Wonders of Peneda-Gerês National Park
About an hour and half from Oporto
An hour and half from Porto, is the National Park of Gerês, located in between upper Minho and Trás-os-Montes. It’s one of the greatest natural attractions in Portugal with boulder-strewn peaks, steep valleys, lush forest of oak and pine, not to mention, crystal clear rivers, streams and waterfalls.
This scenic park also shelters more than 100 granite villages that are well-preserved, since Portugal’s creation in the 12th century. In more secluded locations within the park you can find wild life like wolves, boars, badgers, otters, dears and wild horses. Apart from the wild animals, the most commonly seen are cows with long horns, goats, native sheep and “castro laboreiro” – one of the most colossal and beautiful Portuguese Shepherd dogs.
Gerês has an incredible blend between outdoor life and historical villages, it’s almost like they complement each other. If you’re willing to explore your adventurous side, start by the river with a canyoning experience. This activity combines different zip lines, climbing, jumping into the water, water slides, guided abseiling’s, all adapted to your level. There’s no better place to go rafting than the Gerês, with its clean and clear fast-flowing waters of Rio Minho are ideal and surrounded by the local fauna and flora. It combines both the white water rapids and great calms stretches, allowing you to catch your breath! However, there are some unique locations with calm waters that are perfect for kayaking, depending on the chosen location, you’ll be able to make a few stops and even take a dip in a waterfall.
Yet, if you wish to keep your feet dry, the park has endless hiking, horse riding and bike trails that help you to pump adrenaline, all adapt to your level of expertise. Along these trails, you’ll come across with some caves, waterfalls, lagoons, and also with close encounters with protected and endangers species, an incredible experience and opportunity to admire the local biodiversity.
Regarding the historical villages, can’t miss the Village of Peneda, hidden at the bottom of a a ravine by riverside and adjacent to a huge round rock with a beautiful waterfall. One of the main attractions is the sanctuary “Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Peneda” built between 18th and 19th century. There’s an ancient legend that in 1220 a shepherd witnessed the apparition of the Holy Virgin at the location of where the sanctuary was built. The village that kept its tradition intact is Castro Laboreiro, located 1000 meters altitude featuring dazzling landscapes. Here, you’ll see the postcard monuments of the region, the typical granite houses, the church, the Manueline pillory, the old bridge and the castle ruins.
To enjoy comfortable stay in the Gerês, among our recommendations are, Casa Do Mezio Aromatic & Natural Spa Hotel up in the mountainous at Arco de Valdevez, within the natural park premises. The hotel has 25 rooms with scenic views of the surroundings, an indoor pool, sauna and spa, sun terrace, bar and delicious restaurant. A more young and cool hotel option is Selina Gerês, situated just above the Cávado River surrounded by untouched natural beauty. It offers 37 rooms, as well as, a few glamping tents, other features are a cool restaurant and bar, movie theater, rooftop to watch the sunset, outdoor pool and onsite yoga in the mornings.