What to visit in the Village of Gerês?
Before starting your journey through the thermal village in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, you can read this article and find out exactly what's best to visit.
What to visit in the village of Gerês?
Gerês Museum
The Campo do Gerês Museum is one of the five entrance gates to the Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG). It is located in Campo do Gerês, in the municipality of Terras de Bouro, near the boundary of the protected area, and serves as a reception, information and awareness center for visitors. There, visitors can obtain information about the Park, including its natural and cultural values, hiking trails and activities, as well as environmental education content. The Gate is integrated into the Campo do Gerês Museum Centre, which also includes the Vilarinho da Furna Ethnographic Museum and the Geira Museum, dedicated to the ancient Roman road.
Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sanctuary "São Bento da Porta Aberta"
Located in Rio Caldo, near Gerês, the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta is one of the best-known pilgrimage sites in Northern Portugal. Surrounded by the Gerês landscape and the Caniçada reservoir, it stands out for its religious, historical and cultural value, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting the village of Gerês.
Time
The Basilica is open every day of the year from 7:30 am until nightfall, with the throne of St. Benedict accessible as soon as it opens. During the months of July and August, the throne is open 24 hours a day.
Priest João Rodrigues Park
Located in Rio Caldo, opposite the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta, the Padre João Rodrigues Park is a green leisure space covering approximately 2.39 hectares. Among tree-lined paths and rest areas, it features a lake with rowing boats, a children's playground, a picnic area, a snack bar, and an amphitheater for cultural activities. It is a peaceful place to take a break, stroll, and enjoy nature, especially in conjunction with a visit to the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta.
Time
Summer: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Winter: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Free
Fecha de Barjas Waterfall - Tahiti
The Tahiti Waterfall, also known as Fecha de Barjas, is one of the most famous waterfalls in Gerês. The waters of the Arado River cascade down successive drops between the rocks, forming natural pools in a setting of great beauty. Warning: the area presents a risk of falling, especially due to the uneven terrain and slippery rocks. Swimming in dangerous areas should be avoided, and extreme caution should be exercised near the water.
Ermida Viewpoint
Located at an altitude of approximately 550 meters, the Ermida viewpoint offers magnificent views over the Serra do Gerês mountain range, the village of Ermida, and the surrounding rural landscape. It is also the starting point for the PR14 – Ermida Cork Oak Trail, and an excellent place to appreciate the nature and traditional architecture of the region.
Pedra Bela Viewpoint
At approximately 829 meters altitude, the Pedra Bela viewpoint is one of the best-known in Gerês. From here, it's possible to contemplate an impressive landscape overlooking the Caniçada reservoir, the Rio Caldo bridges, and the valleys of the Gerês and Cávado rivers. Surrounded by cedars and birches, it also has a small fountain and picnic tables, making it an excellent spot to stop, appreciate the scenery, and feel the grandeur of the Serra do Gerês.
Thermal Park
In the heart of the village of Gerês, the Parque das Termas (Thermal Park) is a green space of approximately two hectares, crossed by the Gerês River and marked by ancient trees, a lake, and curious artificial caves. The park is also a leisure area, with rowing boats, a children's playground, a picnic area, and other activities, offering a tranquil environment to enjoy nature.
Time
May 1st to October 31st (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)*
*These times and dates are subject to change without notice.
The opening time depends on the weather conditions each day.
Preguiça Viewpoint
The Preguiça viewpoint offers a beautiful panoramic view over the Gerês River valley and the surrounding mountains. It is also one of the stops on the Trilho da Preguiça trail, which allows you to discover some of the most interesting landscapes and waterfalls in the Serra do Gerês mountain range.
Albergaria Forest
The Albergaria Forest is one of the most emblematic natural areas of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and is considered one of the best-preserved forest areas in Gerês. This oak forest is also crossed by the Roman road (Geira Romana), where ancient bridges and several milestones can be found, evidence of the Roman presence in the region.
Portela do Homem Waterfall
The Portela do Homem Waterfall, also known as the São Miguel Waterfall, is formed by a succession of small waterfalls on the Homem River, next to the Portela do Homem bridge, about 500 meters from the border with Spain. Surrounded by the nature of the Albergaria Forest, it is one of the most sought-after spots in Gerês on hot days. Caution : access to the water is via uneven banks and slippery rocks, posing a risk of falling. Extreme caution is necessary near the waterfalls.
Roman Milestones of Ponte Nova
Approximately 1,000 meters from the Albergaria Forest, the Roman Milestones of Ponte Nova bear witness to the ancient Via Nova (Geira), the Roman road that connected Bracara Augusta, present-day Braga, to Asturica Augusta, present-day Astorga. Set within the Gerês landscape, these milestones help to understand the importance of this ancient road and the historical connection between the village of Gerês, the Albergaria Forest, and Portela do Homem.
Lobios Hot Springs
Just a few kilometers from Gerês, in Riocaldo, Lobios, the Lobios Thermal Baths allow you to enjoy warm thermal waters in a natural setting next to the Caldo River and the Xurés mountains. The public thermal pool is free and open to the public 24 hours a day, making it an excellent option for relaxing, even at the end of the day.
Roman Mansion Aquis Originis
In the same area as the Lobios Thermal Baths, in Riocaldo, are the ruins of the Roman Mansion Aquis Originis, an ancient mansio on the Via Nova, the Roman road that connected Bracara Augusta (Braga) to Asturica Augusta (Astorga). It was a place of rest and support for travelers and took advantage of the thermal waters of the region, even possessing a hypocaust system, used to heat the spaces through pipes under the floor.
Gerês Village Tourist Office
Located on Avenida D. João V, in the center of Vila do Gerês, the Tourist Information Office is a support point for those visiting the region, providing tourist information about Gerês and the municipality of Terras de Bouro. The space also operates next to a wooden craft shop, allowing visitors to obtain information and take home a souvenir of the region.
The village of Gerês is much more...
However, the main points of interest in the village of Gerês are listed here.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)