PenedaGerês

Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only national park in Portugal, is a protected area in the north of the country. Established in 1971 as Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, it covers about 700 square kilometers across parts of the Braga and Viana do Castelo districts.

Geography and landscapes: The park encompasses the Peneda and Gerês mountain ranges, featuring rugged granite peaks, deep valleys, and extensive montane forests. Its varied topography supports numerous streams, waterfalls, and habitats that range from alpine-like meadows to woodlands.

Biodiversity and conservation: The area is known for rich biodiversity, with oak and pine forests, and a variety of mammals, birds, and amphibians. The park forms part of Natura 2000, and conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats, traditional land use, and ecological connectivity.

Recreation and culture: It contains traditional villages, stone bridges, and archaeological remains. The park is a destination for hiking and nature tourism, with popular routes such as Vereda das 7 Fontes.

Administration: The park is governed by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) and is designated as a Natura 2000 site, reflecting its role in conservation, research, and sustainable regional development.