In Portugal, our must-sees in Peneda-Gerês National Park

It is in the far north of Portugal (100 km from Porto), between the regions of Upper Minho and Trás-os-Montes, that

, the only national park in the country, is located.

This 72,000 hectare biosphere reserve is particularly appreciated by the Portuguese for its imposing mountain ranges, its waterways giving rise to idyllic waterfalls, its gorges and canyons and its livestock grazing freely.

But also for its breathtaking views, its timeless villages and its gastronomy.

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This

will delight all lovers of wild nature, in a granite setting or much wetter wooded areas.

From refreshing swims to unforgettable walks, from contemplative picnics to enriching cultural visits, there is no shortage of activities.

It is also impossible for us to describe here all the points of interest of this unique place, so trust your instincts when you travel the small roads of Peneda-Gerês and do not hesitate to stop according to your wishes. desires and your curiosity.

Idyllic waterfalls

The waterfall with the evocative name “Cascata de Tahiti” is probably the best known in the park

Johan Ricou / Le Figaro

Prepare your swimsuits: the mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park are home

.

We invite you to discover the most emblematic of these waterfalls during a one-day itinerary, a "waterfall route" that will amaze young and old alike.

Start with the “

”, 30 minutes from the town of Gerês, the highest in the region.

After 1 km of walking on a dirt road and a short path, you will revel in its plunging waters from a natural lookout.

Descending to the foot of the waterfall requires some acrobatics, but the effort is brief and well worth it!

The clear waters of the “

 ”, better known as the “

”, are only 20 minutes away.

Planted at the side of the road, these superb falls are the most accessible and the most popular of our selection.

A must in the National Park and an invitation to daydream.

To end the day, head for the wildest waterfall of the program, the “

”.

Rather badly indicated, this little wonder is worth it and requires a walk in the woods of about twenty minutes, before reaching a steep-sided waterfall and its natural swimming pool with emerald waters, in a fabulous natural setting.

Family river beaches

The river beach of Alqueirão has excellent infrastructure.

Johan Ricou / Le Figaro

If you want to treat yourself to a quieter swimming day, the river beaches will be more suitable than our selection of waterfalls.

This is particularly the case of that of

, at the exit of the town of Gerês, a pleasant stretch of sand where you will be able to treat yourself to a walk in a pedal boat, kayak or stand-up paddle on the huge lake of Caniçada.

Further north and wilder, the

dam beach and its submerged village are an excellent, much less crowded alternative.

Finally, why not take a dip in the

?

The natural swimming pool (

) of Torneiros (

) is only 8 km from the old Portela do Homem border post and the small waterfall of the same name.

Local culture and heritage

The "

" (corn granaries) are typical of the region, but the most imposing of these community granaries are found in the villages of Soajo and Lindoso.

Johan Ricou / Le Figaro

Peneda-Gerês Park is not just about its incredible natural environment.

Its

contain a rich heritage, between old traditional granaries, sanctuaries and monasteries.

We invite you to discover part of it during a day departing from Gerês (or in the opposite direction, from Sistelo).

Your route will first take you to

, where 24 magnificent community corn granaries, the famous "

 ", await you perched on huge blocks of granite.

At the exit of Soajo, in the direction of Lindoso, do not miss the emerald waters of the lake and the small waterfall of

.

A few kilometers further, the village of

shelters a set of

, some 60 stone granaries adjoining the medieval castle that gave the village its name and once had the daunting task of guarding incursions by Spanish troops.

From Lindoso, it will take you 45 minutes of winding roads to reach the solitary and superb

.

Nestled on the side of the eponymous mountain range, this temple dedicated to the Virgin and built in the 18th century is characterized by its imposing staircase of the Virtues.

The Marian sanctuary is completed by 20 chapels narrating the significant episodes of the life of Christ.

Small shops sell regional products at the foot of the monument, including typical crockery.

On your return to Gerês, stop at the

, the second in the country after that of Fátima.

This minor basilica dating from the end of the 19th century enjoys an exceptional panorama that is worth the detour in itself.

Villages out of time

The ruins of Monastery of Santa Maria das Junias are one of the ex-libris of Pitões das Junias.

Johan Ricou / Le Figaro

In the “out of time” category, we recommend a visit to

, to the north of the park, a typical mountain village of barely thirty souls.

Wander its cobbled streets overlooked by vines and lined with old stone houses with burgundy doors and windows, admire its granite attics, meditate in its little church and take a break at the café in this depopulated hamlet, which opens on demand.

The boss will be happy to make conversation.

To the east of Peneda-Gerês Park, the community village of

is one of the most visited in the region.

Perched at an altitude of 1200 m, the places are known for the hike leading to the ruins of the

, a sleepy 12th century pre-Romanesque temple in one of the most bucolic surroundings, elevated to the rank of National Monument.

Continuing your walk, accessible with the family via wooden footbridges, you will arrive at the pretty Junias waterfall.

The slope is sometimes steep, but the effort is short and the natural setting of rare beauty.

Do not leave Pitões das Junias without a gourmet break in its small bakery and let yourself be tempted by the local sponge cake or artisanal honey.

Sistelo, mecca for hikers

A paradise for hikers, Sistelo is part of the "village" category of the 7 wonders of Portugal.

Johan Ricou / Le Figaro

Nicknamed "

" for its magnificent terraced crops, the village of Sistelo is a hiker's paradise.

So, take out your walking shoes and discover steep paths that will lead you to breathtaking viewpoints.

The most seasoned will venture on the "Trilho das Brandas de Sistelo", which some consider to be

.

Its 9 km (circular) of mountain, its pronounced drop and 6 hours of walking scare you?

Choose the "Trilho dos Solcacos do Sistelo", less demanding: it takes part of the same path, but is limited to some 5 km of walk, with a less steep drop.

And if you don't have time or if the steep slopes put you off, the "Trilho dos Passadiços" (2 km), part of which runs through the region's

(

), or the "Trilho das Pontes" (1 km) are a good alternative to smell the green environment of Sistelo.

To discover (by car): the belvederes around the village and their fascinating views of the terraces of the small Portuguese Tibet.

Read alsoIn Portugal, hiking with a view in the Serra da Arrábida

Arcos de Valdevez

The charming town center of Arcos de Valdevez and its 18th century church.

Tourism of Portugal

The small town of Arcos de Valdevez (30 min from Sistelo) is worth a visit.

Its charming town center will allow you to make a city break and get supplies thanks to supermarkets and shops absent from the National Park... Stroll through its alleys, admire its

(Nossa Senhora da Lapa), walk along the Along the pleasant shaded banks of the Vez river, which crosses the town and gives it its name, take its old bridge and take the opportunity to do some shopping!

It's now or never to buy

(watch out for counterfeits!) at the "

 (Rua Soares Pereira, nº22) a few steps from the municipal market.

Milk-fed kid, smoked sausages and regional “

 ”… you will find all the local specialties and a vacuum packing machine!

And if you feel like swimming, the popular

extends its sandbank right in the city centre.

Renowned regional gastronomy

The "

 " which graze freely and ensure the weeding and fertilization of the land are essential to the local ecosystem.

Johan Ricou / Le Figaro

You will meet her on the road and on the restaurant menu!

The "

", a small breed of cattle, has the particularity of grazing freely until winter, when it returns to its stable.

This culinary specialty of the National Park served as a huge steak is renowned for its tasty and fairly firm meat and enjoys a protected designation of origin.

Lovers of local gastronomy will not fail to taste the local

and

.

As for fish, the region is also known for its excellent cod, fried Minho style or simply grilled.

territory

.

You will revel in this monofloral nectar of exceptional quality in its classic form, in jelly and even in liqueur.

Our selection of good tables

In Pitões das Junhas, Dom Pedro

A typical table in a restaurant which is no less so.

The veal chop is divine and the roast kid is not to be outdone.

The guarantee of "quality and authenticity": the local meat producer, who supplies the boss, dines there.

Dom Pedro, Largo Toleiro 4, 5470-370 Pitões das Junias.

Such.

: +351 276 566 288.

To Arcos de Valdevez, O Pote

In the words of the locals: it is in Arcos de Valdevez that you will eat the best “

” in the region, more precisely at the restaurant O Pote, a simple and popular table, but whose meat is as succulent as it is tender.

The secret of the place?

The breeder slaughters his animals a little earlier than the competition.

O Pote, Rua Amorim Soares, 54, 4970-598 Arcos de Valdevez.

Such.

: +351 258 515 245.

At Sistelo, Cantino do Abade

The Cantinho do Abade and its superb view are located right in the historical center of the “little Portuguese Tibet”.

If you have trouble deciding between regional "

" and "

", let the very affable owner of this typical tavern guide you.

Very pleasant terrace when the weather allows it.

Roast kid to order.

Cantinho do Abade, Rua Viscondes de Sistelo, 4970-645 Sistelo.

Such.

: +351 258 563 201.

Practical notebook

In the national park, the road is an integral part of the trip.

Johan Ricou / Le Figaro

GO

Peneda-Gerês National Park is 100 km from Porto and 400 km from Lisbon.

In any case, a vehicle is essential.

We recommend the "road trip" mode (between Pitões das Junias, Gerês, Sistelo and Arcos de Valdevez), but it is also possible to fix your residence in Gerês.

It is a central point around which it is easy to radiate to discover the main sites of the park.

WHEN TO GET THERE?

Early autumn and late spring are the best seasons of the year to venture into Peneda Gerês National Park.

The temperatures there are very mild and will allow you to enjoy the cool water of its waterfalls and river beaches, while avoiding the summer crowds.

WHERE TO STAY?

In Arcos de Valdevez

Ribeira Collection Hotel by Piamonte Hotels

Right in the city center of Arcos de Valdevez, the Ribeira Collection Hotel is a charming four-star hotel, ideally located on the banks of the Vez River.

The plus: the breakfast, the spa and the possibility of renting kayaks or SUPs for a trip on the Vez.

From €92 per night.

Ribeira Collection Hotel, Largo dos Milagres, 4970-592 Arcos de Valdevez.

Such.

: +351 258 009 410.

In Geres

Hotel Sao Bento of Porta Aberta

This four-star opened its doors 15 minutes from Gerês, opposite the Marian sanctuary of São Bento de Porta Aberta.

Choose a room with a view and a terrace: the natural setting is worth it!

Good regional cuisine appreciated by the locals.

From €60 per night.

Hotel São Bento de Porta Aberta, Avenida de São Bento da Porta Aberta, nº 2993, 4845-028 Rio Caldo, Terras de Bouro.

Such.

: +351 253 141 580.

To Sistelo

House of Ferreirinha

There is no hotel in Sistelo, but Casa Ferreirinha is a great alternative.

Located in the heart of the village, this old and typical stone house, very well equipped, has a crazy charm and adorable owners.

From €70 per night.

Casa Ferreirinha, Lugar da Igreja – Sistelo, 4970-645 Sistelo.

Such.

: +351 919 250 974.