Where to Stay for Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is Portugal's only national park and one of the most spectacular natural areas on the Iberian Peninsula. The park encompasses over 700 km² of granite mountains, ancient oak forests, glacial valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. Summer is the best time to visit: the mountain lakes (Lagoa do Marinho, Lagoa do Gerês) are accessible for swimming, the waterfalls (Cascata do Arado, Tahiti waterfall near Brufe) are at their most impressive, and the park's famous wild Garrano ponies roam freely through the valleys. Highlights include the Roman road (Geira) near Campo do Gerês, the village of Lindoso with its castle and espigueiros, and the flooded village of Vilarinho das Furnas visible when the reservoir level drops in summer.