A region that
invites you to explore
Secret waterfalls, granite villages, medieval legends, paragliding over mountains and millenary thermal baths. The Barroso region and Gerês have much to reveal to those who know where to look.
Nature, history and traditions within your reach
Peneda-Gerês National Park is Portugal's only national park. Classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, it is a world apart where human activity integrates harmoniously with nature of rare beauty.
The surrounding Barroso region preserves centuries-old traditions, authentic gastronomy and landscapes that change colour with the seasons. Every outing from our accommodations is a new adventure waiting to be lived.
Summer and winter, the region offers unique experiences — from swimming in crystal-clear lakes to hiking in the snow, from sunsets over the lake to stars in a pollution-free sky.
What to do
in the region
From pure adrenaline to contemplative rest — the region offers activities for all tastes and all ages.
Adrenaline
Paragliding over Larouco
At 1527m altitude, the Larouco massif is the third highest peak in mainland Portugal and one of Portugal's most famous paragliding spots. The world's best pilots compete here — and you can fly with them.
15 min by car · Montalegre
Nature
Hiking & trails
Routes for all levels, from family-friendly 4km trails to demanding mountain hikes. Each trail reveals a different face of the park — holly forests, granite outcrops, rivers and waterfalls.
Starting from the accommodation
Water
Canoeing & water activities
The rivers and reservoirs of the region — Paradela, Caniçada, Alto Rabagão — offer unique conditions for canoeing, kayaking and sport fishing. An exceptional water destination in the heart of the mountains.
20 min by car
Sport
MTB & mountain biking
The Barroso region has MTB circuits in the heart of nature, with technical trails in the mountains and accessible routes along the valleys and reservoirs. A fantastic way to discover the landscape.
Multiple routes in the region
Nature
Wildlife watching
Gerês is home to the Iberian wolf, roe deer, mountain goat and unique endemic species. Dawn and dusk are the golden moments for wildlife watching in this preserved natural paradise.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Night
Astronomy & stargazing
At 900m altitude and far from any light pollution, the night sky of Barroso is a unique spectacle. Identify constellations, observe the Milky Way and be enchanted by the silence of the mountain night.
From the accommodationWaterfalls, lakes
and secret places
Gerês hides natural treasures that take your breath away. Here are the must-sees to discover in the surroundings.
Pitões das Júnias —
the jewel of Barroso
At 1100m altitude, Pitões das Júnias is one of the highest villages in Barroso and one of the most genuinely preserved in the National Park. Its granite houses, ancestral pace of life and warm inhabitants make it a destination in itself.
Not to be missed: the 4km circular trail leading to the ruins of Santa Maria das Júnias Monastery — the most isolated Cistercian monastery known, founded in the 9th century — and the viewpoint of the spectacular Pitões waterfall, one of the most beautiful in Gerês.
Misarela Bridge —
the Devil's Bridge
Suspended over a gorge of the Rabagão river, the Misarela Bridge is one of the most enigmatic places in Gerês. Built in the Middle Ages, its legend says it was erected by the Devil himself overnight to help a fleeing criminal.
Beyond the mystery, the place impresses with its surroundings: the moss-covered gorge, the sound of water and the rocks that create an atmosphere between the dramatic and the contemplative. A place one never forgets.
7 Lakes, Pincães Waterfall
& Cela Cavalos Waterfall
The village of Pincães is the starting point to discover one of Gerês's most beautiful waterfalls: Pincães Waterfall, accessible on foot in 20 minutes, with a crystal-clear lake perfect for swimming.
Nearby, the 7 Lakes of Xertelo trail (12km, more demanding) rewards with 7 successive waterfalls forming natural pools of blue and green waters. And for the most adventurous, Cela Cavalos Waterfall is one of the park's best-kept secrets.
The Barroso that
enchants the soul
A region where traditions are not just the past — they are the present of a community that lives and celebrates them.
Protected nature
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Portugal's only national park, classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. A holly forest unique in the country, endemic species like the Gerês lily (lírio do Gerês), and landscapes that change colour with the seasons.
At the gates of the accommodation
Living tradition
Chegas de bois & Barroso culture
The Barrosã cattle — a breed with protected designation of origin — are the pride of the region. The "chegas de bois", ritualized confrontations between bulls, are part of Barroso's cultural identity and attract visitors from across the country.
Barroso region
Gastronomy
Montalegre Smoked Meats Fair
Every year in January, the Montalegre Smoked Meats Fair celebrates the art of Barroso charcuterie — sausages, ham and artisan cold cuts — and attracts many enthusiasts to the capital of Barroso.
15 min by car · JanuaryWaters that heal
and regenerate
The Alto Tâmega region is blessed with exceptional thermal waters. After a day of hiking or activities, nothing beats immersing yourself in these millenary waters.
Roman thermal baths
Chaves Thermal Baths
Known in Roman times as "Aquae Flaviae", Chaves has the hottest thermal waters in Europe. Bicarbonated and rich in minerals, they have extraordinary anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties. A dive into history and well-being.
40 min by car · Chaves
Thermal baths · Portugal & Spain
Gerês Thermal Baths, Torneiros & Lobios
The region is blessed with exceptional thermal waters on both sides of the border. The Gerês Thermal Baths (Caldas do Gerês), located in the heart of Peneda-Gerês National Park, have been known since Roman times for their bicarbonated waters at 45°C, recommended for the liver, rheumatism and general well-being. On the Spanish side, just 1 hour by car, the natural hot spring pools of Torneiros and Lobios (Galicia) are a hidden treasure — completely free access, waters at 45°C, in the heart of the Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés Natural Park.
30 min · Gerês Thermal Baths | 1h · Lobios, GaliciaAuthentic flavours
of northern Portugal
Transmontane cuisine is a soulful cuisine — exceptional produce, ancestral recipes and the unique flavour of altitude.
Posta Barrosã
The region's emblematic dish. Simply grilled Barrosã PDO beef, served with potatoes and rice. An unmatched flavour.
Pastéis de Chaves
Chaves's signature delicacy — thin, crispy pastry filled with seasoned minced meat. Deliciously addictive.
Barroso charcuterie
Sausages, ham and artisan smoked meats made according to traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Transmontane wines
Douro and Trás-os-Montes wines that perfectly complement the local gastronomy. Robust and full-bodied, just like the region.
