From Fafe: Full-Day Tour in Gerês National Park

Nestled in the heart of northern Portugal, the Gerês National Park beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. From the charming town of Fafe, one can embark on a captivating full-day tour that unveils the park’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and delectable local flavors. Discover the quaint village of Fafião, marvel at the panoramic vistas from Pedra Bela, and explore the UNESCO-protected Mata da Albergaria. But the true highlight of this immersive experience may just lie in the secrets hidden beneath the surface of the submerged village of Vilarinho das Furnas, where the past and present converge in a captivating display.

Good To Know

• A full-day tour in Gerês National Park from Fafe, priced at €270 per person, exploring cultural heritage and natural landscapes over 8 hours.
• Highlights include visiting the pastoral village of Fafião, the Pedra Bela viewpoint, and the UNESCO Biogenetic Reserve of Mata da Albergaria.
• The tour includes a visit to the submerged village of Vilarinho das Furnas and a tasting of local products like Serra da Estrela cheese and broa.
• Visitors can experience the region’s gastronomic delights, including hearty stews, rustic breads, and artisanal cheeses, during a traditional lunch.
• Language options for the tour are Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour in Gerês National Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Priced at €270 per person, the 8-hour experience invites travelers to explore the picturesque village of Fafiã, renowned for its pastoral traditions and abundant herds of cows and goats. Guests will savor a lunch featuring typical local gastronomy, discover the stunning Pedra Bela viewpoint, and venture through the UNESCO Biogenetic Reserve of Mata da Albergaria.

The tour also delves into the history of the submerged village of Vilarinho das Furnas and treats visitors to a tasting of local products from the national park’s shops.

Offering language options in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French, this comprehensive tour provides a seamless and enriching day in the heart of northern Portugal.

Experience Highlights

Visitors first journey to the charming village of Fafião, renowned for its pastoral traditions and herds of cows and goats that freely roam the landscape. There, they’ll savor a lunch showcasing the region’s celebrated local gastronomy, savoring time-honored recipes and flavors.

The tour then continues to the breathtaking Pedra Bela viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas of the park’s rugged terrain. Next, guests explore the UNESCO Biogenetic Reserve of Mata da Albergaria, seeing the lush, primeval forest.

The journey culminates with a visit to the submerged village of Vilarinho das Furnas, learning about its poignant community history. Finally, visitors delight in tastings of the park’s renowned local products, bringing a taste of Gerês home.

Village of Fafião

The charming village of Fafião sits nestled amidst the rolling hills of Gerês National Park, a bastion of pastoral traditions where cows and goats roam freely, their gentle bells echoing across the landscape. As visitors wander its narrow streets, they’ll be treated to a glimpse of everyday life in this rural community, where locals tend to their livestock and cultivate the land using time-honored methods. During the tour, guests will savor a delectable lunch featuring the region’s renowned gastronomic delights, each bite a celebration of the area’s rich culinary heritage.

Highlights of Fafião
Pastoral Traditions	Cows and Goats
Local Gastronomy	Community History

Local Gastronomy

During the tour, guests indulge in a delectable lunch that celebrates the region’s renowned gastronomic delights, each flavorful bite showcasing the area’s rich culinary heritage.

The meal features traditional dishes crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, offering a tantalizing taste of Peneda-Gerês’s pastoral bounty. Hearty stews made with tender meats, fragrant herbs, and seasonal vegetables delight the palate, while rustic breads and artisanal cheeses provide the perfect accompaniment.

Dessert brings sweet surprises, like creamy custards and decadent tarts infused with the region’s signature berries and honey. This convivial lunch not only nourishes the body but also provides a deeper understanding of the area’s unique foodways and the dedicated producers who preserve them.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pedra Bela Viewpoint

One captivating highlight of the tour is the breathtaking Pedra Bela viewpoint, where sweeping vistas of Peneda-Gerês’s rugged mountain landscapes unfold.

From this lofty perch, visitors can admire the park’s undulating hills and valleys, their emerald hues punctuated by the silvery ribbons of cascading streams.

The viewpoint offers:

• Panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see

• A chance to spot indigenous wildlife like Iberian wolves and Garrano wild horses

• Opportunities to photograph the park’s dramatic geological formations

• A peaceful respite to simply soak in the serene natural beauty

This viewpoint provides an awe-inspiring introduction to the breathtaking grandeur of Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Mata Da Albergaria

Nestled within the verdant folds of Peneda-Gerês National Park lies the UNESCO-protected Mata da Albergaria, a lush biogenetic reserve that beckons visitors to explore its enchanting old-growth forests.

As you wander along the winding paths, you’ll be enveloped by a cathedral-like canopy of towering oaks, chestnuts, and maples, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The rich, loamy scent of the forest floor mingles with the earthy aroma of moss-covered rocks and fallen logs.

Keep an eye out for the park’s diverse wildlife, from timid roe deer to vibrant birds that flit between the branches.

This pristine ecosystem offers a peaceful respite from the outside world, inviting you to slow down and savor the tranquility of nature.

Vilarinho Das Furnas

Submerged beneath the serene waters of the Vilarinho das Furnas reservoir lies the remnants of a once-thriving village, its history etched into the consciousness of the surrounding community.

Abandoned in the 1950s to make way for hydroelectric development, this now-sunken settlement stands as a poignant reminder of the trade-offs between progress and preserving the past.

Visitors can learn about the community’s way of life, including:

• The stone homes and cobblestone streets that once bustled with activity

• The church bell tower that still emerges from the water, a haunting relic

• The personal belongings and furnishings that have been recovered, offering glimpses into daily life

• The oral histories passed down, preserving the stories of those who once called Vilarinho home.

Local Products Tasting

What better way to cap off the day’s exploration than with a tantalizing tasting of the local specialties from Peneda-Gerês National Park?

Visitors are invited to indulge in a curated selection of artisanal products, each one a delectable snapshot of the region’s rich culinary heritage.

From the robust and creamy Serra da Estrela cheese to the honey-sweetened cornbread known as broa, these authentic flavors ignite the senses.

The tour also includes a sampling of cured meats, preserves, and liqueurs that showcase the exceptional quality of the park’s produce.

As guests savor each morsel, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions and terroir that define this captivating corner of Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Different Pickup Location From the Hotel?

Yes, guests can request a different pickup location from their hotel. The tour provider offers flexible pickup options to accommodate travelers’ needs and ensure a seamless start to their immersive Gerês National Park experience.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. However, the immersive experience exploring Peneda-Gerês National Park’s stunning landscapes and sampling regional gastronomy is sure to be worth every penny for all ages.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages on the tour, though a delightful regional lunch is included in the experience. Enjoying the tour’s picturesque landscapes and cultural offerings is encouraged, with the convenience of having a meal provided.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Activity During the Tour?

The tour allots ample time for each activity, allowing guests to fully enjoy the local culture and natural wonders. Visitors can expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours at each destination, savoring the flavors and experiences of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Does the Tour Have Any Physical Requirements or Limitations?

The tour has several physical requirements – it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, those with altitude sickness, recent surgeries, or motion sickness. Guests should be prepared for moderate hiking and navigating uneven terrain during the day.

The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating journey through Gerês National Park, where charming villages, breathtaking vistas, and a UNESCO biogenetic reserve await.

Indulge in the region’s local gastronomy and uncover the intriguing history of the submerged village, all while savoring artisanal products.

This full-day tour from Fafe promises an immersive and epicurean experience, leaving you with lasting memories of the park’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: