Gerês Nature Reserve
Portugal's only national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Over 700 km² of wild landscapes, unique biodiversity and centuries of human history.
Portugal's Only National Park
Created in 1971, Peneda-Gerês National Park is Portugal's only national park. In 2009 it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognising its exceptional value in terms of biodiversity and cultural landscape.
Spanning the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga and Vila Real, the park extends over 700 km² of mountains, oak forests and clean-water rivers. It is one of the last refuges of Iberian wildlife.
702 km²
Total Area
1,545 m
Maximum Altitude
+800
Flora Species
1971
Created in
Unique Wildlife
Flora
Atlantic Oak Forest
Extensive pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) woodlands, fundamental to the park's biodiversity.
Gorse & Heather
Mediterranean scrubland covering the plateaux and hillsides, with colourful flowers in spring.
Wild Orchids
Over 30 species of wild orchids are found in the park's meadows and riverbanks.
Fauna
Iberian Wolf
The park is one of the last refuges of the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) in Portugal. The population is protected and monitored.
Garrano (Wild Horse)
The native wild horse of the mountains, the garrano, roams freely in the park's mountains, an iconic presence.
Golden Eagle
One of Portugal's largest birds of prey, the golden eagle nests on the park's inaccessible cliffs.
Fire Salamander
The park's humid forests and streams shelter healthy populations of this colourful salamander.
Memorable Scenery
Granite Plateaux
Extensive glacially-shaped granite uplands, with rocky outcrops and high-altitude lakes.
River Valleys
Deep valleys carved by the Homem, Lima and Cávado rivers, with waterfalls, natural pools and river beaches.
Caniçada Dam
Large reservoir surrounded by mountains and forest, with stunning panoramas and water activities.
Serra da Peneda
The northern sector of the park, less visited and wilder, with the imposing Serra da Peneda and the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda.
How to Visit
Respect Nature
Do not litter, do not light fires outside designated areas, and respect protected flora and fauna.
Official Trails Only
Use only officially marked trails. Leaving marked routes can be dangerous and harmful to the ecosystem.
Wildlife
Do not feed or approach wildlife too closely. Observe wolves and garrano from a distance, respectfully.
Vehicle Access
Motor vehicle access within the park is restricted. Use designated car parks and follow signposting.
Entradas: Caldas do Gerês, Lindoso, Soajo, Pitões das Júnias
Explore from Casa de Louredo
Located within Peneda-Gerês National Park, Casa de Louredo is the ideal starting point to explore the nature reserve. Private pool, mountain views and direct access to nature.
View the PropertyBook Your Stay
Ready to experience the beauty of Gerês? Get in touch to check availability and book your perfect getaway.
Phone
Give us a call anytime. We're happy to help.
+351 917930966
Send us a message and we'll respond within 24 hours.
info@casadelouredogeres.pt
Location
In the heart of Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Louredo, Vieira do Minho
