This was by far the best tour I’ve ever done!!!! Our tour guide Maia (apologies if I got the name wrong) was incredible - he was so knowledgeable and made our day the best ever and fostered the best vibes. Totally recommend if you’re looking for a tour off the beaten path!
10/10 - I've been twice and both times I had an incredible time!
Pedro Raphaello was simply the best! I had such a great time and Pedro really made the trip amazing. He was so knowledgable, good fun, and knows all the spots. We even crossed over into Spain and went in the naturally heated thermal waters.
Thanks for such a great trip Pedro! Ali
I had the best time! The tour covered several spots including kayaking and hiking, all very well organised. It was very well paced - it never felt like we spent too much time in any one place and at the same time it was not rushed, and we could take time to take everything in. Mariana was amazing, always very helpful and kind.
The weather was awful, but Miguel was great and came up with a wonderful plan-B. Miguel was wonderful, caring, and knowledgeable. We truely enjoy our time despite the weather which no one can control.
Ricardo was a personable and knowledgeable guide. We never would have experienced so much without him. The tour was great and our guide and was the best part.
My friend and I recently participated in this tour, and it was truly one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had. Our guide, Angelo, was not only funny and kind but also a highly skilled driver—especially impressive on the curvy roads. With just four people in the group, the experience felt personal and thoughtfully tailored. I would absolutely recommend this tour to others. 10/10 would reccomend.
Amazing hike and swimming- moderate level, bring plenty of water and lunch, as it’s provided. Eduardo is amazing great guy, and a pleasure to spend the day with.
Very small group (just 3 of us), so it was a lot of personal attention. Our guide, Andre, was terrific. Took us to a swimming area with absolutely no one else there--very cool.
We are a family of 5 who likes outdoor adventure and hiking. This was a great trip to Portugal’s national park. We had a great morning hiking a trail through forests and fields learning about the flora, fauna, and terrain. The afternoon we spent at a couple of waterfalls where we were able to swim in the pools formed in the rock. Our guide Carlos was kind and very informative. We enjoyed hearing about the area and his experiences. We would highly recommend this trip.
My husband and I had a fabulous day with Ines! She is so kind, fun and helpful. She is a bright personality and we enjoyed the day with her! Kayaking, swimming and hiking to the waterfall were great! Definitely wear your good traction shoes and bring a change of clothes or dry tee shirt. The day ended with a relaxing drink overlooking the water. We loved the experience!
We went on an all-day tour to Geres National Park. It was early November, so temperatures were a bit cool and breezy, and the picnic portion of the tour was converted to a delicious afternoon lunch at a local restaurant affiliated with a Bed and Breakfast. Initially we were greeted at the hotel by our tour guide, Daniel, and we traveled through Braga and on towards our destination. Daniel was very friendly, completely fluent in English, and very knowledgeable about the local history, current information on the area, and lots of information about the geography and natural environment. Once at the park we took a short easy hike to the waterfall there. There are several dozen stairs to the falls overlook, but Daniel was patient with us, and since one in our party was fluent in Portuguese, they had a few fun-spirited conversations, and we were all very at ease with Daniel. Daniel stopped at several beautiful overlooks for us to take pictures and was very willing to do just about anything we requested in order to give us a full experience. We had a lot of fun and laughs along the way. Daniel was also careful to include comfort stops for restrooms and beverages as needed. Throughout the day we stopped for coffee in the morning, stopped for beer at a little pub in the tiny village of Lombadinha, in the national park, and viewed the historical sights there. We enjoyed spending time meeting a few of the locals and seeing their simple way of life. Afterward, we were treated to a wonderful late lunch (included) at Casa Criado. The spread was huge! We sampled many local foods and traditional specialties served family style, as well as local wines. I guarantee you no one went hungry. There were foods available for everyone, plenty of vegetable dishes as well as several items for the carnivores among us. We were very happy with the meal and the welcoming personalities of the hosts. We felt like family. On the way home we made a comfort stop at another village called Sao Bento and had some refreshments before the trip back to our hotel. It was a wonderful way to start our vacation in the Douro river area. I cannot say enough about how wonderful Daniel was as a guide. He made the day fun and adapted it to our interests without any hesitation. Toward the end of the tour, he mentioned that our day with him didn't even feel like work, and we had to agree. It was so comfortable and easy, like touring with one of our own friends or relatives. I recommend this tour to anyone with a desire to get out of the cities and see the countryside, enjoy historical sites and enjoy Portugal's only national park. Ask for Daniel as your guide and I know you will have a great day.
Peneda-Gerês National Park (Parque Nacional Da Peneda-Gerês)
5.0
(2,843)
Northern Portugal
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit
Peneda-Gerês National Park (Parque Nacional Da Peneda-Gerês) is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.
Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress in layers—the terrain is variable and weather can change quickly in the mountains.
The park’s visitor facilities are limited, so be sure to bring everything you need including snacks and plenty of water.
People Also Ask
What are the main attractions and points of interest in Peneda-Gerês National Park?
Peneda-Gerês National Park is an outdoor destination with most of its attractions involving outdoor activities or viewpoints where you can enjoy its mountain scenery. Popular attractions in the park include the Miradouro da Pedra Bela viewpoint, old grain silos in Lindoso and Soajo, Arado Waterfall, and Poco Azul lagoon.
What activities can you do in Peneda-Gerês National Park?
Hiking is the most popular activity at Peneda-Gerês National Park as it looks at the park’s rugged mountains and valleys. But there are other activities to keep you entertained, from swimming and kayaking from the small beaches along the Cávado River to canyoning down waterfalls, ziplining, and mastering rope courses.
What wildlife can you see in Peneda-Gerês National Park?
Visitors may see various animals in Peneda-Gerês National Park, from domestic animals to wild creatures. Garrano ponies, Barrosã cattle, and Portuguese cattle dogs are common sights in the national park, alongside goats and sheep. Less common are the roe deer and Iberian wolves that call the park home.
Is it possible to camp in Peneda-Gerês National Park?
Yes, visitors can camp inside Peneda-Gerês National Park. Camping sites where you can pitch a tent include Parque Cerdeira, Gerês Vidoeiro, and Ermida Gerês. If you'd rather not brave the elements, these campgrounds often also have space for caravans and accommodations, such as pods and bungalows.
What should you bring when visiting Peneda-Gerês National Park?
What you bring to the park depends on how long you visit. For a day trip, bring walking shoes, snacks, and water, as well as swimwear and a towel. If you stay a while or go camping, bring all your supplies, as there are few places to buy groceries.
What accommodations are available for visiting Peneda-Gerês National Park?
Peneda-Gerês National Park offers a wide variety of accommodations. The park is home to hotels, hostels, and lodges of varying comfort levels, much of which is located on the park’s southern edge by the Cávado River. Campers can set up tents at campsites in several places around the park.