National Park Peneda Geres

The Peneda-Gerês National Park holds the distinction of being Portugal’s sole protected area with National Park status.

While Portugal boasts numerous protected and classified areas with varying statutes, only this park carries the prestigious designation of a National Park.

The Park’s name highlights two expansive areas: Peneda and Gerês, each encompassing several mountain ranges and diverse natural attractions.

Notably, the reference to Peneda and Gerês pertains to these broader areas rather than specific localities.

For further insights into the Park, ample information is available on Wikipedia 

Now, allow me to provide my perspective on select areas within the National Park.

National Park, in general

• • This area offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities, allowing us to relish the sense of isolation that is increasingly rare to experience in Portugal.
  • Spring and autumn emerge as prime seasons for exploring the Park. However, I’m particularly enticed by the secluded, higher altitude spots even during the harshness of winter.
  • Summer visits should be steered clear of due to scorching temperatures.
  • The local gastronomy embodies rich tradition, featuring dishes centered around the meat of the Barrosã cattle, often spotted grazing freely in the hills.

Park area defined as Gerês

• • During the summer, aside from the heat, this area experiences high demand from vacationers, leading to significant tourist crowds. 
  • Dense forests cover extensive areas, but if hiking is the objective, there are superior trails elsewhere. 
  • Due to its popularity among tourists, the area is beginning to lose some of its original character.
  • Moreover, its popularity means that numerous photos and mentions of waterfalls and other attractions circulate on social media, further increasing visitor numbers to Gerês.

Park area defined as Peneda

• • This is my preferred area, characterized by its rugged terrain, sparse population, and lower popularity, making it less easily accessible but boasting the most breathtaking sights. 
  • It offers a plethora of outstanding hiking trails.
  • Here, you’ll encounter dramatic granite massifs juxtaposed with cascading waterfalls and lively herds of garrano horses grazing freely.
  • Numerous natural attractions are tucked away, making them less frequented and consequently resulting in fewer photos being shared on social media.
  • In this setting, you’re more likely to appreciate the biodiversity that is largely responsible for the Park’s status area.

This article also explains why I typically prefer to direct my trips toward the Peneda area rather than the Gerês area.

I trust you found this article beneficial.

Good hiking,

David Monteiro