Peneda-Geres

The northeastern corner of the Minho is quite unlike most of this densely populated, heavily cultivated region. Here several forested serras (mountain ranges) rise up, cut through with deep valleys. A significant part of this area is protected, forming Portugal’s only national park, the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês. But there are striking landscapes even outside the park’s borders, such as the valley of the River Cávado, which harbors Portugal’s first five-star rural resort, and the River Homem, with its Vilarinho das Furnas reservoir. The town of Caldas de Gerês has a popular spa and a cluster of lodging options.