Best of Peneda Geres - Portugal
Before starting this journey through the only national park in Portugal, via this link , you should read and learn a little more about the Peneda-Gerês National Park .
Location
Important Note: Peneda-Gerês National Park is located within 5 municipalities, so traveling between each one takes approximately 60 minutes by car. Therefore, it is important to take travel times into account when planning your visit.
Examples:
Castro Laboreiro » Sistelo - 59 min.
Sistelo » Lindoso - 57 min.
Lindoso » Vila do Gerês - 56 min.
Vila do Gerês » Pitões das Júnias - 90 min.
What to visit in Peneda-Gerês National Park?
Melgaço
Arcos de Valdevez
Ponte da Barca
Terras de Bouro
Montalegre
Map
Castro Laboreiro Viewpoint
The Castro Laboreiro viewpoint offers a wide view over the Laboreiro valley and the surrounding mountains. At the viewpoint itself, there are black metal structures representing the silhouettes of the women of Castro Laboreiro, known as the "Widows of the Living," a tribute to the women who, for long periods, were responsible for the house, the fields, and the community while the men were away. It is a place where the landscape intersects with the history and unique traditions of Castro Laboreiro.
Castro Laboreiro Castle
Rising among the granite cliffs of Castro Laboreiro, the castle is one of the most striking places in the far north of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Its ancient walls follow the rocky terrain of the mountain, allowing visitors to explore the remains of the medieval fortification while enjoying a wide landscape overlooking the mountains and the village of Castro Laboreiro. Classified as a National Monument, it is a place where history and nature meet in a particularly impressive way. Access is only on foot, taking 30 minutes round trip. It should not be visited if you do not have good mobility and physical capacity.
When visiting Castro Laboreiro Castle, the chances of spotting herds of mountain goats roaming the area are high. Throughout the year there are numerous reports of frequent sightings, and these animals are relatively tolerant.
Cava da Velha Bridge
Hidden among the granite landscapes of Castro Laboreiro, the Ponte da Cava da Velha spans the Laboreiro River and is one of the most interesting historical landmarks in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Of Roman origin, it is believed to have been built around the 1st century and later remodeled in the Middle Ages, still retaining elements from both periods. The path to the bridge follows an old cobbled road, leading to a setting where granite architecture blends with the river, the rocks, and the mountainous landscape. Classified as a National Monument since 1986, it is a particularly interesting stop for those seeking to discover historical heritage while enjoying the most genuine nature of Castro Laboreiro.
Old Bridge of Castro Laboreiro
Located near the center of Castro Laboreiro, the Old Bridge is a small granite bridge that crosses the Laboreiro River and blends harmoniously into the rocky landscape of the mountains. Likely built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it features a single, perfectly arched section and retains the simple, traditional aspect of the region's old connecting roads. The bridge gains even more charm from the surrounding scenery, marked by the Laboreiro waterfall, old mills, and traditional paths. From its vicinity, it is possible to appreciate this combination of heritage and nature, making the visit especially interesting for those who want to discover the history and landscape of Castro Laboreiro in a short walk.
Pontes Waterfall
Located near the village of Pontes, the Pontes Waterfall is a cascade of approximately 13 meters that flows through a small oak forest, forming a beautiful lagoon with blue-green hues. Access is via a short trail of about 1.8 km, making it a particularly beautiful spot to appreciate nature and take photographs.
Poço Contador Waterfall
Located near the village of Pontes, Poço do Contador is one of the best-known natural lagoons in Castro Laboreiro. Its deep, crystal-clear waters, surrounded by granite and vegetation, create a perfect setting for a swim on hot days or simply to enjoy nature in tranquility.
Cardenhas
Known as the "Land of the Hobbits," the villages of Branda da Aveleira and Santo António de Val de Poldros stand out for their small granite constructions, known as cardenhas, linked to the ancient pastoral activity. Surrounded by the wild landscapes of the Serra da Peneda, it is a unique place where traditional architecture and nature meet, creating a setting almost straight out of a fantasy tale.
Peneda Sanctuary
Framed by enormous granite cliffs, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda is one of the most emblematic places in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. It stands out for its monumental staircase, the 20 chapels of the Stations of the Cross, and the church, creating an impressive architectural ensemble integrated into the mountain landscape. It is a place where heritage, history, religion, and nature meet in a unique way.
