Peneda / Gerês

Peneda-Gerês National Park, also known simply as Gerês, is the only national park in Portugal and the country's oldest protected area. It was created in May 1971 in the Norte Region, in the far north, right on the Spanish border.

Where is it and how big is it?

The park covers roughly 695.9 km² across three districts: Viana do Castelo, Braga and Vila Real. To the north it borders Spain's Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés natural park, and together the two form the Gerês-Xurés UNESCO biosphere reserve. That is why the Galician side around Lobios feels like a continuation of the same mountains.

What is there to see?

This is a land of granite massifs, rivers and reservoirs. Water slows down behind dams such as Caniçada, Vilarinho das Furnas and Portela do Homem. One of the best-known waterfalls is Cascata do Arado. You reach it by a paved forest track from the Pedra Bela viewpoint, then cover the last kilometre on a rocky footpath. Wet granite is slippery, so take care with every step.

In São João do Campo, the Vilarinho da Furna Ethnographic Museum tells the story of the village that now lies under the reservoir waters.

What wildlife can you meet?

The roe deer is the park's emblem. Otters, wildcats and red squirrels live here too, while the Iberian wolf is present but very hard to spot. The Iberian wild goat returned in 1999, brought from the Spanish side under a reintroduction project that began in 1992. Semi-wild Garrano horses are another signature sight, grazing among the trees and on mountain pastures, including the Soajo range and the slopes above Cavado lake.

Is it good for hiking?

Yes. Trails run through forests, river valleys and rocky ridges, and the viewpoints and waterfalls give day walks clear goals. Allow plenty of time, wear shoes with good grip and be ready for the changeable weather typical of mountains.

Frequently asked questions

When was Peneda-Gerês created? In May 1971. It is Portugal's oldest protected area.

Is it Portugal's only national park? Yes, it is the only one with national park status in the country.

How big is the park? About 695.9 km² across the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga and Vila Real.

Is there a link with Spain? Yes. It borders the Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés natural park to the north, and together they form the Gerês-Xurés UNESCO biosphere reserve.

What animals can I see? Roe deer, otters, wildcats, red squirrels, semi-wild Garrano horses and Iberian wild goats. A wolf sighting is unlikely.

Is Cascata do Arado safe to visit? It is accessible, but the wet granite is slippery. Be careful and wear suitable footwear.