PENEDA-GERES NATIONAL PARK TOURISM GUIDE
Green Magnificence
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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.
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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
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |