Self-Guided Peneda-Gerês National Park Hiking Tour

Your journey begins with a transfer from Porto Airport to Castro Laboreiro, a mountain village set at 1,170 meters inside the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Known for its rich historic and architectural heritage, the village offers a charming first glimpse into the region. A short walk takes you past Roman bridges, a medieval church, community bread ovens, maize stores, and old water mills. End the day with a gentle hike to the castle ruins, where sweeping mountain views provide the perfect start to your hiking adventure.

Your hiking journey begins in Castro Laboreiro, a village rich in history and surrounded by dramatic geological formations. The trail follows the ancient paths once used by fortified mountain communities, immersing you in Portugal’s cultural and natural heritage.

Along the way, you’ll encounter ruins that tell stories of past civilizations, forests that change with the season, and streams of crystal-clear water where flora and fauna thrive. Keep an eye out for the Castro Laboreiro dog, one of the oldest indigenous breeds of the Iberian Peninsula, still guarding the region today.

Option 1 (Moderate Route): A 10.8 km hike with 328 m of elevation gain. This option offers a more relaxed pace while still showcasing the cultural and natural highlights of the region.

Option 2 (Challenging Route): A 15.3 km trail with 510 m of elevation gain. Ideal for hikers seeking a tougher experience, it provides deeper immersion into the landscapes and rewards you with broader views.

Today’s journey takes you into the heart of the Peneda Mountains, along a route that is both pleasant and refreshing.

As you travel through the rugged landscapes that connect Castro Laboreiro to Lamas de Mouro, you’ll encounter the iconic Cachena cow, a native breed of the Gerês mountains, instantly recognizable by its elegant, long, lyre-shaped horns.

The trail gradually descends along the valley of the Peneda River, where crystal-clear lagoons of mountain water offer the perfect spot to cool off on a warm summer’s day. Your evening stay will be in the centre of the village, nestled against the dramatic granite massif of Peneda, creating a truly authentic mountain atmosphere.

Options for Today’s Route:

Moderate Route: 8.5 km (5.28 mi), (673 m min altitude – 993 m max altitude), 122 m elevation gain. This shorter version includes a transfer.

Challenging Route: 15 km (9.32 mi), (673 m min altitude – 1097 m max altitude), 310 m elevation gain. Requires informing one day in advance to cancel the transfer.

Embark on a rewarding hike to the top of Meadinha Hill, where sweeping mountain views await. Walk along an ancient pilgrim trail leading to the Nossa Senhora da Peneda Sanctuary and follow the same narrow paths once carved by Barrosão oxen carts. The route takes you to the enchanting Lagoa de Meadinha, wrapped in legend that says any woman who places a stone atop the hill will soon be married.

Altitude (m): Min 673, Max 1108 Elevation Gain: 539 m

Start your day by descending the majestic steps of the sanctuary and following the stone paths along the riverbank. Pause to admire the sweeping view of the Serra da Peneda, where shepherds and their flocks spend the winter months. Watch the river flow down the hillside, winding through the green fields cultivated by local farmers. Continue towards Soajo, a rustic village with an enchanting setting, famous for its numerous stone corn stores that are still used today to protect the harvest.

The shorter route includes a transfer. If you wish to take the long route, please inform us one day in advance so the transfer can be cancelled.

Option 1: Moderate difficulty, 9 km, altitude between 297 m and 847 m, with an elevation gain of 86 m. Option 2: Challenging difficulty, 15.8 km, altitude between 297 m and 866 m, with an elevation gain of 461 m.

Walk along the ancient Paths of Bread and Paths of Faith, once used by religious pilgrims to fulfil promises and by villagers to carry corn to the community ovens. These trails tell the story of Soajo’s traditions, where cornbread, now protected by Slow Food and recognized by CNN as one of the best breads in the world, was prepared and shared. As you follow the route, you’ll step into a landscape shaped by devotion, agriculture, and communal living, where the memory of nature and culture still thrives.

Altitude: 303 m to 501 m Elevation Gain: 227 m

Transfer to Ponte da Barca, where the final stage of your journey begins. This picturesque village lies along the River Lima and is known for its stone and whitewashed houses as well as its elegant medieval bridge. Surrounded by lush vineyards, it is also renowned for producing the refreshing vinho verde.

Continue on to Arcos de Valdevez, a town filled with elegant houses, lively squares, and a charming historic centre. Here you can indulge in the region’s culinary treasures, from hearty soups and fresh salads to flavorful meat and sausage dishes. Be sure to try the famous Charutos dos Arcos, celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Sweets, alongside the authentic vinho verde wine that reflects the soul of the region.

Altitude: 23 m to 69 m Elevation Gain: 58 m

Your unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of northern Portugal comes to an end today. After days of exploring lush valleys, charming villages, and savoring the authentic flavors of the region, it’s time to bid farewell. A transfer will be arranged to take you to the airport, perfectly timed with your flight schedule, ensuring a smooth and comfortable end to your adventure.