What to see in Peneda Geres, excursions in the Portuguese national park which includes ancient mountains, archaeological sites, waterfalls and typical villages.
National Park
The Peneda Geres national park is located in the northern part of Portugal, between the provinces of Minho and Tràs-os-Montes, in the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Vila Real.
Founded in 1971, it covers an area of about 70,000 hectares and represents the largest natural reserve in the state, the only one to be considered a National Park.
In the territory of the park there are mountains of very ancient origin, of which the most important are Mount Nevosa and the Dos Cabroes Altare, both at an altitude of around 1545 meters and located near the border with Spain.
On the peaks there are splendid granite massifs.
There are spectacular waterfalls and many rivers, also in the subsoil there are important resources including gold, tin and tungsten.
The presence of human inhabitants is currently scarce, there are only a few small villages with agricultural land attached with characteristic houses built using mountain granite and straw to cover the roof.
What see
Some ancient settlements are testified by some recent archaeological excavations, which have brought to light prehistoric and Roman remains.
- Flora: thanks to the abundant rains and the mild climate, the vegetation is very varied and luxuriant. Among the most widespread species we find, depending on the different altitudes, olive trees, vines and orange trees as well as pine and oak woods.
- Fauna: it is not difficult to meet wolves, golden eagles, roe deer, wild boars and otters, as well as wild cats, red squirrels and eagle owls. There is no shortage of reptiles including snakes, vipers and frogs and a particular species of dwarf horse, the garrano.
- Archaeological sites: finds that came to light following the excavations carried out, testify to the human presence in these places in Portugal since ancient times.
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- Porto Santo (Portugal): what to see on the island
- Algarve (Portugal): what to see in the region
- Cascais (Portugal): what to see
- Braga (Portugal): what to see in the ancient city
- Waterfalls: among the most visited places are those located near the border of Portela do Homem and the pretty village of Vilarinho das Furnas.
