Peneda-Gerês Region & Local Traditions
Discover the lanscapes, flavors and customs that make the Gerês mountains unique.
The history of Peneda-Gerês National Park
Stretching across the Minho and Trás-os-Montes regions, the park embraces rugged mountain ranges, crystal-clear rivers, oak forests, and granite villages that have preserved their ancestral character. It is a living mosaic where nature and tradition intertwine — a place of harmony between people, landscape, and wildlife.
The history of the Peneda-Gerês National Park traces back to human presence since prehistoric times, through the Roman occupation, the Middle Ages, and the formation of traditional mountain villages. In 1971, Peneda-Gerês was created as Portugal’s first and only National Park, established to protect the region’s exceptional natural landscapes and its living cultural heritage.
In 1997, the park area was expanded to form the Gerês–Xurés Transboundary Park and Biosphere Reserve, in partnership with Spain. Since 2009, it has been officially recognized as part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, honoring its remarkable balance between nature and human life.
Where are our houses located?
Terras de Bouro
Two of our houses are located in Souto, a village attached to Terras de Bouro, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and quiet rural life.
This is where the Gerês wilderness begins — yet you’re close to small cafés and local taverns, trails, and river beaches.
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Nearby highlights: Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta, the Roman road Via Romana (Geira), the reservoirs of Vilarinho das Furnas and Caniçada.
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History landmarks: The submerged village of Vilarinho das Furnas, visible when the water level is low, and the Ethnographic Museum dedicated to its history.
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River beach: Souto, Terras de Bouro, Alqueirão, Valdosende — calm, clear water for summer swims. Barragem da Caniçada is also a great place to enjoy a good swim.
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Family-friendly: Easy walking trails like ecovia do Rio homem, Trilho da Geira Romana and Trilho da Cascata do Arado.
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Local food: Try local meat, roasted goat (cabrito assado), or trout from the local rivers.
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Restaurants: Traditional taverns in São Bento and Gerês village serve hearty Minho cuisine. We recommend "O Vaticano or "Bem Cozinhado".
Arcos de Valdevez
Quinta Encosta do Penedo is located in São Jorge, a village that belongs to the municipality of the charming town Arcos de Valdevez. Here, in the heart of Alto Minho, you are surrounded by green valleys, forested hills, and the tranquil flow of the Vez River.
It’s the gateway to the Peneda-Gerês National Park — where tradition meets wild nature, yet you’re close to cafés, local markets, and authentic Minho restaurants.
- Nearby highlights: Peneda-Gerês National Park entrances in Sistelo and Soajo, the famous Espigueiros de Soajo, and the scenic Ecovia do Vez, which follows the river through breathtaking landscapes.
- History landmarks: The medieval bridge and old quarter of Arcos de Valdevez, the historic battlefield (Recontro de Valdevez), and the picturesque mountain villages of Sistelo and Gavieira, known for their stone houses and terraces.
- River beach: Praia Fluvial da Valeta, Ponte Medieval de Vilela, Praia Fluvial de Prozelo — peaceful spots along the river with crystal-clear waters and grassy banks, ideal for summer swims and picnics. There are hundreds of lagoons and waterfalls to refresh in hot summer days, such as Lagoas de Grade, Poço Negro, Lagoas da Travanca and many more.
- Family-friendly: Easy trails like Ecovia do Vez, Trilho das Brandas de Sistelo, and the Soajo loop trail offer gentle walks through nature and culture.
- Local food: Taste posta da cachena, rojões à Minhota, or truta do Vez (river trout), paired with local vinho verde.
- Restaurants: Try “O Pote” for traditional Minho dishes, “Sabores da Vila” for local comfort food, or “Adega do Artur” in Soajo for a rustic, mountain-style meal.
Come visit Gerês and it will be our great pleasure to host you in this beautiful paradise
Get in touch with us if you have any questions and we will help you with everything you need. If you want to reserve one of our cozy houses, we really appreciate if you can support us directly and book through this website or through direct contact, instead of airbnb or booking.com. Thank you and see you soon :)