Socalcos Viewpoint
From the Miradouro dos Socalcos viewpoint in Sistelo, one can contemplate one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Peneda-Gerês National Park: the impressive terraces that descend the slopes of the valley. Known as the "Portuguese Tibet," this agricultural landscape was classified as a National Monument in 2018, and Sistelo was elected one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal – Villages in 2017. It is a perfect place to appreciate how, over generations, humankind has shaped the mountain while preserving its natural identity.
Ecovia do Vez
The Vez Ecovia begins in Sistelo and follows the right bank of the Vez River for approximately 32 km. The route combines wooden walkways, dirt paths, and old medieval cobblestone paths, traversing mountain landscapes, forests, and riverside areas of great beauty. Also known as the Sistelo Walkways or the Vez Lagoons Walkways, it is an excellent way to discover, on foot and at the pace of nature, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Vez valley.
Tibo Viewpoint
The Tibo viewpoint offers a unique perspective over two of the great mountain landscapes of the National Park. The site has two distinct observation points: to the right, a view over the Laboreiro Valley; to the left, a wide panoramic view over the Peneda Valley, with the Peneda Sanctuary integrated into the landscape. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to appreciate, in one place, the scale and beauty of the mountains.
Mezio Gate
Porta do Mezio is one of the main entrances to the Peneda-Gerês National Park and an excellent starting point for exploring its biodiversity. In the Biological Park, it's possible to observe several native species up close, such as wild boar, roe deer, red deer, and the Garrano horse, as well as different traditional domestic breeds, like the Cachena cow. It's a particularly interesting visit for those who want to get a closer look at the National Park's fauna, including species that are difficult to spot in their natural habitat.
Mezio Swing
Standing over 7 meters tall, the Mezio Swing is recognized as one of the largest swings in Portugal and offers a 360º panoramic view over the Serra do Soajo mountain range and the Peneda-Gerês National Park. It is also one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset, when the landscape takes on golden and reddish hues.
Soajo Museum
The Soajo Museum showcases the history, traditions, and way of life of one of the oldest mountain villages in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Through its heritage, ethnography, and local culture, it offers an excellent way to better understand the identity of Soajo and the relationship of its people with the mountains.
Granaries of Soajo
Perched on a massive granite outcrop, stand the 24 granaries of Soajo, built to dry and store corn. This complex, along with the old communal threshing floor, is one of the most striking symbols of the village and of the communal life of the mountain peoples.
Poço Negro Waterfall
Hidden among the rocks of Soajo, the Black Well stands out for its deep, dark waters, creating an almost mysterious setting. Popular tradition says that some people cannot touch the bottom, making this place even more shrouded in curiosity.
Cunhas Viewpoint
The Cunhas viewpoint offers a breathtaking view over the meanders of the Lima River, which here forms a huge horseshoe-shaped bend. It's one of those places where the sheer scale of the landscape reveals itself in all its power.
Lindoso Castle
Built in a strategic position near the border, Lindoso Castle is one of the most important medieval military monuments in the National Park. Its construction incorporated important defensive solutions for the time, while its location provides a magnificent view over the Lima valley and the border with Spain.
Lindoso Granaries
Next to the castle is one of the most emblematic images of the National Park: the enormous threshing floor with dozens of granite granaries. With 67 examples, this group represents the largest concentration of granaries in the country and testifies to the importance of agriculture and community work in mountain villages.
Poço da Gola Waterfall
Nestled between the granite and vegetation of the Serra Amarela mountain range, Poço da Gola forms an enchanting setting, with a lagoon fed by waterways and a beautiful waterfall. Nearby, there is also a bridge and old mills, making the place especially interesting for those seeking nature and tranquility.
Ermida Viewpoint – Ponte da Barca
In the heart of the Serra Amarela mountain range, the Ermida viewpoint offers a privileged view over the terraced fields of the village and over the valleys of the Carcerelha stream and the Froufe river. In the background, the Lima river completes a mountain landscape of great beauty.
Ermida Waterfall – Ponte da Barca
On the banks of the Carcerelha stream, the Ermida Waterfall forms a beautiful pool of deep water surrounded by the granite slopes of the Serra Amarela mountain range. It is a small natural haven that perfectly showcases the wild beauty of this lesser-known area of the National Park.
Germil's Wolf Trap
The Germil wolf trap is a testament to the ancient relationship between mountain communities and the wolf. These structures were used to drive wolves to an area where they could be captured, revealing ancient techniques for protecting livestock.
Germil's Bear's Silha
The Bear's Nests are ancient stone structures built to protect beehives from the bears that inhabited these mountains. In Germil, this vestige of ancient mountain beekeeping allows one to discover a curious part of the history of the relationship between man and wildlife.
