What to do
Explore the park’s remote corners using GPS
What to see
The 300-million-year-old granite rocks are an amazing contrast to the sharp and bare relief of the granite of Gerês. Important climate changes formed the typical steep sided U-shaped valley and boulder clay, which reveal the action of the ancient glaciers.
Among the most characteristic habitats of the National Park one can point out the oak forests of Albergaria and Palheiros, Cabril, Ramiscal, Beredo and Barreiro.
The peat-bogs of Castro Laboreiro and Mourela Plateaus and Lagoa do Marinho are habitats of high priority conservation.
Peneda Gerês National Park is full of water resources like waterfalls, which are common at every mountain slope, and several rivers flow through this region.
Garranos are native to the Northern part of Portugal. The wild ponies are of Celtic origin and can be seen on many ancient rock carvings. Due to domestication, the wild garrano herds almost became extinct in the middle of the 20th century. In the 1940s Portugal started an extensive program to re-establish the herds, mainly in the area of today’s national park.
Megalithic, Celtic and Roman monuments are plentiful in Peneda Gerês. Dolmen graves from the 3rd century can be found on the Castro Laboreiro plateau, in Portela do Mezio, Chã da Serra Amarela or in the high plateaus of Mourela Mezio, Paradela, Cambezes and Pitoez. Celtic Castros (fortified settlements) stand on the hills of Pitoues, Tourem and Cidadelhe. The most interesting relic from Roman times is the ancient “Geira” – road, a Roman military road from the 1st century that crosses the park. One of its best preserved parts runs between Campo de Gerês and Portela do Homem, an area where also Roman milestones and other archeological remains can be found.
Espigueiros are corn granaries, which are elevated on pillars and covered with straw or flat granite stones to make them inaccessible to rats and mice. On the top of each “espigueiro” stands a cross, which symbolizes God’s protection over the harvest. The most impressive granaries are in the towns of Soajo and Lindoso and were built in the 18th and 19th century.
The mineral springs of Calda de Gerês were already known and used by the Romans. Today the town also has more modern spas.
What to do
Watch the swoop of the great golden eagle! There are more than 137 species of birds in the park, many of them migratory. The best place for bird watching is the Mourela plateau.
Test your limits and climb the granite rock faces in the park. Various companies offer canyoning and climbing tours and rent out professional equipment.
Follow the old shepherd trails and explore the park’s more remote corners. There are 31 marked trails in Peneda Gerês which vary from short strolls to treks taking several days across whole sections of the national park. Maps and brochures are available at the park offices or under (www.adere-pg.pt) The office also keeps a list of officially approved guides.
Before you start off always check the latest conditions, as trail markings can get worn. The best hiking season is in April and May when the park is in full bloom.
Cycle the old Roman road and count the ancient milestones you have passed.
Mount a garrano pony and gallop through the windswept Serra landscape.
Pamper yourself after a long day’s hike in the mineral thermal spas of Gerês.
Take a swim under the bridge of a flooded ghost town. Plenty of lakes, rivers and reservoirs offer good swimming in the park. Most refreshing is a freshwater shower under a waterfall after a strenuous hike.
Windsurf in a mountain landscape! Surfboards, canoes, kayaks and boats are available at Lake Canicada, Salamonde, Lindoso and Touvedo. Rafting is only possible in the surroundings of the park.
Adventure tips
PAN Parks offer a wide variety of wilderness experiences. We collected those adventures that help you best experience PAN Parks wilderness in Peneda-Gerês.
There are 31 trails taking visitors through a variety of landscapes: from old-growth forests to exciting rocky formations. To make your hike even more adventurous you can rent GPS equipment at the visitor centres.
In Homem river valley stroll through the last remnants of native forests and explore amazing rocky formations.
Local partner offering an activity related to this adventure:
Waypoint
Oficina da natureza
designed by