North Portugal Tourism Guide - Peneda-Geres Travel

Travelling to and within Peneda-Geres National Park

Public transport won't get you very far into the park as bus services are limited during the week and are even less at weekends. Bus services run from Melgaco near the Rio Minho to Lamas de Mouro and Castro Laboreiro in the north; from Arcos de Valdevez to Soajo and Lindoso in the centre and from Braga to Caldas do Geres in the south.

You'll be much freer to explore the park with your own transport. The roads are generally very good and well maintained for the onslaught of the Portuguese weekend picnickers. It seems that most people drive to the park and find one of the many "Miradouros" viewpoints from which to take in the fabulous views and picnic on the benches nearby. If you take the N308 road through the middle of the protected central area of the Park you'll find that because this leads to a border crossing it can't be closed - this is one of the concessions that compromises the protection of this central zone. When travelling along the 6 kilometre stretch of road above Geres motorised traffic is not permitted to stop. There are checkpoints at each end from which you have time-stamped tickets and you are expected to check them in at the other end within 15 minutes.

There are now several hiking trails (trilhos) throughout the Park and the PNPG offices provide numbered leaflets which detail the walk and interesting geological and ecological sights on the way as well as a brief map. These come in Portuguese/English versions. There are also themed walks such as the Roman trail that takes you past a series of Roman milestones, and the Bee Hives Interpretive Trail that shows you how the mountain inhabitants made honey and protected their hives from bears! You will need a proper map if you're heading off for a hike as although most trails are waymarked, landmarks are not always that obvious and you may not meet any other walkers while you're out. The National Park offices produce two glossy, colourful maps, but these aren't detailed enough for walking. You should make sure you've got a good topographical map before you head off into the wilderness. You can buy these at home or in bigger cities like Porto or Lisbon.

When travelling in the Park keep your wits about you. Upland fires are a common incident caused by litter which can cause fires in the intense heat, discarded cigarettes or carelessness of picnickers. The vegetation can be tinder dry so once a fire's started it can spread rapidly. Natural wildfires are also part of the ecological system here but do take care not to leave anything that could start fires unnecessarily. Some of the roads can be steep and windy so take care as you may well meet another traveller head on.

Mountain Safety in Portugal

Although weather can generally be warmer than in Britain, weather in the mountains can still be unpredictable and cooler on the tops. You will definitely need sun protection cream, hat and sunglasses as it can be very exposed in the mountains and you may not realise how quickly your skin can burn especially if there is a cool wind.

You need to layer up with clothing to cater for any eventuality. This should include warm, windproof and waterproof garments. Cotton shirts are cold when wet with sweat, modern wicking thermal vests are useful all year round. Wear comfortable boots that will protect your feet on all terrain. Take hat, gloves and a spare fleece; it is always colder on the tops. You will need map and compass in case your way is not marked. Take a reliable watch, whistle, and torch (six blasts or flashes repeated at minute intervals signal an emergency). A survival bag or modern light-weight emergency shelter can also be invaluable. Mobile phones and GPS are useful tools, but must not be relied upon entirely as you can often be out of signal around the mountains. A basic First Aid Kit can be useful. For the more adventurous in winter conditions, an ice-axe and crampons may be needed and climbers are urged to wear helmets.

Eat well before you start, cereals and carbohydrates release energy slowly and constantly throughout the day. In addition to sandwiches, take energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, or glucose which restore energy quickly. Warm drinks do wonders for morale. Streams on mountains are drinkable if fast-running over stony beds.

There is safety in numbers, but groups should ensure that party leaders have sufficient and relevant experience. Do not leave anyone behind. Discuss and agree a contingency plan with everyone. Take special care of anyone lagging behind or less able at all times but particularly in dangerous places. Tell someone your planned route, starting & finishing points and your expected time of return - remember to let them know when you're back. If plans change, let your friends & family know.

Mountain Safety continued

Don't press on if conditions are against you turn back even if it upsets your plans. Send for help as soon as possible, but take time to assess the seriousness of the situation first - you may be able to help yourselves. Give first aid, and keep injured or exhausted people warm until help reaches you.

Dial 112 for all emergencies. You will be given a choice between policia, ambulancia or bombeiros (police, ambulance, fire brigade).

National Parks Information Offices

There are National Park offices at Braga, Terras de Bouro, Arcos de Valdevez and Montalegre. Braga: Avenida Antonio Macedo, Braga 4704-538, Portugal. Tel: 351 253 203480. Fax: 351 253 613169. Email: pnpg@icn.pt. Directions on our Braga page - link opposite. Arcos de Valdevez: Rua Pde Manuel Himalaia, 4970-462 Arcos de Valdevez. Tel: 351 258 515 338. Fax: 351 258 522 707

Terras de Bouro: Centro de Educacao Ambiental do Vidoeiro, Lugar do Vidoeiro, no 99 4845-081 Geres. Tel: 351 253 390 110. Fax: 351 253 391 496.

Montalegre: Rua do Reigoso, 5470-236 Montalegre. Tel: 351 276 518 320/1. Fax: 351 276 518 322.

In addition, there are National Park Gateways which have the full range of maps and leaflet information as well as permanent displays explaining different aspects of the park at: Lamas de Mouro, Concelho de Melgaco - accessed from EN 202 road. Mezio, Concelho de Arcos de Valdevez, - accessed from EN 202 road via Cabana Maior. Cabril, Concelho de Montalegre, - accessed from EN 103-8 road.