Peneda Geres National Park 3 Days Private Tour (MP)
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is Portugal’s only national park — a vast, protected landscape of mountains, waterfalls, forests, rivers, and ancient villages where nature and culture coexist in harmony. This 3-day private tour is designed for those who want to experience the park in depth, combining adventure, tranquility, and cultural discovery.The itinerary below represents a suggested route — the standard version of the tour — which can be fully customized according to your preferences, travel pace, and the season of the year. Depending on your interests, we may visit more or fewer locations, spend extra time in certain areas, or focus on specific themes such as nature, photography, or local traditions.Your experience includes two different overnight stays in charming rural accommodations, each reflecting a unique side of Gerês: one in a quiet and secluded area surrounded by pristine nature, ideal for rest and reflection, and another in Vilar da Veiga, a peaceful village offering more infrastructure such as restaurants, craft shops, and local markets. Breakfast is included in both accommodations. All lodging options are in double rooms for two people, but comfort levels can be upgraded or adjusted upon request, with corresponding price variations.Day 1 – History, Highlands, and Hidden MonasteriesWe begin our journey heading north to Montalegre Village, a mountain town rich in tradition and folklore. Visit the Castle of Montalegre, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the Barroso highlands. Continue to the remote Pitões das Júnias Village, one of Portugal’s highest settlements, known for its stone houses and timeless atmosphere. A short scenic walk leads to the Monastery of Santa Maria das Júnias, a hauntingly beautiful 9th-century ruin nestled in a lush valley beside a waterfall.The afternoon takes us to Outeiro Village, a peaceful mountain hamlet where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding landscape, followed by a stop at the Paradela Dam, a stunning reservoir surrounded by rugged mountains. Overnight stay in a serene rural accommodation, perfect for disconnecting and feeling the true spirit of Gerês.Day 2 – Wild Landscapes and Mountain VillagesAfter breakfast, we head towards the mysterious Misarela Bridge (The Devil’s Bridge), a medieval stone bridge wrapped in legend, hidden deep in a gorge between rivers. We then explore the Village of Cabril, with its granite houses and rustic charm, before arriving in Fafião Village, famous for the ancient Fojo dos Lobos, an ingenious wolf trap, and its stunning viewpoints.The journey continues with stops at some of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls: the Tahiti Waterfall (Cascatas de Fecha de Barjas) and the Arado Waterfall, both surrounded by forest and dramatic rock formations. From there, we reach the Pedra Bela Viewpoint, offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Portugal.In the afternoon, relax at Alqueirão Beach, where in summer you can swim or enjoy a drink by the river. During autumn or winter, instead of swimming, we can explore nearby scenic spots such as the Caniçada Dam, additional viewpoints, or traditional villages in the surrounding area — perfect for photography and peaceful walks.Later in the day, we continue to Vilar da Veiga Village, where you’ll stay overnight — a lively yet peaceful base with restaurants, local markets, and artisanal shops.Day 3 – Forest Trails, Ancient Roads, and Cultural HeritageThe final day begins in the Mata da Albergaria, one of the park’s most protected and ancient forests. Here you’ll see centuries-old oaks and traces of the Geira Romana, an ancient Roman road once connecting Braga to Spain. Nearby, the São Miguel Waterfall offers a refreshing natural setting surrounded by pure wilderness.We then visit Lindoso Village and the Lindoso Castle, a medieval stronghold overlooking dozens of traditional stone granaries. Crossing through the Yellow Mountains (Serra Amarela), we pass the charming village of Germil, the Vilarinho das Furnas Dam, and the Campo do Gerês area, where history and nature merge seamlessly. The tour concludes at the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta, an important pilgrimage site with panoramic views and local products — a perfect final stop to reflect on your Gerês journey.A Personalized AdventureEvery detail of this tour can be customized — from the pace and stops to the choice of accommodation, meals, and additional activities such as hiking, spa visits, or boat rides. The itinerary adapts naturally to the season: in summer, you might swim and spend more time outdoors; in winter or autumn, you can focus on culture, photography, and the park’s tranquil atmosphere.Travel comfortably in a Land Rover 4x4 with an expert local guide and immerse yourself in the authentic soul of Portugal’s only National Park — an unforgettable blend of nature, history, and serenity, far from the crowds.
