Hiking Peneda-Gerês National Park

Hiking Peneda-Gerês National Park Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive at Castro Laboreiro

Your tour begins upon your arrival in Peneda-Gerês National Park. You’ll be staying in Castro Laboreiro, an ancient mountain village.

Once you’ve settled into your hotel, take a stroll to explore the Roman bridges, medieval churches, and charming watermills. It’s also a short walk to the castle, where you’ll discover the ruins of a fortress and spectacular views.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Castro Laboreiro
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Explore Beautiful Castro Laboreiro

Today your trail begins by following the ancient path that winds through the fortified mountain villages.

You’ll be hiking through impressive landscapes that are scattered with historical ruins from the middle ages. You may even spot a Castro Laboreiro dog along your way- these native working dogs guard the flocks on the mountainside and are one of the oldest dog breeds on the Iberian Peninsula.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Castro Laboreiro
Distance: Short option: 2 to 3 hours, 10.5 km, 364m of ascent and 364m of descent
Long option: 3 to 4 hours, 12.3 km, 477m of ascent and 477m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Hike the Mountainside to the Village of Peneda

Today you’ll experience spectacular views as you hike across the mountain between Castro Laboreiro and Lamas de Mouro. You’ll follow the Peneda River through trees and mountain pastures. You’re likely to spot some of the local Cachena cows grazing in the valley or even a herd of mountain horse known as Garranos.

You will be hiking into Peneda, a little village surrounded by towering granite peaks. If you choose the shorter route, it will include a transfer into Peneda, where you’ll be staying for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Peneda
Distance: Short option: 2 hours, 8.5 km, 121m of ascent and 307m of descent
Long option: 3 to 4 hours, 14.7 km, 335m of ascent and 593m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Climb Meadinha Hill and visit Lagoa de Meadinha Boulder

Today you’ll be trekking to see the breathtaking view from the top of Meadinha Hill. You can choose to follow the trail on an old cart road or take a winding footpath over the mountain.

You’ll hike to a stunning lake with the famous Lagoa de Meadinha Boulder reaching out of its depths. From the lake, you’ll hike the lush green mountainside back down to Peneda for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Peneda
Distance: 2 to 3 hours, 10.1 km, 545m of ascent and 595m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Tibo and the Miradouro da Gavieira Lookout

This morning, climb down the sanctuary steps and continue down the riverside path. You’ll walk through small rustic villages and then hike uphill to Tibo.

At the top will be the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the mountain range and bucolic valleys. You’ll continue walking to Soajo, a rustic village made famous by its enormous granite maize stores. If you choose the shorter route your transfer will be included.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Soajo
Distance: Short option: 2 hours, 8.9 km, 376m of ascent and 640m of descent
Long option: 4 to 5 hours, 15.5 km, 544m of ascent and 885m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Take the Paths of Bread, Paths of Faith and Explore Soajo

This morning you’ll be taking the path of an ancient pilgrimage known as the Paths of Bread, Paths of Faith. This used to be the way the devout would walk as an act of faith.

Today you’ll find yourself surrounded by farms and farmers harvesting the cornfields. This corn is the main ingredient in the traditional cornbread which is currently rated by CNN as one of the best breads in the world (snacktime, anyone?). When you’re back at the village, use some of your free time to visit local producers of honey and wine.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Soajo
Distance: 2 hours, 7.3 km, 278m of ascent and 265m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Easy Hike to Arcos de Valdevez

This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel and taken to Ponte Barca. The last section of your adventure is in the lush green region along the Lima River.

The picture-perfect Ponte Barca is all quaint whitewashed houses around a medieval stone bridge. Leave the charming village streets for a wander along the river, through fields, pastures, and vineyards.

The bubbling Vez river will lead you to another historic village, Arcos de Valdevez. Make sure you use your last night here to indulge in all the incredible regional cuisine, especially “Charutos dos Arcos”, the famous Portuguese dessert.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arcos de Valdevez
Distance: 1.5 hours, 5.4 km, 38m of ascent and 78m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Deaprt

This morning your tour will conclude after the breakfast. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast