Gerês
top to bottom
The Gerês Mountain Loop is an 8-day adventure designed to explore the magical, lesser-known trails of this mountain range and discover its sharp valleys and steep slopes, its wild and winding rivers, its abundant flora, and its people and animals.
This circular route begins and ends in the village of Campo do Gerês, from where we set off toward the top of the Gerês Mountains to complete the most iconic crossing of the National Park. From there, through mountains and waterfalls, valleys and dams, we pass through granite villages, immersing ourselves in the region’s traditional rural world. It’s from the village of Fafião that we dive once more into the highest and most remote peaks of this mountain range, finishing with a stop in the town of Vila do Gerês and the viewpoints that reveal the grandeur of the Caniçada reservoir.
This is not just a trekking adventure – it's a journey of connection with wild nature and the culture, people, and rhythms of the mountains; a full experience for nature lovers, explorers, and those seeking peace and tranquility in the mountains.
8 days and 7 nights
110 kilometers
950 €
6 - 12 people
Included
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7 nights (Hotel, guesthouses, pousada) – shared room with bathroom basis
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All breakfasts and on-the-go lunches
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Luggage transfer during the trip
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Transfer between accomodation and beginning/end of day trips (when needed)
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Local Portuguese Tour leader (English/Spanish speaking),
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Basic activity insurance during the trip
Not included
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International flights
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Activities and visits not mentioned in the program
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Meals not mentioned in the Included list
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Upgrade on the insurance
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Personal expenses
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival at Campo do Gerês
We meet in Campo do Gerês, a traditional village with a strong sense of community. We wander its granite streets and cozy cafés before heading off to rest for tomorrow's adventure.
Accomodation: Pousada, Campo do Gerês
Day 2 | Heading to Portela through the Enchanted Forest
We begin our adventure with a peaceful day of little difficulty. We left the village and walked towards the Homem River and its Vilarinho da Furna dam, named after the submerged village there, which now evokes memories of a rural past and the importance of preserving the history and identities of traditional communities.
We walk along the Roman Geira that passes through the Mata da Albergaria – the oak grove that gave rise to the area's total protection status and a true enchanted forest – and delve into the trail of its waterfalls and lakes until we reach the final destination of the day: the border line of Portela do Homem.
Distance: 12 km | D+: 280 m | D-: 170 m
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Accomodation: Pousada, Campo do Gerês
Day 3 | The Classic: from Portela to Pitões
After a hearty breakfast, we set off to cross the heart of Gerês. Located in a fully protected area, this stage will require greater physical effort, but in return, we'll experience an authentic experience marked by natural beauty, the silence of the mountains, and the discreet but constant presence of the history and culture of the Gerês people.
This hike is as challenging as it is rewarding - reaching the village of Pitões das Júnias at an altitude of 1,100 meters is like stopping time - greeting the shepherds, sleeping in granite houses and enjoying a typical meal next to the mountains we just crossed.
Distance: 26 km | D+: 1,160 m | D-: 820 m
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Accomodation: Hotel, Pitões das Júnias
Day 4 | Through the highlands of Montalegre
Now in the highlands of Montalegre, without shaking off the feeling that you're lost on the map, we walk alongside the Paradela Dam with views of the imposing peaks of the Mountain range we left behind yesterday.
We arrive in Sirvozelo, where we enjoy the traditional rural life of the Barroso region and its natural surroundings. A short transfer takes us to our overnight stay, Cabril.
Distance: 20 kms | D+: 770 m | D-: 1,142 m
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Accomodation: Hotel, Cabril
Day 5 | Through the depths of the Cávado Valley to Fafião
We wake up next to the Cávado River, just 300m above sea level, in the village of Cabril. It's from here that we begin the climb to today's destination: Fafião. We take the opportunity to visit the Pincães Waterfall and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Roca das Cabreiras picnic area—the highest point of this stage.
Known for the ancient practice of "Fojo do Lobo", Fafião is a small, community-run village. We enjoy the end of the day there, with a typical regional dinner and a leisurely stroll through the village to the Sobreira do Chão viewpoint.
Distance: 24 km | D+: 1,310 m | D-: 1,542 m
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
Accomodation: Hostel, Fafião
Day 6 | In the heart of Gerês
The day begins in the village of Fafião, following trails that take us back to the heart of the Gerês Mountains. The route descends to the Fafião River and takes us through mountain landscapes and crystal-clear rivers, with a highlight being Poço Azul, a lagoon with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a break and a dip.
The valleys become larger as we approach Arado Waterfall, a must-see stop in Gerês. The trail continues to the Pedra Bela natural viewpoint, where we can see the Homem River valley and our destination for the day, Vila do Gerês.
Distance: 17 km | D+: 900 m | D-: 1,050 m
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
Accomodation: Hotel, Vila do Gerês
Day 7 | Keeping an eye on Caniçada
We're in the heart of the National Park. Vila do Gerês is a spa town steeped in history, believed to have been used by the Romans who passed through the Geira region.
Fortified with a hearty breakfast, we head up the mountain, following trails that lead us to viewpoints along the hillside. But it's at the top of our hike that we stop and marvel at the views over the Caniçada Reservoir and the Vale do Homem. We're about to complete our tour of the Serra do Gerês, descending from Casa Florestal da Junceda to the village of São João do Campo (Campo do Gerês). We say goodbye with a traditional meal and toast to the adventure we've just experienced!
Distance: 11 km | D+: 600 m | D-: 330 m
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Accomodation: Pousada, Campo do Gerês
Day 8 | Back home
Today we're heading back home. Thank you for coming with me on this adventure!
Until the next trip!