Visit Gerês: The best tips for your trip

To visit Gerês is one of the best plans you can make in Portugal. The nature air and the unique landscapes make this region a memorable experience. From waterfalls with crystal clear water, to very characteristic towns and small villages, Gerês is the ideal place to spend a few days full of tranquility, surrounded by nature. Embark on this journey with Guerin and take advantage of our car rental service so you can enjoy everything this region has to offer!

What can you visit in Gerês?

1.   Pitões das Júnias

Located at about 1200 meters of altitude, Pitões das Júnias is a village inserted in Peneda-Gerês National Park. Surrounded by mountains, the biggest attraction is Convento Santa Maria das Júnias, which is considered a national monument from the 12th century, and the Cascatas Pitões das Júnias. Let yourself be carried away by a traditional and picturesque atmosphere, with deep isolation and vital silence in a valley of the Mourela plateau.

2.   Cascata do Tahiti

Originally known as Cascatas Fecha de Barjas, Cascatas do Tahiti are one of the greatest wonders of Gerês. It’s a high mountain waterfall whose waters come from the Rio Arado and which can only be reached by walking paths that are very difficult to access. Bathing in these waterfalls is prohibited, but the pedestrian path allows you to observe the landscape where they are located.

3.   Soajo

Soajo is one of the most typical and picturesque villages in the region. The village also includes five more places: Bairros, Souto, Teso, Vilar de Suente and Vilarinho das Quartas. Vila de Soajo is well known for its grandiose nucleus of granaries built on a gigantic granite slab. The granaries of Soajo are still used by the local community for drying maize. In addition, you can still see Largo do Eiró and Pelourinho de Soajo!

4.   Poço Azul

Poço Azul is known as a natural pool, difficult to access, but completely worth it. The path to Poço Azul is not included in any official pedestrian route in Gerês, but it can be done with the help of the Cascata do Arado trail, until you make the way to this idyllic place. After an impromptu walk, you just need to enjoy this wonderful place, which is considered the most well-kept secret in the Gerês region.

5.   Cascata da Capela do Homem 

Cascata da Portela do Homem is located in Portela do Homem, near Terras de Bouro. Within the Peneda-Gerês National Park, this waterfall launches water from the top of a rock, which leads to a much-visited lagoon. Being one of the most known places, it is also one of the easiest waterfalls to access, which allows for fantastic dives!

6.   Vila do Gerês

Vila do Gerês is a village integrated in the Peneda Gerês National Park, surrounded by small streams and crystal-clear water wells. Located in the Rio Gerês valley, you can find spas and famous hot springs, where you can relax after a day exploring this region. With only a few habitants, this village is only crossed by a street, with several buildings, all linked to tourism, from local accommodation to hotels, restaurants and shops.

7.   São Bento da Porta Aberta 

Santuário São Bento da Porta Aberta is a Portuguese Catholic shrine, located in Terras de Bouro. It had its origins in 1615, but the current sanctuary dates from the end of the 19th century. The name of the sanctuary is due to the fact that its doors were always open, which served as a shelter for travelers. It receives 2.5 million pilgrims annually, being the second largest Portuguese sanctuary. It was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Francis on March 21, 2015.

8.   Miradouro da Boneca

At an altitude of 750m, and along a very bumpy road, you will find Miradouro da Boneca, one of the most beautiful in the Gerês region. When on site, you can have an unparalleled view of the valley of the river Gerês, Cávado and the bridges of Rio Caldo. The name of this viewpoint is due to the presence of a menhir rock called Boneca.