Peneda-Gerês National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Braga

Enjoy hiking past steep cascades, lakes and rivers on a Peneda-Gerês National Park day trip from Braga.

The only national park in Portugal will humble you with its wild and unspoiled nature. Look out for deer and eagles as you explore the Cela Cavalo Waterfall, medieval castles and historic mills and bridges.

Whichever way you choose to explore Peneda-Gerês, you're bound to have a memorable day trip from Braga.

How to get to Peneda-Gerês National Park from Braga?

Peneda-Gerês is located in northwest Portugal and covers almost 700 square kilometers. The city of Braga is relatively close to the park, situated under 40 kilometers away, making it one of easy day trips from Braga.

From Braga to Peneda-Gerês National Park by car

The journey to Peneda-Gerês National Park by car is easy and takes approximately 40 minutes. You'll start by heading out of the city in a north-easterly direction, and then follow the N103 for the majority of the drive. At Cerdeirinhas, you'll take a left turn onto the N304 which leads you to the park.

From Braga to Peneda-Gerês National Park by bus

You can make the jaunt to Peneda-Gerês National Park via a direct bus service, which leaves from the Braga bus terminal. The journey takes just under 1.5 hours, and you'll depart at Gerês and walk for the final six minutes to the entrance of the park.

Guided tour to Peneda-Gerês National Park from Braga

To avoid hassle in driving or commuting, join a Peneda-Gerês National Park day trip which lasts eight to 10 hours. The day will begin between 8 AM and 9 AM, and you'll typically be picked up from your hotel.

How much does the entrance ticket to Peneda-Gerês cost?

It is free to enter and explore the park unless you wish to visit the ancient Mata de Albergaria forest which charges a daily fee of €2 per car.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Peneda-Gerês National Park from Braga?

Most tours include a hotel pickup in the morning usually before 9 AM. You'll travel in an air-conditioned minivan or coach, and embark on a hiking excursion of the national park. You'll venture to waterfalls and rivers, as well as remarkable viewpoints along the walk.

You may be surprised to know that there are traditional villages within the park and you'll pay them a visit as you pass by. Many tours will take a break to have lunch in a local restaurant or take a gourmet picnic. You'll return to Braga in the early evening.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Peneda-Gerês National Park?

There are many different types of day tours in Peneda-Gerês National Park that you can participate in, depending on the types of activities you'd like to experience.

Guided kayaking and trekking tours to Peneda-Gerês National Park from Braga

This tour takes place in a small group of eight or fewer guests. You'll start by traveling out of the city through the Portuguese countryside to Peneda-Gerês National Park. You'll take part in a relaxing kayaking experience through the calm waters of the lake.

Afterward, you'll have the opportunity to lie back on the paradisiacal shores or try stand-up paddleboarding before heading to a restaurant for a local meal. Once you've been revived by delicious Portuguese dishes, you'll make your way to a waterfall where you can plunge into the deep water and cool off.

Self-guided e-bike tour to Peneda-Gerês National Park from Braga

Self-guided Peneda-Gerês National Park bike tours begin in the ghost town of Vilarinho das Furnas. You'll discover its famous dam before changing scenery to the dense Albergaria woods. You'll also weave your way through medieval villages, tumbling waterfalls and extensive reservoirs.

Private day tour to Peneda-Gerês National Park from Braga

Private day tours of Peneda-Gerês National Park provide a more personal experience. You'll roam the rivers, waterfalls, peaks and forests alongside a knowledgeable guide.

You'll also gain an insight into ancient cultures by walking along a Roman-built road. This tour includes extensive hiking which will invigorate and challenge you in equal parts.

How much does a tour to Peneda-Gerês National Park from Braga cost?

Peneda-Gerês National Park day trips that include trekking and kayaking start at around €100. This includes hotel pickup and drop-off, insurance, a guide, and a contribution to organizations protecting the national park.

E-bike tours include bike and safety equipment rental, as well as insurance and photos in some cases, which cost approximately €70 each person.

Private tours in the national park include hotel pickup and drop-off, and a private tour with a local guide. You can expect outings of this nature to start at around €90.

What will you see and do in Peneda-Gerês National Park?

The national park is one of the largest in Europe and covers an area of over 700,000 hectares, making it roughly the size of Luxembourg. Within its borders are mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and villages.

With incredibly diverse landscapes, the national park is home to an extensive variety of plant and animal life, including endangered species such as the Iberian wolf and the European wildcat. It's also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 100 different species inhabiting the area.

Visitors can cool down in several bodies of clear water, including the hidden gem that is Cela Cavalo Waterfall.

Trekking, kayaking and cycling are all popular activities that allow visitors to experience the park in all of its magnificence.

The Fojo da Portela da Fairra trail is one of the most scenic hikes in the national park and runs for almost 10 kilometers. You can walk through traditional villages, towering woodlands and jaw-dropping viewpoints in a couple of hours on an excursion to Peneda-Gerês National Park.

When is the best time to visit Peneda-Gerês National Park?

The spring months are the most pleasant time to take a day tour to Peneda-Gerês National Park. During April and May, the temperature ranges between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius with moderate rainfall, ideal for hiking. The flowers are the reason why you should choose this time of year to visit Peneda-Gerês when they are blooming and vibrant.

Are there any tours to the Peneda-Gerês National Park from other cities in Portugal?

Yes, there are other tours departing from other cities in Portugal:

• Day Trips to the Peneda-Gerês National Park from Porto

Travel tips

• You'll do lots of walking on a day trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park. Wear suitable footwear like hiking boots and comfortable clothing.
• Make sure you bring plenty of water to the national park in order to stay hydrated.
• Book your trip to Peneda-Gerês in advance, as tours fill up fast.