Located approximately 400 km north of Lisbon, the Gerês region is one of Portugal’s most stunning natural getaways and a paradise for nature lovers. This national park features lush forests, crystal clear waterfalls and scenic mountain trails, making it perfect for hiking, swimming and observing the local wildlife. To fully enjoy the area, plan to spend at least two days here, exploring hidden lagoons and breathtaking viewpoints. Gerês also has charming villages where you can sample traditional local dishes. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Gerês offers the perfect escape into the heart of Portugal’s natural beauty.
How to Travel from Lisbon to Gerês
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Gerês, there are few convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one.
Getting from Lisbon to Gerês is easy, with a few good transport options. One popular choice is to take the Alfa Pendular train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia station to Braga, then catch a local bus or taxi into Gerês. The trip takes around 4 to 5 hours and is a comfortable and scenic ride.
Another option is to take a bus from Lisbon to Braga, where you can switch to local transport heading into Gerês. This option is cheap and great if you prefer a relaxing ride.
For maximum flexibility, renting a car is ideal, giving you the freedom to enjoy a beautiful drive through Portugal’s countryside and to explore Gerês at your own pace.
If you’d like everything arranged for you, consider booking a private tour from Lisbon, which includes all transport and allows you to enjoy Gerês without any logistics to worry about.
Best Things to Do and See in Gerês
Take in the view at Pedra Bela
The Pedra Bela viewpoint in Peneda-Gerês offers one of the most amazing views in the park, overlooking the Cávado River and the Albufeira da Caniçada reservoir. Situated 1,100 metres above sea level, it’s easily accessible by car, although parking near the top is limited. Many visitors choose to park a little further down and enjoy a short walk to the viewpoint. Surrounded by lush forests and beautiful landscapes, Pedra Bela is a must for anyone exploring the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Discover the park's beautiful waterfalls
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is a perfect destination for waterfall lovers, with hidden cascades throughout its beautiful landscape. Arado Waterfall, one of the most popular, has clear pools ideal for a refreshing swim, while Tahiti Waterfall is almost tropical with its lush surroundings. For a more relaxed experience, Pincães Waterfall is a peaceful spot reached by a beautiful trail. Many of these waterfalls feature moderate hikes with stunning views along the way. Exploring the waterfalls of Gerês is an unforgettable way to enjoy Portugal’s most beautiful National Park.
Explore the timeless villages of Gerês
The villages of Gerês are like a step back in time. Soajo is famous for its traditional granaries and stone houses, while Lindoso’s castle and cobbled streets bring medieval history to life. Vilarinho das Furnas, sometimes revealed when the water level drops, tells the story of a village under water. For a quiet escape, Castro Laboreiro and Pitões das Júnias offer peaceful views and ancient ruins. Exploring these villages will give you a true taste of Portugal’s heritage nestled in the Gerês.
Relax on the gorgeous river beaches
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is renowned for its beautiful river beaches, each with its own unique charisma. Praia Fluvial do Alqueirão, on the Caniçada reservoir, has soft sands, safe waters and is perfect for families, with easy access to cafes and kayak rentals. For a more relaxed experience, head to Praia Fluvial de Vilarinho das Furnas, surrounded by nature and close to the famous submerged village ruins. Most of the beaches here have car parking, picnic areas and nearby trails, offering a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure in the spectacular Gerês landscape.
Visit Peneda Sanctuary
Rejuvenate at the thermal baths
The Gerês Thermal Baths are a wonderful place to relax, known for their healing thermal waters. These soothing waters are believed to help with skin problems and rheumatism, attracting wellness seekers. The baths are equipped with thermal pools and spa treatments, providing a peaceful atmosphere. After your soak, explore nearby hiking trails, cycling, or enjoy water sports in the stunning surroundings. Experience the natural benefits of the Gerês thermal waters and enjoy a serene escape in nature. It’s a perfect way to refresh your body and mind.
Enjoy water activities in Gerês
Gerês is an excellent destination for water activities, especially around the stunning Caniçada Dam. Here, you can swim, relax, or try stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing, all while enjoying breathtaking mountain views. For the more adventurous, nearby cannoning tours allow you to explore rivers and natural slides. Vilarinho das Furnas and Ermal Dam are also popular spots, offering opportunities for snorkelling, fishing, and peaceful places to relax. Whether you prefer calm paddling or intense canyoning, Gerês has water activities to suit everyone’s taste.
Go on a Hike in Gerês
Gerês National Park is a paradise for hikers, featuring trails that showcase its stunning mountains, valleys, and forests. The Pedra Bela Viewpoint Trail provides incredible views of the Cávado River Valley, while the Lazy Trail (Trilho da Preguiça) leads to one of the park’s most breathtaking waterfalls. For lush scenery, the Currais Trail offers a delightful mixture of green landscapes and unique rock formations. Trails like Poço Azul, Geira Romana, and Carris Viewpoint cater to all skill levels.
Where to Stay in Gerês
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Gerês is truly memorable.
Recomended Hotels:
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Transportation in Gerês
Getting around Gerês is simple, with a few good transport options to explore this beautiful national park. The best way to see Gerês is by car, allowing you to visit waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and charming villages at your own pace. If you don’t have a car, taxis are available from nearby towns like Braga and Vieira do Minho, and they can take you to key spots within the park. There are also local buses connecting some nearby towns and villages to Gerês, though schedules can be limited. Coming from Porto or Braga, you can take a train or bus to a nearby town and use local transport from there. For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a private tour, which includes transportation and a guide to show you the best of Gerês.
Best Restaurants in Gerês
We have curated a list of the best restaurants in Gerês, inspired by the region’s rich culinary and cultural traditions. To create this list, we used trusted TripAdvisor reviews and insider tips from our amazing Lisbon Friends Facebook group, where over 40,000 members share their favourite recommendations.
Petiscos da Bó Gusta
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
Restaurante Adega Ramalho
Mediterranean, Portuguese, $
Restaurante Casa Capela
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
Restaurante Essentia do Gerês
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
Best Tours in Gerês
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Gerês is truly memorable.
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