WALKING
HIKING TRAILS
(official Peneda-Gerês National Park’s trails and municipal trails)
Created in 1971 the National Park of Peneda-Geres, situated 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 considered by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. It is a world apart, where human activity is integrated in a harmonious manner with nature.
The exploration of the signed walking trails is an excellent option for all nature lovers to get the direct access to our fabulous & unique landscapes of the National Park.
You can upload the GPS maps on ADERE-PG website.
GR50 – Peneda-Gerês Long Distance Path
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 travelled by herdsmen to upland meadows; routes followed by pilgrims leading to places of worship; smuggling routes along which goods and people passed clandestinely, among many other paths and routes.
Throughout its 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 flavours. Stage by stage follow on features of natural interest, among which the oak forests are outstanding, true sanctuaries of biodiversity, where various floral and faunal species characteristic of the National Park find shelter.
For your guidance and safety, it´s recommended to use the App GR 50 Grande Rota Peneda-Gerês.
Download the application for free on the Google Play Store and the App Store (access to all route information, tracks, services, alerts, points of interest, check-in).
Check in at the App before starting each step. In case of 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.
GOOD PRACTICES, SAFETY AND AUTONOMY
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
– Stay inside the track
– Avoid noise and attitudes that disturb the environment
– Do not collect or damage plants or disturb animals
– Do not leave garbage (do not throw tissues on the floor, its decomposition is very slow), take it to a place where there is a collection service
– Do not fire
– If you are a smoker, do not throw the butts on the floor, keep them to put in the trash can
– Do not destroy or modify the signage
FOR YOUR SAFETY
– Don’t walk alone, always bring 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 the walking time and make sure you finish it before dark
– Transport some food and reserve water
– Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
– If possible, take a mobile phone with you
– Make sure of 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 risks
USEFUL CONTACTS
Emergency: 112