Nationalpark Peneda-Gerês

Geres National Park is located in northern Portugal, close to the Spanish border. It covers an area of almost 50,000 hectares and includes a large part of the Geres mountain range, as well as valleys, forests, rivers and lakes. Wolves, lynxes, brown bears, deer, roe deer, wild boar, squirrels, owls, birds of prey and many other animals can be seen.

Guided tour of Gerês National Park

You can choose to visit the Genoa National Park in the north of Portugal yourself, but you will have to prepare your trip properly as there is a lot to see and do. So I have prepared a selection of the best English speaking guided tours and activities in the park for you below. You can take your pick and have an English-speaking guide accompany you so that you don’t miss out on the day’s activities and make sure you visit the best parts of the park.

The tours below are the best rated and can be cancelled 24 hours in advance in case you change your mind!

Peneda-Gerês National Park: introduction

Geres National Park is also known for its breathtaking scenery. There are forests of chestnut, oak and pine trees, lush green meadows, crystal clear rivers and mountain lakes. The region is also famous for its thermal springs, which have been used since ancient times for their therapeutic benefits. Geres National Park is an ideal destination for hiking and outdoor sports enthusiasts. There are many hiking trails to discover the beauty of the area, as well as cycling and mountain biking routes. There is also horse riding, canoeing, fishing and paragliding.

The Geres National Park is also a place of great cultural interest. There are many picturesque villages with stone houses, churches and chapels, which bear witness to the history of the region. You can also visit the many museums and cultural centres in the park, which offer exhibitions on the history, nature and traditions of the region. Geres National Park is a must-see place for those who want to discover Portugal’s nature and heritage. It is a place where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, while learning about the history and traditions of the region.

How to get to the Peneda-Gerês National Park?

There are several ways to get to Geres National Park, depending on your starting point and travel preferences. Here are some options for getting there:

• By car: Geres National Park is easily accessible by car from the main cities in northern Portugal, such as Porto, Braga or Guimarães. You can get to the park by taking the A3 motorway from Oporto and then taking the exit for Vila Real. Once in Vila Real, follow the signs for “Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres”.
• By bus: There are buses that connect the main cities in northern Portugal to the Geres National Park. You can take a bus from Porto, Braga or Guimarães and get off at one of the bus stations in the park, such as Peneda or Soajo.
• By train: If you prefer to travel by train, you can take the train from Porto or Braga to Vila Real station. From there you can take a bus or taxi to Geres National Park.

It is also possible to get to Geres National Park by plane, landing at Porto or Braga airport and then taking a bus or hire car to get there. It is advisable to plan your trip in advance and check public transport timetables and fares before you leave.

Activities in Gerês National Park in Portugal

Geres National Park offers a wide variety of activities for all tastes and abilities. Here are some ideas of what to do in Geres Park:

• Hiking: Geres National Park is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. There are many hiking trails for all levels of ability, which allow you to discover the beauty of the area, as well as its natural and cultural heritage. You can choose to hike, cycle or mountain bike along the trails, depending on your preference.
• Outdoor sports: Geres National Park is also an ideal destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts. There are many activities to enjoy, such as horse riding, canoeing, fishing, paragliding and rafting. You can also try rock climbing, canyoning, archery and paintball.
• Cultural visits: Geres National Park is also a place of great cultural interest. There are many picturesque villages with stone houses, churches and chapels, which bear witness to the history of the area. You can also visit the many museums and cultural centres in the park, which offer exhibitions on the history, nature and traditions of the region.
• Hot springs: The Geres National Park area is also famous for its hot springs, which have been used since ancient times for their therapeutic benefits. You can relax in one of the many spa centres in the park, or simply enjoy the hot springs in the middle of nature.

So there are many activities to do in Geres National Park, whether you are a nature lover, an outdoor sportsman or a culture lover. You can choose the ones that interest you the most and spend an unforgettable stay in the heart of Portuguese nature.

Prices for Gerês Park in Portugal

Geres National Park is not free. There is an entrance fee to access and enjoy the park. The entrance fee to Geres National Park depends on several factors, such as your age, nationality and the time of year you visit the park. The following are the entrance fees for Geres National Park (these fees are subject to change):

• For adults (aged 18-64): €6
• For seniors (aged 65 and over): €3
• For young people (aged 6 to 17): €3
• For children (under 6 years old): free

It is important to note that these prices only apply to the entrance to the park and do not include additional activities or services you may wish to book, such as guided tours, outdoor sports or equipment hire.

The history of the Peneda-Gerês Park

Geres National Park was established in 1971 with the aim of protecting the biodiversity of the area and preserving its natural and cultural heritage. It covers an area of almost 50,000 hectares and includes a large part of the Geres mountain range, as well as valleys, forests, rivers and lakes. Prior to the establishment of the park, the area was mainly used for agriculture and livestock. However, over the years, human pressure and activities have begun to disrupt the ecological balance of the area, threatening the biodiversity and natural heritage of the region.

To protect this natural wealth, the Portuguese government decided to create the Geres National Park, which was officially declared a national park in 1971. Since then, the park has been managed by the Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), whose mission is to protect the region’s biodiversity and promote the sustainable management of its natural resources.

Today, Geres National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts, who come to discover the breathtaking landscapes and the many animal and plant species that inhabit it. It is also a place of great cultural interest, with its picturesque villages and numerous cultural centres and museums. All in all, Geres National Park is a unique and precious place, which deserves to be protected and preserved for future generations.