Covering an area of 700sq km (270sq miles), the magnificent Peneda-Gerês National Park is a wild and dramatic place consisting of two main mountain ranges with rural villages scattered around. The most interesting and popular with visitors is Soajo, known for its collection of strange espigueiros, huge communal stone granaries topped with crosses.

Similar espigueiros can be found beneath the 13th century castle of the village of Lindoso, where they resemble tombstones in a graveyard.

Other villages of interest are Peneda, home to a remarkable sanctuary modeled after Bom Jesus in Braga with a long flight of steps adorned with fourteen chapels depicting major events of the life of Christ, and Portela do Homem, known for its Roman milestones. It has the largest number of the kind in the Iberian peninsula, with inscriptions indicating their position and the name of the emperor that ruled when they were erected. An even more distant past is found all around the park, in the 5,000-year-old prehistoric dolmens.

To the south of the park is Caldas do Gerês, an attractive spa village that can provide information about the rest of the park.

The valleys, rocky summits, streams, and cascades make this an ideal hiking destination, with wild ponies, deer, cattle, and golden eagles for company.

The plant life shows unusual variety, with many plants that have disappeared from the rest of Europe.

One of the highlights of the park is driving around it, with every turn presenting an even more extraordinary view. Lindoso is best reached from Ponte da Barca and Caldas do Gerês from Braga.

Those who wish to stay can find accommodation in Caldas do Gerês or in renovated village houses for rent in Soajo and Lindoso. There is also a beautifully situated pousada with panoramic views.

Places Nearby

Braga - The city of Baroque; the Portuguese Episcopal capital; a monumental staircase Ponte de Lima - Manor houses; a mythical festival Ponte da Barca - A lovely setting; a Roman bridge Viana Do Castelo - Elegant architecture; folklore Barcelos - One of Europe's largest markets; birthplace of a national symbol Guimarães - A medieval World Heritage center; a fascinating Celtic archeological site