Gerês, town in Portugal
Gerês is a town in northern Portugal's highland region, characterized by granite mountains, forests, and river valleys. The area comprises traditional stone villages with small squares, local shops and cafes, crisscrossed by trails leading to waterfalls, reservoirs, and quiet forest spots.
The region emerged centuries ago as a farming settlement and later developed into a mountain landscape with stone architecture. Gerês became widely known after the Peneda-Gerês National Park was established in 1971, Portugal's first protected nature reserve and a turning point in preserving the terrain.
The region preserves long-standing traditions through small villages where residents work in farming and local crafts. Visitors can observe daily routines tied to the land, participate in local markets, and taste hearty regional dishes that reflect how people live in harmony with their surroundings.
The town is easily accessible from northern Portugal and offers accommodations, restaurants, and small shops for visitors. Trails are accessible throughout the year, with spring and summer providing the best visiting conditions due to mild weather.
Situated at the border with Spain, the region historically served as a meeting place where people from both countries shared stories and work in the mountains. This cross-border connection shaped local culture and makes the place a fusion of mountain community traditions from two nations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
