Peneda-Ger ês . National Park

Discover the green Peneda-Gerês, the only national park on mainland Portugal and well worth exploring. The mountains Serra da Peneda and Serra do Gerês to the north of Portugal together form this beautiful nature reserve of approximately 700 square kilometers. Peneda-Gerês is not yet well known among foreign tourists, so if you are looking for a combination of peace, nature and fun activities outside the Portuguese summer months, then you have come to the right place. We are happy to tell you more about this beautiful region!

What are the attractions in the Peneda-Gerês National Park?

The Peneda-Gerês National Park is characterized by green forests and valleys, meandering rivers, granite rock formations, medieval structures and several waterfalls, for example Cascata de Pincães, Cascata do Arado and Cascata da Portela do Homem. On the higher parts of Peneda-Gerês you will find moors and mountain pastures, and in the lower areas of the park there are lush forests and vineyards. Did you know that Vinho Verde, a Portuguese type of wine, is grown here? In terms of animal life there is also a lot to see; deer, wild boars, local Garrano horses and colorful birds enjoy the silence and space in nature with you.
In the national park you will also find hot springs in the village of Vila do Gerês and the impressive clear water pools at Sete Lagoas.You can enjoy swimming with beautiful views of the mountainous landscape. Highly recommended!

Our activities

This nature reserve offers many possibilities in terms of activities, for both young and old. In the town of Gerês you will find a little more liveliness and you can go out with the family, and Peneda is the place to stay if you want to relax in pure nature during your trip. Take a walk along sanctuaries, medieval castles and through beautiful valleys, book a boat trip on one of the reservoirs or go into nature together by bike. Something more adventurous? Then take part in a canoe trip, go rock climbing or get to know the impressive landscapes already canyoning!

The hidden villages of the Peneda-Gerês. National Park

Besides the natural beauty of this national park, you can also wander around in Peneda-Gerês in various hidden villages and hamlets where time has stood still. The authentic villages of Soajo and Lindoso are very interesting because of their characteristic maize warehouses made by the farmers, the so-called espigueiros. The buildings look like tombs, but are only used to store the harvest.

The village of Sistelo is also worth a visit. Because of its green fields, picturesque houses and hilly landscapes, this place is also called the Tibet of Portugal! Other places of interest in the region are the atmospheric pilgrimage sites of Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Peneda and Sáo Bento da Porta Aberta and beautiful historic cities, such as Braga.

Serra do Xures

On the other side of the park you will also find the Spanish border; the park continues in Spain as Serra do Xurés Natural Park, and only an hour and a half drive away you are already in the well-known pilgrimage town of Santiago de Compostela. So there is more than enough to do during your stay in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. All in all, this lesser-known natural area of ​​Portugal should definitely be on your list if you are looking for the outdoors, pure nature, space and tranquility!

Want more inspiration?

• Do you want to read more about places in Portugal? Check here the summary page.
• Would you like more information about the Peneda-Gerês Natural Park? See here the break.
• Would you like to discover which tours through Portugal allow a visit to Peneda-Gerês? View our nature and hiking trips here .
• Would you like to add a visit to Peneda-Gerês to another trip? Let us know your wishes here .