Self-guided Walking Holiday 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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

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.

For Pinterest