WALKING
HIKING TRAILS
(official trails in the Peneda-Gerês National Park and municipal trails)
Created in 1971 the National Park of Peneda-Geres, between the Alto Minho and Trás-os-Montes, the Serra da Peneda and Serra do Gerês constitute the only Portuguese protected area that has been classified as a National Park and considered by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. It is a world apart, where human activity is harmoniously integrated with nature.
Exploring the national park by hiking the trails is an excellent option for all nature lovers to get direct access to our fabulous & unique landscapes of the Peneda-Gerês.
You can download the GPS maps from the ADERE-PG website.
GR50 – Peneda-Gerês Great Route 50
Discover the National Park through the GR50.
Truly motivated by the culture and way of life of the communities that have long inhabited this area, the Peneda-Gerês Path reveals Roman roads and medieval pavements; paths used for seasonal transhumance between summer and winter settlements; old tracks traveled by herdsmen to upland meadows; routes followed by pilgrims leading to places of worship; smuggling routes for goods and people, among many other paths and routes.
Throughout its whole length, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know the rich historical and archaeological heritage of the National Park, to live with the traditions and culture of the communities that inhabit these mountains and to enjoy local flavors. Stage by stage follow on features of natural interest, among the outstanding oak forests, true sanctuaries of biodiversity, where species of flora and fauna find shelter in the National Park.
For your guidance and safety, it’s recommended to use the App GR 50 Great Route Peneda-Gerês.
Download the application for free from the Google Play Store or App Store (access to all route information, trails, services, alerts, points of interest, check-in).
Check in on the app before starting each step. In case of an emergency, it may be easier to find your location.
The “Ask for help” feature can be used in case you need to communicate the coordinates of your location to 112, the Portuguese national emergency number.
GOOD PRACTICES, SAFETY AND AUTONOMY
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
– Stay on track
– Avoid noise and disturbing attitudes towards the environment
– Do not collect or damage plants or disturb animals
– Do not litter (do not dispose of tissues, its decomposition is very slow), take it to the nearest collection point.
– Do not start a fire
– If you are a smoker, cigarette butts are to be taken to the nearest collection point.
– Do not destroy or modify the signs
FOR YOUR SAFETY
– Don’t walk just by yourself, always hike with company
– Collect previously updated information about the route
– Always inform someone of the trail you are going to take and the estimated time of arrival
– Make sure of the walking time and make sure you finish it before night falls
– Transport some food and reserve water
– Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
– If possible, take a mobile phone with you
– Check the weather conditions at the location of the route, before starting it
– In the event of heavy rains, winds and hail and/ or snowfall, do not take the route or go back the same way
– Don’t take unnecessary risks
USEFUL CONTACTS
National Emergency Line: 112