Serra das Banjas

Serra das Banjas is a hill in the municipality of Gondomar, in the Melres area of northern Portugal. It reaches 371 m above sea level and is one of the six ridges that make up the Parque das Serras do Porto, a mountain park right next to the Porto metropolitan area.

Where is Serra das Banjas?

The ridge lies in Gondomar municipality, Porto district, in the parish of Melres. The Serras do Porto park covers land in three municipalities: Gondomar, Paredes and Valongo. Besides Banjas, it includes Santa Justa, Pias, Castiçal, Santa Iria and Flores. Banjas is therefore part of a larger, compact upland area rather than an isolated hill.

How high is Serra das Banjas?

The summit stands at 371 m, with a topographic prominence of 78 m, meaning it rises roughly 78 metres above the lowest saddle linking it to higher ground. Among peaks in mainland Portugal with at least 40 m of prominence, it ranks in the upper half but not near the top. In Porto district it is 51st by prominence, and in Gondomar municipality 5th. Its topographic isolation is about 1.7 km.

What can you do here?

The area attracts people who enjoy active time in nature. Local tourism sources describe it as a place for outdoor sports and contact with the countryside. The GR 62, the Grande Rota das Serras do Porto, runs for about 59 km through all six ridges of the park. A stretch of the route covers Serra das Banjas, so you can explore it on a longer trek across the whole park or on a shorter section.

The September 2024 wildfires

Between 16 and 18 September 2024, major wildfires struck Gondomar and Paredes. The Parque das Serras do Porto was badly affected, especially the Banjas and Flores ridges. Before visiting, check the current condition of the trails and any access restrictions on burnt land on the Gondomar municipality website.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Serra das Banjas? 371 m above sea level, with 78 m of prominence.

Which municipality is it in? Gondomar, in the Melres area, Porto district.

Is there a hiking trail? Yes, the GR 62, about 59 km long, links the six ridges of the Serras do Porto.

Which park does it belong to? The Parque das Serras do Porto, covering parts of Gondomar, Paredes and Valongo.

Did the 2024 fires affect the area? Yes, Banjas was among the hardest-hit ridges, so check current trail information before you go.

Who is it for?

Serra das Banjas suits people living in or visiting the Porto area who want a short escape into the hills. It is not a high summit, but combined with the park's other ridges it lets you plan a route of any length, from a brief walk to several hours along part of the GR 62.