Natural wonders in Peneda-Gerês National Park

Portugal's Natural Wonders

Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal's only national park, spans the northwestern border with Spain. The landscape is defined by granite peaks like Pico da Nevosa, reaching 1,546 meters, and the Serra Amarela range. This protected area features deep valleys, ancient oak forests, and numerous cascades including the Tahiti and Arado waterfalls. It preserves a unique ecosystem home to Iberian wolves and Garrano ponies, alongside Roman remains and traditional stone villages.

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Peneda-Gerês National Park

This park set in a deep valley between two high sierras is Portugal's only national park.

Cascata da Portela do Homem

Waterfall located near the Spanish border and the historic Roman Geira road.

Gonçalo M. / CC-BY-SA

Cascata do Arado

A multi-tiered waterfall situated at 900 meters elevation on the Arado River, accessible via a stone staircase near the village of Ermida.

Cascata da Rajada

Waterfall located near the village of Ermida, accessible via the PR14 hiking trail.

Cascatas de Fecha de Barjas

Also known as the Tahiti Waterfalls, these cascades are formed by the Arado River near Caldas do Gerês.

Cascata de Leonte

A 20-meter high waterfall located near the Portela de Leonte mountain pass.

Pico da Nevosa

The highest peak in the Serra do Gerês and the second highest in mainland Portugal, reaching 1,546 meters on the Spanish border.

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Poço Azul

A natural emerald-green lagoon located in the heart of the Gerês mountains, accessible only by foot.

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Louriça

The highest point of the Serra Amarela mountain range, standing at 1,361 meters.

Cascata de Pitões das Júnias

A waterfall with a 30-meter drop located near the ruins of the 12th-century Santa Maria das Júnias Monastery.

Albufeira de Salamonde

A reservoir on the Cávado River created by the Salamonde Dam, used for hydroelectric power.

Site of Community Importance Serras da Peneda e Gerês

A protected nature reserve encompassing the Peneda, Soajo, Amarela, and Gerês mountain ranges.

Lagoa Pequena

A small high-altitude mountain lake located in the Serra do Gerês.

Lago Marinho

A high-altitude lake situated in the central area of the Gerês mountain range.

Parque Cerdeiras

A nature park and eco-camping site located near Campo do Gerês, providing access to local hiking trails.

Other Lists

Peneda-Gerês National Park: The Absolute Essentials Ancient Sites and Ruins Sacred Sites and Churches Historic Structures and Waterways