Ethnographic Museum of Campo do Gerês
The Ethnographic Museum of Campo do Gerês, dedicated to the former village of Vilarinho da Furna, preserves objects and testimonies of the agricultural, domestic, and community life of its inhabitants. It is an essential visit to understand the culture of a village that was submerged by the waters of the dam.
Sanctuary São Bento da Porta Aberta
Located in Rio Caldo, the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta is one of the major religious centers linked to Gerês. It stands out for its church, its tiles, and the strong tradition of pilgrimage that continues to mark this place.
Rio Caldo Reservoir
The Caniçada reservoir, next to Rio Caldo, creates a huge body of water surrounded by the mountains of Gerês. The bridges, the green slopes, the beaches and the nautical activities make this one of the best-known and most photographed landscapes in the region.
Pedra Bela Viewpoint
At approximately 829 meters altitude, the Pedra Bela viewpoint offers one of the most impressive panoramic views of Gerês, with the Caniçada reservoir, the Gerês river valley, and the surrounding mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. It is one of the most emblematic places to contemplate the vastness of the Gerês landscape.
Preguiça Viewpoint
Facing south, the Miradouro da Preguiça viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Gerês River valley nestled in the mountains and, in the distance, the Caniçada reservoir. The surrounding forest and the proximity to the old guardhouse make this a privileged spot to appreciate the landscape.
Albergaria Forest
The Albergaria Forest is one of the great natural treasures of the National Park, marked by its ancient oak groves and high ecological richness. It is also one of the most protected areas of the Park, preserving one of the most important examples of native forest in the region.
Albergaria Forest Trail
Hiking the Albergaria Forest Trail means entering one of the most preserved forest environments in Gerês. The route combines oak groves, watercourses and waterfalls with sections of the Roman road (Geira Romana), allowing you to combine nature and history in a single walk.
Lobios Hot Springs
On the other side of the border, in Spain, the Lobios Thermal Baths offer the possibility of enjoying thermal waters outdoors, next to the Caldo River. The public thermal area is free to access, making it a particularly interesting stop after crossing the Portela do Homem pass.
Ermida Viewpoint – Terras de Bouro
This chapel, in Terras de Bouro, is located in the heart of the Serra do Gerês mountain range. Its viewpoint offers a wide panorama over the mountains, valleys, and the Arado River, revealing the rugged nature that characterizes this area of the National Park.
Fecha de Barjas Waterfall – Tahiti
Also known as Tahiti Waterfall, Fecha de Barjas impresses with its successive waterfalls and large pools carved into the granite. However, it is a highly dangerous location, with slippery terrain, steep slopes, and a history of serious accidents. The beauty of the place demands utmost caution.
Fafião Viewpoint
Built atop enormous granite blocks joined by a metal bridge, the Fafião viewpoint offers an extraordinary view over the Fafião River, the Fojo do Lobo (Wolf Trap), and the Salamonde Reservoir. It is one of the best places to appreciate the scale and wild character of this part of the Gerês region.
Fafião Trap
The Fafião Wolf Trap is one of the best-preserved traditional wolf trapping structures in the region. Its granite walls guided the animals to a central pit, recalling the times when wolves were hunted to protect flocks.
Mizarela Bridge
Suspended above the Rabagão River gorge, the Mizarela Bridge is a medieval bridge of great beauty, shrouded in one of the best-known legends of Gerês. According to tradition, it was built by the Devil himself, which is why it is also known as the Devil's Bridge.
Iberian Wolf Interpretive Center
In Pitões das Júnias, the Iberian Wolf Interpretation Centre offers a deeper understanding of this iconic animal and the historical relationship between the wolf and the mountain communities. The visit helps to understand the role of this species in the ecosystem and the traditions created around its presence.
People's Oven
The People's Oven, in Pitões das Júnias, is an example of the ancient community organization of mountain villages. More than just an oven, it represents a tradition in which the population shared spaces, tasks, and knowledge passed down through generations.
Pitões das Júnias Waterfall Viewpoint
Via a wooden walkway, the Pitões das Júnias Waterfall Viewpoint allows you to observe the water cascading down the granite landscape of the mountains. Integrated into a route that also passes by the old monastery, it is an excellent way to discover the nature and heritage of Pitões das Júnias.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is much more...
However, the main points of interest in the Peneda-Gerês National Park are listed here.
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