An invitation to discover Portugal’s last wild gem. Imagine a place where time slows down, where every trail hides a secret and every landscape tells a story.
From the Castro Laboreiro Plateau to the Mourela Plateau, there are approximately 70 thousand hectares of verdant nature, idyllic landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls and pure air, spread over 5 municipalities with a rich and living history that we want to show you.
Here, every step is a journey into the past and the present. Discover stone villages where time seems to have stood still, follow ancestral paths trodden by shepherds and venture into mountains that harbor the pure silence of nature. Gerês is not just a destination – it’s a call to discovery.
More than just a park, Peneda-Gerês is renowned for its biodiversity, tradition, history and wild beauty. This is a place where authenticity lives on.
🌿 Nature in its purest state: Forests, rivers and a unique fauna, where Iberian wolves and golden eagles share the territory with those who visit.
🏡 Tradition and local identity: Centuries-old villages where traditions continue to be passed down from generation to generation, offering a rare glimpse into the most authentic Portuguese culture.
🚶♂️ Adventure for all the senses: From scenic trails to hidden waterfalls, every nook and cranny of Gerês invites you to explore, offering unique experiences.
🌎 Sustainable tourism: Here, every visit helps to preserve this valuable ecosystem. Choosing Peneda-Gerês means investing in conservation and respect for a territory that deserves to be protected.
In the heart of Gerês, four mountains shape a unique landscape: Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Gerês. Each with its own identity, each with stories waiting to be discovered.
🔹 Iconic trails and routes: Walk along Roman roads, cross centuries-old bridges and follow ancient wolf paths. The routes in Gerês are more than just trails – they are portals to another time.
🔹 Unforgettable adventures: Take a dip in crystal-clear lagoons, challenge yourself on a jeep tour through the mountains or feel the adrenaline of rafting. Here, nature is the biggest amusement park.
🔹 Refuge of tranquillity: For those looking for moments of introspection, Gerês offers corners of pure serenity, where the sound of the wind in the trees and the singing of birds replace the frenetic pace of everyday life.
Exploring Gerês isn’t just about admiring landscapes – it’s about immersing yourself in an immeasurable heritage. Between mountains and valleys, ancient castros, traditional granaries and granite villages tell the stories of a resilient people who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries.
🏰 Remnants of the past: Ruins of medieval castles and ancient Roman settlements whisper legends and mysteries to passers-by.
🛖 Timeless villages: Lindoso, Pitões das Júnias, Castro Laboreiro… Places where time seems to have stopped, keeping the soul of Portuguese rurality.
🍷 Flavors of the region: Culture is also lived at the table! From roast kid to mountain honey, the flavors of Gerês are a reflection of its authenticity.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park extends over five municipalities, each with its own charm and identity:
Located in the far north of Portugal, it is an invitation to adventure and close contact with nature. With its mountainous landscapes and meandering rivers, this municipality is one of the most popular destinations for lovers of active tourism.
🏞️ Explore the Wild Trails: Walk through the Laboreiro mountains and discover natural viewpoints that offer breathtaking views. Traditional villages, such as Castro Laboreiro, transport you to a past where rural life retains its roots.
🌊 Adrenaline in Águas Bravas: The Minho and Laboreiro rivers are perfect stages for rafting and canoeing, offering unique experiences in direct contact with nature.
🍷 Flavors that Tell Stories: Melgaço’s gastronomy leaves no one indifferent. Try the mountain-style kid and toast with a glass of Alvarinho, the region’s iconic wine.
✨ Experience the essence of Melgaço: a haven for explorers and culture lovers.
Arcos de Valdevez is a land of encounters. It was here that, according to legend, Portugal began to define its borders, in a tournament of bravery between knights. Today, this town is the starting point for exploring some of Gerês’ most iconic landscapes.
🏛️ Heritage with History: Stroll through the historic center and discover churches, manor houses and the medieval bridge that crosses the River Vez.
🌿 Routes of Pure Tranquillity: Trails such as the Ecovia do Vez invite you to take relaxing walks by the river, where the sound of the water and the chirping of birds create an atmosphere of absolute peace.
🐂 Traditional Fairs and Pilgrimages: If you want to get to know the true essence of this land, visit during the traditional festivals, where popular music and regional gastronomy fill the streets with life.
✨ Arcos de Valdevez is a journey into the heart of tradition, where nature and culture live in perfect harmony.
Ponte da Barca, land of navigators and poets, is a place where time seems to flow to the rhythm of the waters of the Lima. Its name evokes the boats that once crossed the river, connecting peoples and cultures.
⛪ Charming Historic Center: Stroll along the cobbled streets, admire the Mother Church and visit the municipal market, where you’ll find authentic local products.
🛶 Discover the Lima River: Take a boat trip and feel the serenity of the waters, surrounded by green landscapes.
🍁 Nature at its purest: venturing into the enchanted woods of the National Park is a unique experience. In the fall, the spectacle of the golden leaves turns every trail into a living postcard.
✨ Ponte da Barca is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity, culture and a connection with nature.
Terras de Bouro is the true epicenter of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Here, nature dominates and invites you to discover magical places where time seems suspended.
🌊 Secret Lagoons and Waterfalls: The famous Tahiti and Arado Waterfalls are a must for those who want to cool off in crystal-clear waters.
🏔️ Trails that Tell Stories: Follow the path of the Geira Romana, an ancient Roman Empire road that crosses the mountains and reveals traces of the past at every step.
🌌 Enchanting Nights in the Mountains: If you’re looking for a unique experience, spend a night in a rustic house or glamping site in the middle of the mountains and fall asleep under a starry sky like you’ve never seen before.
✨ Terras de Bouro is an invitation for adventurous spirits who want to feel the true essence of Gerês.
Montalegre is a land of ancient traditions, imposing castles and stories that last through time. Here, the rugged mountain landscape blends with a vibrant culture, where spirituality and folklore intertwine.
🏰 The Castle that Keeps Secrets: Montalegre’s medieval fortress stands at the top of the town, offering a panoramic view over the region. A place where kings and warriors shaped Portugal’s history.
🔥 Friday the 13th – Halloween: One of the country’s most iconic festivals takes place here! Mixing mysticism and theater, the celebration of Friday the 13th attracts visitors from all over the world, making Montalegre a unique destination for lovers of the esoteric.
🍽️ Authentic mountain flavors: If there’s one thing you can’t miss, it’s the barrosão stew, a typical dish that warms the soul and wins over any traveler.
✨ Montalegre is a place where history, legend and tradition come together to create a truly magical atmosphere.
