Walking holiday from hotel to hotel in Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal
During this walking holiday you hike from village to village, amid magnificent mountain sceneries and rural communities of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only National Park in Portugal!
Discover a secret part of Portugal rich in wildlife and explore some of the main mountain ranges in the National Park, such as the Laboreiro, Peneda, Amarela and Gerês mountains.
Book this tour to explore an undiscovered part of Portugal and encounter an age-old rural way of life.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Castro Laboreiro, Peneda-Gerês National Park (Portugal)
Castro Laboreiro is the first village in the north part of the Peneda-Gerês National Park (930 m).
Arriving in Castro Laboreiro, you can explore this wonderful village, checking the local grocery, bakery, restaurants and cafes.
If you have enough time you can climb the Laboreiro mountain (1033m), to visit Laboreiro castle that dates back to the 12th century. The views from the castle are incredible!
Overnight in Castro Laboreiro
Day 2: Trilho Castrejo: ancient villages and wildlife in Castro Laboreiro
This hike takes you through some old trails that link villages to their summer pastures, where temporary summer settlements bear testimony to the harsh conditions endured by the local farmers and shepherds. Hiking in the mountains, you may come across the ibex (wild goat), wild horses and may you spot some Iberian wolf tracks.
Easy hike: 8 km Moderate hike: 16.86 km
Overnight in Castro Laboreiro
Day 3: Walking from Castro de Laboreiro to Peneda
You will walk on an old pilgrimage route, used by people from Castro Laboreiro to cross the Peneda mountains to arrive at the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda.
You end the hike at your hotel close to the Sanctuary.
Easy hike: 11.83 km Moderate hike: 21 km
Overnight in Peneda
Day 4: Walking from Peneda to Soajo - best viewpoints in Gerês National Park
Following some old shepherd trails, you will walk through many traditional villages.
On your way to Soajo you will discover many viewpoints from where you can enjoy the stunning views over Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Easy hike: 8 km Moderate hike: 21 km
Overnight in Soajo
Day 5: Walking from Soajo to Lindoso
Leaving Soajo, you can enjoy the great views over the Lima Valley. This hike takes you through several traditional villages in the National Park and you enjoy the great views over Lima river.
Easy hike: 6 km Moderate hike: 21 km
Overnight in Lindoso
Day 6: Walking from Lindoso to Germil (ancient shepherd shelters and oak forests)
Leaving Lindoso village you hike in the Serra Amarela, one of the main mountain ranges in the National Park. Along the hike, you can enjoy great views over Spain and you can visit several ancient shepherd shelters in the mountain. The last part of the hike takes you on a scenic route through old oak forests, to reach Ermida, a small village in the mountain.
You can end the walk at Ermida or if you love walking you can keep walking to end the walk at Germil mountain village.
At the end of the walk we will pick you up to drive towards the hotel in Campo do Gerês.
Easy hike: 10 km Moderate hike: 21 km
Overnight in Campo do Gerês
Day 7: From Campo do Gerês to Santa Maria do Bouro
On the last day of your holiday you will follow an old pilgrimage route from Gerês to Santa Maria do Bouro.
Walking in the mountains you will enjoy great views over Lake Cavado.
The last part of the walk takes you to Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia, a wonderful sanctuary in the mountains.
Past the sanctuary you go downhill through many forests to reach your hotel - Pousada Santa Maria do Bouro, an old monastery converted in a stylish hotel, it will be the best way to end your holiday relaxing and enjoying an excellent meal.
Moderate hike: 12 km
Overnight in Pousada Mosteiro de Amares (5-star hotel)
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, we offer a private transfer from Gerês to Braga or Porto.
This 8 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
- Welcome briefing by our tour leader (day 1);
- Hotel to hotel acommodation in a mix of hotels (3-star, cottages and B&B);
- All breakfasts;
- Private transfer from Porto airport / city to your hotel in Castro Laboreiro (day 1);
- Private transfer from Gerês to Braga or Porto (day 8);
- Private transfer from Germil to Campo do Gerês (day 6);
- Luggage transfers between hotels;
- Booklet: good overview hiking maps, hiking notes and recommendations about restaurants and places to visit;
- GPS rental (Garmin GPS device with GPS tracks);
- Local telephone support (24/7).
Optional services:
- Extra nights;
- Packed lunches (on request).
Dates: this walking holiday is available all year round (from January to December), contact us to get more details.
Make An Enquiry
This trip can be tailored made to suit you your hiking level. Please contact us for full details and to discuss your trip.
