Visit Peneda-Gerês National Park: full guide

Are you looking to relax in the middle of nature? We offer you to visit Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal.

Created on May 8, 1971, Peneda-Gerês National Park has a special status. Indeed, it is only national park in Portugal ! If the country has large natural spaces, only Peneda-Gerês has managed to win this honorary title.

So how to visit Peneda-Gerê National Park for the first time? Here we give you several trails to explore to make the most of this getaway in the wild!

Peneda-Gerê National Park in a few words

Located north of Portugal, a hundred kilometres away Porto , this space 72 290 hectares houses an incredible variety of landscapes. Its fauna is impressive: you see cows, horses, ubiquitous, but also Iberian wolves on the way to extinction.

In addition, several villages were built in the park and surrounding areas. The latter still perpetuate the traditions of this Portuguese region... A unique region to discover absolutely!

1. Discover the Pedra Bela trail

What is more appropriate than a good hike to discover the Peneda-Gerês National Park? If you are a good walker, then this trail of about 4 hours is for you. Departure and arrival points are located in the small village of Pedra Bela. From there you will embark for a wonderful adventure through the forests and pastures of Peneda-Gerês. You will surely cross a few cattle herds that rest in the sun.

The trail then takes you to the mountains, a little more at altitude. On the way, you will pass through the waterfall do Arado which is an unmissable spot to discover in Peneda-Gerês. Do not hesitate to refresh yourself before continuing your journey! In addition, you will follow the pretty Rio do Camalhao River during part of the course.

2. Go to adventure in canyoning

If you like strong sensations, look at canyoning at Peneda-Gerês National Park. The activity takes place around Rio Varzela or Rio Arado, and allows you to admire the beauty of the park while creating wonderful memories. So sock your best sneakers and discover the riches of Portuguese wild nature.

The canyoning at the Rio Varzela offers two reminders: one at 40 metres and a second to 20 metres . Both end in the water! Test the natural slides that will take you to a lake with crystalline water.

The session taking place in Rio Arado proposes more than 10 reminders, including the highest of 47 metres ! The activity is also articulated around nine cascades that allow to detect sensations. Finally, relax for a few moments in one of the natural pools.

Remember that canyoning is a semi-aquatic activity that is sometimes difficult, and that it requires a physical condition as well as appropriate equipment. We invite you to listen to the advice of your guide for a session without a bug.

3. Navigate to the park river in rafting

In groups, rafting is a must-have nautical activity! See you at Rio Minho to enjoy rapid waters. This river is located in the mountainous part of Peneda-Gerês and is therefore ideal for dizzying descents (but fun!). In a 6-person raft, you will descend the Rio Minho and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the park between two paddles.

Also, water is particularly clean and clear. The frame is therefore idyllic to spend time with family or friends. Note that the ideal time to make rafting at Peneda-Gerês National Park is March to November . The water is warmer and its level is more adapted to the practice of rafting.

4. Discover Soajo and Lindoso

These two spots are particularly popular with visitors. The village of Soajo consists of small picturesque houses and a very old church. The whole of us transports us at a time, apart from all modernity. Discover the granite greniers erected on the surface of the ground: the espigueiros. Some are more than three centuries old!

Then go to Lindoso, a second village located 17 kilometres from Soajo. You can travel this distance by car, by bike, but also by foot, because the road is very pleasant. However, you can count several hours if you do this hike.

Arrived at Lindoso, go straight to the castle. This medieval building, dating from the 17th century, is rich in its heritage. He played a major role in the war of independence with the Spain ! After visiting the castle, stroll through this charming and picturesque village. Do not hesitate to lose yourself in the narrow streets and admire the local architecture.

5. Explore the Castelo de Castro Laboreiro and the sanctuary

Castelo de Castro Laboreiro

Are you a feru of history? So don't pass next to the Castelo de Castro Laboreiro. This 13th century building is located in the municipality of Melgaço, on a hill 1 033 meters above sea level In the heart of Peneda-Gerês. It is also possible that the region around the castle was inhabited from the Prehistory!

The Castelo de Castro Laboreiro is a Romanesque architecture. However, it has some gothic turrets and an alcáçova. The latter recalls the monuments that can be found in Andalusia and to Morocco (Kasbah).

The Castelo de Castro Laboreiro is surrounded by nature. If you have time, we recommend you stay for several days to go hiking on the surrounding trails.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Peneda

About 20 minutes' drive from the castle is the Shrine Notre-Dame de Peneda, which is also a must-see at Peneda-Gerê National Park. This Catholic sanctuary is located where the Virgin Mary would have appeared in the 13th century.

Today, discover the religious vestiges like the column of Saint-Michel and, of course, the church and the chapels!

6. Walking on Poço Azul

Poço Azul is located in the southern part of Peneda-Gerês National Park This small trail of about 8 kilometers is ideal for a healthy walk in the middle of nature. Poço Azul’s advantage is its proximity to the lake!

So you will have the pleasure of going along this one for much of the walk. Take a bathing suit with you to swim in turquoise blue water.

You will also see a magnificent waterfall on the way! It’s time to get your camera out to capture Mother Nature’s gift.

7. Admire the view from the “miradouros”

Peneda-Gerê National Park is mountainous. This means that it has many points of view (or miradors) on the valley!

You can, for example, go to Miradouro da Pedra Bela , where the path mentioned at the beginning of our guide passes. From above, the panorama is breathtaking.

The second point of view not to be missed is the Miradouro Rocas . The latter is at the top of the peaks. If time is with you, you can see the valley but also the extent of the surrounding nature. Finally, the third view to discover in Peneda-Gerês is the Miradouro da Junceda . From above, you will feel above the sky!

8. Dénicher des cascades : da Portela do Homem, do Arado, Tahiti

If waterfalls impress you, then you will be served in Peneda-Gerês! The national park has many waterfalls, all more beautiful than others. Although the water is particularly cold, you can, at leisure, soak your feet and refresh yourself after a long walk for example.

We advise you to take a look at the famous waterfall da Portela do Homem , located north of Peneda-Gerês. There you will be in the heart of a protected area and therefore quite wild. You can access the waterfall via a small road, from the parking lot, and approach the waterfall via a bridge.

About 20 kilometers from Portela do Homem is the waterfall do Arado , also essential to visit Peneda-Gerês National Park. This cascade is usually perfect for canyoning, because it is surrounded by rocky walls. You can also swim in the basin.

Finally, discover the waterfall Tahiti , also known as Verzeas. The latter is slightly off and therefore less frequented by visitors. It is accessible via a bridge, where you can go down to refresh yourself in the basin and admire the view.

9. Visit the Devil Bridge

Also known as “Ponte da Misarela”, this medieval vestige nourishes ancient legends and local folklore. The latter measures 13 meters long and is located at the bottom of a canyon south of the park. It also allows to cross the rio Rabagão.

Getting to the Devil’s Bridge is before you jump in time! It is indeed on this bridge that the army of Napoleon was blocked in the early nineteenth century by Portuguese peasants. Also, the myth says that the devil in person would have built this building... However, his motivation remains unknown. In any case, the view is splendid!

10. Borrowing the Roman track

Do you like our time jumps? We offer you one last: the Roman way, or Geira Romana. This road connected Portugal with Spain. Today, it allows you to hike several kilometers in the middle of nature in the Peneda-Gerês Park.

The Roman road is marked with very well preserved Milestones despite their ancient times. You will find explanatory panels of its history, and will cross, of course, some ruins on your way.

So conquered by a trip to this enchanted park? Vamos!