6 Activities
Peneda-Gerês National Park: Thermal Lagoons, Authentic Villages, and History
Starts from
Porto
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
6
Duration
10 hrs 15 min
Length
61 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Porto
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hrs 15 min
Length
61 mi
- Natural Attractions
- History and Culture
- Cross-border
Victoria Loskutova
Travel Expert
- Visit Peneda-Gerês National Park.
- Swim in the thermal natural lagoons.
- Enjoy jaw-dropping views and trails.
- Visit unique historical sights.
- Explore sanctuaries and villages nearby.
Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Portugal, if not Europe. It has a total area of 72 290 hectares and was created in 1971. It's located just 100 km away from Porto.
You can't see the whole park in a day, but it's a wonderful road trip to check some main natural sites, and enjoy nature.
You will love the amazing landscapes, thanks to the numerous viewpoints, go for a swim in one of several waterfalls with natural lagoons, admire the centuries-old monuments, and visit "old but gold" mountain villages and historical sites!
By car, you can easily move from place to place and visit different locations of the huge national park.
Enjoy your day in nature, and don't forget to take loads of pictures!
You can't see the whole park in a day, but it's a wonderful road trip to check some main natural sites, and enjoy nature.
You will love the amazing landscapes, thanks to the numerous viewpoints, go for a swim in one of several waterfalls with natural lagoons, admire the centuries-old monuments, and visit "old but gold" mountain villages and historical sites!
By car, you can easily move from place to place and visit different locations of the huge national park.
Enjoy your day in nature, and don't forget to take loads of pictures!
Categories
- Natural Attractions
- History and Culture
- Cross-border
Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Portugal, if not Europe. It has a total area of 72 290 hectares and was created in 1971. It's located just 100 km away from Porto.
You can't see the whole park in a day, but it's a wonderful road trip to check some main natural sites, and enjoy nature.
You will love the amazing landscapes, thanks to the numerous viewpoints, go for a swim in one of several waterfalls with natural lagoons, admire the centuries-old monuments, and visit "old but gold" mountain villages and historical sites!
By car, you can easily move from place to place and visit different locations of the huge national park.
Enjoy your day in nature, and don't forget to take loads of pictures!
You can't see the whole park in a day, but it's a wonderful road trip to check some main natural sites, and enjoy nature.
You will love the amazing landscapes, thanks to the numerous viewpoints, go for a swim in one of several waterfalls with natural lagoons, admire the centuries-old monuments, and visit "old but gold" mountain villages and historical sites!
By car, you can easily move from place to place and visit different locations of the huge national park.
Enjoy your day in nature, and don't forget to take loads of pictures!
Victoria Loskutova
Travel Expert
- Visit Peneda-Gerês National Park.
- Swim in the thermal natural lagoons.
- Enjoy jaw-dropping views and trails.
- Visit unique historical sights.
- Explore sanctuaries and villages nearby.
Day Itinerary
6 Activities
Day 1
61 mi0.3 mi
A Day in Nature: Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park is a gem of Portugal. It's been carefully maintained since the 70s and includes numerous natural and historical sights.
Have a gateway for a day, and enjoy the ride within the park. Swim under the waterfalls and in natural lagoons; explore historical sites; discover the old villages and architectural gems; relax in thermal waters, and more!
Some useful tips before you go:
🗸 Pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid doing any activities if it’s going to rain or if a stormy or foggy day is expected. 🗸 Sudden climatic changes may happen above 800 m. Be alert. 🗸 Choose comfortable clothes and hiking shoes. Avoid using yellow colour and perfume – attracts bugs. 🗸 In summer, pay special attention to sun protection and take water if you’re going on a hike. Even in the winter, never forget to take water, food and a mobile phone. 🗸 Take binoculars and a camera if you have them.
Have a gateway for a day, and enjoy the ride within the park. Swim under the waterfalls and in natural lagoons; explore historical sites; discover the old villages and architectural gems; relax in thermal waters, and more!
Some useful tips before you go:
🗸 Pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid doing any activities if it’s going to rain or if a stormy or foggy day is expected. 🗸 Sudden climatic changes may happen above 800 m. Be alert. 🗸 Choose comfortable clothes and hiking shoes. Avoid using yellow colour and perfume – attracts bugs. 🗸 In summer, pay special attention to sun protection and take water if you’re going on a hike. Even in the winter, never forget to take water, food and a mobile phone. 🗸 Take binoculars and a camera if you have them.
10:001 hr
Peneda Gerês Adventure Centre by Tobogã
At the entrance to the park, you can get all the information, maps, and anything else you may need for travelling around Geres. Make sure you ask all the questions.
As an option, you can book an activity here—kayaking or hiking, for instance! But these activities are not included in the route this time (so mind the timing if you do book an activity).
As an option, you can book an activity here—kayaking or hiking, for instance! But these activities are not included in the route this time (so mind the timing if you do book an activity).
28.6 mi
1 hr
12:0030 min
Castro Laboreiro
Castro Laboreiro is an amazing old mountain village. You can leave your car on the side of the road and take a stroll around the village. It's absolutely peaceful, stunning, and unique.
Visit the center of Castro Laboreiro, where you’ll find typical granite houses, a church, a pillory, and the old bridge (Ponte Velha), and explore the castle ruins from where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views over Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Note: The village is rather small, but feel free to spend more time here, if you like.
Visit the center of Castro Laboreiro, where you’ll find typical granite houses, a church, a pillory, and the old bridge (Ponte Velha), and explore the castle ruins from where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views over Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Note: The village is rather small, but feel free to spend more time here, if you like.
0.3 mi
10 min
13:301 hr 30 min
Restaurante Miracastro
One of the best places in Castro Laboreiro to eat! It serves delicious meat-based local food. You will get wine pairing for your meal—it's a good chance to try local wines of the Northern Portuguese region! Enjoy your experience.
10.6 mi
25 min
15:452 hrs
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda
Note: The park is very big. When on the road, pay attention to the beauty around you! There are natural lagoons and waterfalls. You can stop by and take a plunge! There are also some wild animals around the park.
Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Peneda was built between the 18th and 19th centuries.
The legend says, that in 1220 a shepherd witnessed the apparition of the Holy Virgin at the site where the sanctuary is now located.
In the first week of September, there is a festival in the village, when the locals and visitors (mainly pilgrims) gather and take part in the candlelight procession. This is definitely a time to consider for your visit to Peneda if you want to discover some of the Portuguese traditions!
Santuário da Nossa Senhora da Peneda was built between the 18th and 19th centuries.
The legend says, that in 1220 a shepherd witnessed the apparition of the Holy Virgin at the site where the sanctuary is now located.
In the first week of September, there is a festival in the village, when the locals and visitors (mainly pilgrims) gather and take part in the candlelight procession. This is definitely a time to consider for your visit to Peneda if you want to discover some of the Portuguese traditions!
15.1 mi
50 min
18:401 hr
Castle of Lindoso
Castelo do Lindoso, a medieval castle perched atop a hill in the Portuguese village of Lindoso, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the country's rich past and stunning natural beauty.
The castle's imposing keep, the Torre de Menagem, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Lima River valley. Visitors can also explore the castle's other towers, including the Torre de São Miguel, which features a restored drawbridge.
The castle's imposing keep, the Torre de Menagem, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Lima River valley. Visitors can also explore the castle's other towers, including the Torre de São Miguel, which features a restored drawbridge.
