Hiking in Peneda-Gerês National Park

If the idea of spending a week walking from village to village in the mountains of northern Portugal appeals to you, this could be the tour for you.

In the Peneda-Gerês National Park, you’ll get a variety of landscapes and terrains and stunning views as well as the chance to see age-old rural lifestyles up close and personal.

Stay in charming stone cottages, savour local dishes in traditional restaurants and enjoy being at one with nature.

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Suggested itinerary

Day 1 – Ponte de Lima

  • Make your own way (or add a private transfer) to the beautiful and historical riverside town of Ponte de Lima
  • Spend the rest of the day enjoying Ponte de Lima’s many charms, such as its Roman bridge, riverside footpaths, Gothic church, medieval and Baroque architecture and unique museums.
  • Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star hotel

Day 2 – Castro Laboreiro circular walk (12.5 km) 

  • Sit back and take in the views during the private transfer to the mountain village of Castro Laboreiro
  • Set off from the village into the rugged hills and spectacular countryside full of amazing rock formations
  • Walk through a woodland valley to an ancient bridge where you may like to dip your toes in the pristine water
  • After a steady climb to the plateau, full of smooth granite boulders, enjoy the sweeping views across the valley to nearby hills, valleys and ridges
  • Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Castro Laboreiro

Day 3 – Linear hike from Castro Laboreiro to Peneda Sanctuary (12.5 km)

  • Enjoy the views of boulder-strewn mountains and wilderness as you traverse the hill towards Lamas do Mouro Park Gate
  • Be enchanted by forests, woodland and burbling streams 
  • Follow ancient stone roads used for centuries by pilgrims on their way to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda
  • Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Castro Laboreiro

Day 4 – Linear hike from Peneda Sanctuary to the village of Lindoso (18 km)

  • Follow the Peneda River through the leafy valley all the way to Mixtura das Águas where it flows into the Lindoso Reservoir
  • Continue alongside the reservoir to the tiny village of Várzea where you will meet a local taxi driver
  • Transfer to the pretty village of Lindoso where you can admire the views from the medieval castle and explore its famous collection of granite grain stores
  • Accommodation in a charming country cottage in the village of Lindoso

Day 5 – Serra Amarela circular hiking trail (16 km + 5.5 km)

  • There’s no need to pack your case today as you set off on a scenic circular trail around Lindoso, taking in spectacular views of the Peneda-Gerês mountains and valleys and more isolated villages. You might even meet some Garrano horses!
  • The full circular route is 21.5 km but you can choose to take a taxi to skip the last 7 if that’s too much for one day.
  • Accommodation in a charming country cottage in the village of Lindoso

Day 6 – Linear hike from Avelar to Soajo (18 km)

  • The day starts with a private transfer to the village of Avelar
  • Your walk begins with incredible views of the Ramiscal Valley and forest, a protected part of the Peneda-Gerês National Park
  • Continue into the wilderness to see shepherds’ shelters, an ancient wolf trap and breathtaking views
  • Continue to Soajo via some idyllic forests and natural swimming pools in the river near the Mezio Park Gate, where there is also a megalithic burial chamber
  • While you wait for your driver to collect you from Soajo, take a short walk to see the stone grain stores
  • Private transfer to Viana do Castelo
  • End the day in the small, attractive city of Viana do Castelo and explore the medieval town centre in the evening
  • Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Viana do Castelo

Day 7 – Free day in Viana do Castelo and Porto

  • Decide whether to spend more time exploring the city of Viana do Castelo on your own (see what there is to do in this article)
  • When you are ready to set off, you can take take the train or bus to Porto for your last night on this adventure
  • The rest of the day is yours to explore Porto at leisure. Roam the historical streets, go souvenir shopping, admire the views or go on a port wine tour and tasting in the cellars of Vila Nova da Gaia.
  • Accommodation in a 3-star hotel

Day 8 – End of services

  • After breakfast at the hotel, check out and embark on your onward journey or adapt this itinerary by adding extra nights and a city tour.

Walking grade

Moderate to challenging

Total walking distance

87.1 km | 54.1 miles

What’s included in the tour package?

  • Price from €770 per person sharing a double room
  • Single supplement of €320
  • Minimum 2 people for safety reasons
  • Available from March 1st to October 31st

What’s included:

  • 7 Nights of accommodation in double/twin room with breakfast included
  • 5 packed lunches on the walking days (day 2 to day 6)
  • Luggage transfers between accommodations in the Peneda-Gerês National Park (day 2 to day 5)
  • Private transfer from Ponte de Lima to Castro Laboreiro (day 2)
  • Private transfers between Peneda sancturary and your accommodation (day 3 and 4)
  • Private transfer from Lindoso to Avelar (day 6)
  • Private transfer from Soajo to Porto city centre (day 6)
  • Detailed walking route notes and app with trail
  • 24/7 emergency support

What’s not included:

  • Transfer from Porto to Ponte de Lima (possible for an extra fee)
  • Transfer from Porto to the airport (possible for an extra fee)
  • Meals except for breakfasts at the accommodations and the packed lunch during the walks (possible for an extra fee)
  • Personal equipment
  • Other personal expenses
  • All items not mentioned in “included”
  • Personal insurance – this is recommended so I suggest you get a quote from World Nomads

Make an enquiry about this self-guided hiking tour of the Peneda-Gerês National Park in Northern Portugal

Please complete this form and I will connect you with a specialist local tour operator who can make all the arrangements for you. I may receive a small referral fee from them but it won’t affect the price you pay.

If the suggested self-guided walking holiday in Peneda-Gerês National Park isn’t a perfect match, let me know what you want to do and we can tailor a programme to suit you.

Peneda-Gerês Walking Holiday enquiry

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Hiking in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Hiking in Peneda-Gerês National Park