t Overlooking the Vilarinho das Furnas reservoir in the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
E1 @ From Braga to Caldas do Gerês; from Arcos de Valdevez to Soajo & Lindoso; from Melgaço to Castro Laboreiro & Lamas de Mouro n Caldas do Gerês: on main road (253 391 133); Lamas do Mouro: next to camp site; Arcos de Valdevez: Rua Professor Dr Mário Júlio Almeida Costa (258 520 530) ∑ natural.pt
Portugal’s first national park, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês preserves not just the country’s precious flora and fauna, but also the unique way of life of the people who live in the 100 or so granite villages that pepper the landscape. Don’t miss the tomb-like espigueiros (granaries).
t Overlooking the Vilarinho das Furnas reservoir in the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
Peneda-Gerês National Park, one of Portugal’s greatest natural attractions, stretches from the Gerês mountains in the south to the Peneda range and the Spanish border in the north. Established in 1971, it extends over about 720 sq km (277 sq miles) of wild, dramatic scenery, with rocky windswept peaks, and lush valleys of oak, pine and yew. It also hosts a rich variety of fauna, including rare wolves, deer and eagles. On top of these natural wonders, the park offers historic monasteries, good walking trails along a Roman road, and picturesque traditional villages. The park’s long-distance footpath is well signposted (in parts); six sections are limited to groups of between 10 and 15 people.
Experience Minho
t Home to waterfalls
Insider Tip
Known since Roman times for its spa, Caldas do Gerês is a great place to recharge your batteries after hiking in the park. Our choice from the many options is the luxurious Águas do Gerês hotel (www.aguasdogeres.pt).
Espigueiros are raised to keep grain and maize out of reach of rodents, and slatted for ventilation.