dip. Everyone has on their bucket list ‘’to swim in a waterfall/river’’ but be careful because the water temperature can be low even in the summer months. Therefore, we don’t recommend swimming if you are going there with children. On the other hand, it can be a really romantic experience for couples. In any case, don’t miss out to include it in ”what to do in Peneda-Gerês National Park” list.
❧ Important: if you are going there by car, you can park in the Spanish border and then walk 800 metres to the waterfall. The reason why you can’t go by a car is that the waterfall is located in Mata da Albergaria which is a protected area of the park. That also means that you will be charged a fee of 2 euros in order to access the area.
Mata da Albergaria
Since you are in the zone already, take the opportunity and explore one of the gems of Peneda-Gerês National Park.
From the Homem waterfall, take the path on the right side of the waterfall and in a short time, you will see a house to the right. We recommend it because in that way you can see the forest and the Roman road (and that’s also another route to get to the Spanish border back to your car).
Shortly, you will pass by a small wooden bridge where you can admire the waterfall from above. You will also cross the Sao Miguel bridge and then start climbing up to reach your car.
Viewpoints
Mirador da Roca – from the Eagle’s eye
This viewpoint is in the direction to Casacata do Arado. To reach the top, you will have to climb stairs that start from the inside of a cave. Then, you will have to go through big stones but once you reach the top, you will see why all this was 100% worth to include it in what to do in Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Miradouro Velho da Pedra Bela
If you want a 360º view of Peneda-Gerês National Park, then Miradouro da Pedra Bela is the place to go. Appropriate for any age, your family will have a great day where you can see the whole park on your foot.
Find out our mountain cottages in Peneda-Gerês National Park
We recommend our favourite hiking trails
Pé de Cabril
If you are looking for what to do in Peneda-Gerês National Park, here we suggest some hiking trails to do, besides all the walking we’ve already mentioned. The Pé de Cabril is a good start. We also recommend going there with grown-up children, as the difficulty of the path is moderate. It starts in Leonte and ends in Campo de Geres. It’s 7 km long and will take you around 5 hours. Depends on your speed and how many breaks you take, it can take you less or more time. It’s difficult to plan such things, especially if you are going with kids. But make sure, you have enough time for everything and don’t rush it through because, in the end, it may turn into an awful experience.
There are in total of 21 points of interest along the route. Take enough water and put on your comfy hiking boots! To make sure, you take everything you need, have a look at our hiking checklist.
Caminhos do Pao, Caminhos da Fé
By taking this trekking trail you will get a first-hand experience of how the Portuguese mountain people live, by passing through terraced fields and past ancients water mills.
Relax time
Termas do Geres
Do you know what to do in Peneda-Gerês National Park? After so many intensive activities, it’s time to relax. Termas do Geres (or known as Vila do Geres) isn’t just a village. It has thermal waters that are perfect to cure diseases related to the digestive and circulatory systems. You can also see the thermal park and rent a boat to enjoy the lake, a favourite activity for the little ones. In the summer, to chill down, you can hop in one of the park’s pools.
Useful info:
The most common ways to get around Geres is on foot or by car. So, hiking enthusiasts are in the right place. However, if you are not that much into trekking, that shouldn’t stop you from exploring this beautiful region. The road infrastructure is well-maintained and it’s easy to get around by car.
Porto’s airport welcomes many international flights and it’s just 75 km from Peneda-Geres National Park. The easiest way to go from Porto to Geres is by taking the train to Braga and will take you approximately 2 hours.
Souvenirs
When you are in this region of Portugal, you can take advantage of homemade and handmade products. For example, buy embroidery, woolen items, herbal teas, honey and jams. These can be nice souvenirs for family & friends.
Park’s Festivity:
Sao Bento da Porta Aberta
If you happen to be there between 10th and 15th of August, you can witness the biggest pilgrimage of the region. On these days, thousands of pilgrims gather in the sanctuary to keep their promises. A little bit of introduction, the chapel is dedicated to Saint Benedict that many people believed he had magical powers. Therefore 2,5 million of pilgrims come every year to this sacred place.
These were our suggestions for what to do in Peneda-Gerês National Park. If you love nature, want to spend some quality time with your family and discover a new part of Portugal, then that’s definitely your reading. if you are also planning to spend some time in Porto, check out this guide.
