The Gerês, with its full name Peneda-Gerês National Park, extends in the north of Portugal for almost 70 thousand hectares, being the only Portuguese National Park.
Regarding the villages, and first of all, it is important to understand that Gerês is a big territorial area with a lot to offer. Therefore, there are several villages that are worth visiting – many in addition to the ones we talk about here. However, we did try to create a list of villages that we visited over 3 days, thus providing a short itinerary for those who, like us, want to explore Gerês but have only a few days available.
Lindoso and Soajo
Despite being two distinct villages, Lindoso and Soajo are territorially and culturally close.
First, it is in Lindoso that we find the largest group of granaries in the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, in the village itself, we find a wonderful and traditional setting, marked by buildings such as the Castle, the Church and the Pillory.
Next, it is from the Castle that you have one of the best views of the Alto Lindoso Dam. This building, close to the village, is the most powerful production center in the country. If you visit Lindoso, do not forget to also visit the dam – you can even visit the underground power station at 340 meters.
As an additional tip, pay attention to the time of year you visit this village. In our case, we visited in the middle of summer and ended up getting a more yellow tone, with times when nature is reborn and the scenery becomes greener.
Regarding to Soajo, we find a similar scenario, marked by the presence of granaries and several other cultural landmarks, such as Church and Pillory. However, it has a greater presence of nature, with places like Mantas Well and Dark Well.
Additionally, the streets of Soajo are (they were when we visited) constantly filled by the presence of cattle that calmly stroll along the streets.
Castro Laboreiro
One of Gerês' biggest surprises: Castro Laboreiro. This village is mainly known for still having a population that changes houses depending on the months of the year, alternating between 'Brandas' (at the top of the mountain, in hot weather) and 'Inverneiras' (in the valleys, in cold weather).
In this village, in addition to a picturesque center full of scenery, we find the Castle, at an altitude of 850 meters. This is a quick but hard walk to get there – but with a view that is worth it.
Additionally, there are some places in the vicinity that we recommend visiting: the Bridges (the New, the Old and the 'Cava da Velha'), the Laboreiro Waterfall, the Museum, the Bridge and Assureira Mills and, mainly, the Pontes Village, an 'Inverneira'.
Sistelo
Considered one of the 7 Wonder Villages of Portugal, the “Little Portuguese Tibet” became known for its scenery, marked by the surrounding terraces.
Despite being a small village, here are some important points to visit: Castel House, a two-towered building that currently houses an Interpretive Center, the set of granaries within the village itself, the Mother Church and the traditional 'lavadouro'
Additionally, Sistelo stands out for its River Beach and for its walkways, inserted in Ecovia do Vez – these two points can be visited by the Sistelo Walkways Trail.
Another trail worth mentioning is the Sistelo Bridges Trail, with about 1km, and that crosses a set of old bridges.
If the heat allows it, we also recommend a visit to one of the several viewpoints around the village, and which are duly identified through information boards.
vale de poldros
Vale de Poldros, full name Santo António de Vale de Poldros, is an old branda (mountain pasture) in the Serra da Peneda, in the Peneda-Gerês Natural Park.
Although further away from the previous ones, Vale de Potros is worth visiting for the atmosphere. Here, horses and cows roam freely on the road, crossing without much concern.
This is the ideal place to spend the night, as we did in Miradouro da Branda, and enjoy a sunrise and sunset with a special flavor.
While passing through this village, take the opportunity to visit the delicious (and famous) Val de Poldros Restaurant. It is in this area that you will find Mr. Fernando, the only inhabitant of this village.
For those who want to take a walk, you are just a few minutes' walk from Santo António Wind Farm Subpark, part of the Alto Minho I Wind Farm.
Vale de Potros is one of those places we'll recommend, always.
