Page 270 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

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PARQUE NACIONAL

DA PENEDA-GERÊS

EXPERIENCE Minho Melgaço to Castro Laboreiro & Lamas de Mouro n Caldas do Gerês: on main road (253 391
! E1 @ From Braga to Caldas do Gerês; from Arcos de Valdevez to Soajo & Lindoso; from
133); Lamas do Mouro: next to camp site; Arcos de Valdevez: Rua Professor Dr Mário Júlio
Almeida Costa (258 520 530) ∑ natural.pt
Portugal’s first national park, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês preserves not just
the country’s precious flora and fauna, but also the unique way of life of the people
who live in the 100 or so granite villages that pepper the landscape. Don’t miss the
tomb-like espigueiros (granaries).
Peneda-Gerês National Park, one of Portugal’s greatest
natural attractions, stretches from the Gerês mountains in INSIDER TIP
the south to the Peneda range and the Spanish border in the Spa Break
north. Established in 1971, it extends over about 720 sq km Known since Roman
(277 sq miles) of wild, dramatic scenery, with rocky windswept times for its spa, Caldas
peaks, and lush valleys of oak, pine and yew. It also hosts a do Gerês is a great
rich variety of fauna, including rare wolves, deer and eagles. place to recharge your
On top of these natural wonders, the park offers historic batteries after hiking
monasteries, good walking trails along a Roman road, and in the park. Our choice
picturesque traditional villages. The park’s long-distance from the many options
footpath is well signposted (in parts); is the luxurious Águas
six sections are limited to do Gerês hotel (www.
groups of between aguasdogeres.pt).
10 and 15 people.

Overlooking the Vilarinho das
Furnas reservoir in the Parque
Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, which
is also home to waterfalls (inset)
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