
Gratis gids 10 verborgen natuurplekken in Europa
Gratis gids 10 verborgen natuurplekken in Europa. Meld je aan voor onze nieuwsbrief en ontvang inspirerende reistips en routes voor je volgende groene reis.
Northern Portugal is one of the most unspoiled and peaceful regions in Europe. Here, on the border with Spain, lies the impressive Peneda-Gerês National Park, designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. With its rugged mountains, dense forests, waterfalls, and traditional mountain villages, this park is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
Want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in unspoiled nature? Then Peneda-Gerês is the perfect destination for you. The most beautiful hiking trails and places to stay.



The natural landscape in Peneda-Gerês is incredibly diverse. As you hike, you’ll pass granite rock formations, tranquil oak forests, wild waterfalls, and vast heathlands. Don’t forget to look around carefully: you might spot wild ponies, mountain goats, and even wolves. Birdwatchers can see rare species here, such as the golden eagle, hoopoe, and booted eagle.
Are you interested in an organized hiking trip to Peneda-Gerês? We work with a local, sustainable travel specialist who offers a wonderful one-week self-guided hiking trip.
What makes Peneda-Gerês truly special is the combination of nature and history. During your hike, you’ll come across ancient Roman roads, pass by mysterious dolmens, and walk past traditional shepherds’ huts. A highlight is the centuries-old Roman road from Braga to Astorga, where you’ll walk along stone paths that have been in use for thousands of years.



This route begins at the famous Pedra Bela viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains and Lake Vilarinho da Furna. From there, you’ll hike through the Mata da Albergaria forest, one of the oldest oak forests in Europe. The route takes you along an ancient Roman road and ends at a beautiful waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip in the summer.
This spectacular hike takes you through the rugged Peneda Mountains and the picturesque Lamas de Mouro Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass abandoned shepherds’ huts and babbling streams, and you might spot mountain goats on the rocks.
A breathtaking route past the impressive Arado Waterfall, followed by a hike through the picturesque Teixeira Valley. Here, you can enjoy unspoiled nature and spectacular views of the mountains.
TIP
After your visit to Peneda-Gerês, continue on to the Douro Valley, known for its steep vineyards and delicious wines. Take a walk through the vineyards and end the day with a wine tasting. Also spend a few days in Porto, where you can explore the historic city center, take a boat tour on the Douro, and enjoy Portuguese specialties.
In the park, you may spot the short-toed snake eagle, the common buzzard, the golden eagle, and the booted eagle. You may also spot the hoopoe, quail, crested cuckoo, stonechat, red-rumped swallow, Iberian wagtail, yellow-breasted wheatear, red and blue rock thrush, grasshopper warbler, mountain warbler, golden oriole, and the ortolan bunting. The Douro region is also home to a wide variety of bird species, such as the black stork, vultures, and various sparrows.
The best time to visit Peneda-Gerês is from April through October. During these months, the weather is mild, and you can fully enjoy nature in bloom. It can get warmer in the summer, but the many forests and waterfalls provide a refreshing respite. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and want to admire the fall colors, then September and October are perfect.
Would you like to stay surrounded by nature? Here are a few recommendations:
From Amsterdam, you can fly to Porto in about 2.5 hours with KLM or Transavia. You can take the bus from Porto to the National Park in about 1.5 hours. You can also easily rent a car in Porto and drive to Peneda-Gerês in about 1.5 hours. Collision damage waiver (CDW) included with Sunny Cars.
Want to drive from the Netherlands? It’s a drive of over 1, 900 km—a beautiful road trip through Spain!
Peneda-Gerês is one of Portugal’s most beautiful and unspoiled natural destinations. With its rugged mountains, waterfalls, and historic trails, it offers a unique blend of nature and culture. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day hike, this national park has something special to offer every nature lover!



8-day hiking trip Rota Vicentina: the Fishermans trail with local specialist Self-guided, fully taken care of by a local specialist: Fishermen's Trail from Cercal to Odeceixe On day five you board a boat to cross the mouth of the Mira River. No bridge, no timetabled...
Hiking across smoking volcanoes: an organized hiking tour of the Aeolian Islands On Vulcano, you know you’ve arrived before you even set foot on shore. The sulfur already hangs over the harbor. A smell that hovers somewhere between a match and a boiled egg—and one you...
Camino Lebaniego: Hiking from Santander to the Picos de Europa The Camino Lebaniego is a beautiful multi-day hike where the landscape gradually changes along the way; over the course of about seventy kilometers, you’ll walk from the Cantabrian coast near San Vicente...
Get inspired
Are you looking for the most beautiful hiking and biking routes? Or do you want information about traveling by train or advice for the most beautiful road trips through nature. Get inspired for your next trip in green; ideas for planning your own trip or opting for an organized trip.