Portugal is a beautiful and wonderful country to live in and/or visit. Excellent weather, low cost of living for being in Europe, kind people, wine regions, tasty food, the famous Camino Pilgrimage hike, and the world’s TALLEST waves to name a few. All in a country the size of the state of Indiana. But most research I found doesn’t include Peneda-Geres National Park. Portugal’s only National Park. It’s splendid and should be another reason you might be grateful you were born in Portugal or grateful that you have a chance to visit it. In this article I share Portugal National Park Hikes in its only National Park that I did during my time adventuring in it.
What was interesting about this National Park is the way it weaved other histories of the area into it. Our first hike was up and around a former military castle, we stayed next to a Church that was built after miracle appearances of Mary (Jesus’s momma) occurred, and we rolled through sheep and goat herds still being run by shepherds and their dogs.
Dogs were welcome at the parks, the campgrounds, and almost all of the trails I went on. Nothing jumped out to me as not being dog friendly at these parks outside of events and visitor centers but always check before you go!
It’s a privilege to go hiking on public lands. Especially while you are taking a trip, on vacation, or on a holiday somewhere you don’t live. Giving love and respect to the culture is vital and while we are at it…Leave No Trace and Pack Your 10 Essentials :)!
We did a self guided hiking trek through Portugal and used Portugal Green Walks to handle our lodging, private transits, and route app for several treks. I highly recommend checking them out!
Portugal National Park Hikes:
1. Castro Laboreiro Castle
2. Trilho de Peneda
3. PR6-TBR Miradouros
4. Arado Waterfall
Castro Laboreiro Castle
A short walk that from this quaint mountain town that features a “Black Widow” and “Sheep Dog” art work. A brief steep climb offers a tour of the remnants of this several century old castle. Tack on as little or as much as you want around the famous GR-50 for more loops on this trail, be aware of some steep elevation if you do!
Trilho de Peneda
This adventure starts right next to the famous pilgrimage site “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda.” We met some Appalachian Trail thru-hikers from Lisbon who shared that I would be shortly feeling like I was back on the AT on this trail! They were right.
It’s STEEP! (Like hiking in New Hampshire steep…)
I ran into a two hundred person 12 hour Portugal trail running/hiking club trek as well as a lake, a few more steep climbs, dozens of wildflowers, sheep dogs, and epic views!
It was a 10k with about 1,800 feet total ascent and about the same descent. In short bursts I might add (hello hiking in New Hampshire!)
PR6-TBR Miradouros
This circular loop made me feel like we were hiking in Colorado or Wyoming, and it was by far the second toughest day of hiking on our trek.
You get a little bit of everything nature wise in this one and I found some great fresh water dipping spots to stay dry. It took us about four and a half hours with a quick lunch break. The trail had spots where we really appreciated having our GPS App downloaded to be able to easily navigate the way!
Arado Waterfall
The top rated hike in Portugal’s Only National Park has to make the list!
Also known as the “Blue Well” this is a hike not to be missed if you are able to get to this portion of the park. It’s not recommended to bathe/swim in the waterfall. Though putting your feet in and cooling down that way worked for me.
We loved hiking and trekking in and out of Peneda-Geres National Park in Portugal. The Duoro Valley and Camino were excellent but this park made me feel like I was at home in a true hiking paradise. There’s also rock climbing, birding, and camping options so we really just scratched the surface. Portugal currently only has one National Park but it’s one that we loved and think you will too!
Thanks for reading and supporting Happy People Hike, comment below with any questions. If you are planning a hiking or road trip to Peneda we are happy to help out! And we recommend hiring Portugal Green Walks!
Happy Hiking,
Mike R
