top of page

Portugal's Wild North

Northern Portugal's Natural Majesty: 4 Parks, One Unforgettable Journey

From the mountains of the Peneda Gerês National Park, to the oak forests of the Montesinho Natural Park, to the harsh cliffs of the Douro International Natural Park, there are many ecosystems to explore with our local guides. Territories of Iberian wolves, Iberian ibex and incredible birdlife. The trip ends in a different protected area in the Côa Wilderness, at Rewilding Portugal area.

D1 WELCOME TO PORTUGAL

Welcome to Northern Portugal and the beginning of your journey through its wild landscapes. After car pick up, drive to Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal's only national park, where mountains, forests and traditional villages set the scene for the days ahead.

Your home for the next three nights is a charming country house in a peaceful village within the park.

Overnight Country House - Campo do Gerês

 

D2 MATA DE ALBERGARIA AND CAMPO DO GERÊS | 8 KM +230/-230

Explore at your own pace through the ancient Mata de Albergaria, one of Portugal's finest native oak forests. Follow sections of the historic Roman road before ending the walk in the picturesque village of Campo do Gerês, where nature and centuries of history come together.

Overnight Country House - Campo do Gerês

 

D3 PENEDA GERÊS NATIONAL PARK DAY TOUR

Discover the highlights of Peneda-Gerês National Park with a local guide. Through a series of short walks, explore ancient forests, mountain villages and spectacular landscapes while learning about the park's unique wildlife, biodiversity and local traditions.

Overnight Country House - Campo do Gerês

 

D4 ALVÃO NATURAL PARK & LEVADA DE VILARINHO WALK | 8 KM +200/-200

Leave Peneda-Gerês behind and journey east to the Alvão Mountains, a lesser-known landscape of forests, waterfalls and traditional farming communities. Upon arrival in Mondim de Basto, enjoy a circular walk along the historic Levada do Vilarinho, an ancient irrigation channel once built to carry water from Bentuzelos to the surrounding fields.

The trail winds through peaceful oak and chestnut woodlands, where birdsong accompanies every step, before passing beautifully preserved granite villages that reflect the region's enduring rural traditions. A gentle walk that perfectly combines natural beauty with cultural heritage.

Overnight Country House - Mondim de Basto

 

D5 FISGAS DO ERMELO | 12KM +500/-500

Today's walk explores one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Alvão Natural Park. Follow mountain trails through rugged granite and schist scenery to the impressive Fisgas de Ermelo, one of the largest waterfalls in the Iberian Peninsula.

Along the way, enjoy sweeping views over the Olo River, deep gorges and the park's wild highlands, where traditional farming and unspoilt nature continue to shape the landscape.

Overnight Country House - Mondim de Basto

 

D6 BRAGANÇA & AFTERNOON DEERS & WOLVES TOUR

Travel to the remote landscapes of Montesinho Natural Park, with time to explore the historic town of Bragança and its impressive medieval citadel. In the late afternoon, join a local guide for an immersive tour through one of Portugal's wildest regions, learning about the park's landscapes, traditional villages and the wildlife that inhabits these mountains, including red deer and the elusive Iberian wolf.

Overnight Countryside Eco Studio - Montesinho Natural Park

 

D7 OAK & CHESTNUTS SELF GUIDED WALK

A day to explore your village surrounding, walk between oaks and centenary chestnut trees. Visit a local honey producer.

Overnight Countryside Eco Studio - Montesinho Natural Park

D8 MIRANDA DONKEY CONSERVATION & DOURO CANYON BOAT TOUR

Journey through the dramatic landscapes of Douro International Natural Park to the village of Atenor. Visit the Centro de Valorização do Burro de Miranda to learn about the conservation of Portugal's native donkey breed. Afternoon scenic boat trip through the Arribas do Douro, offering a unique perspective of the dramatic canyon and its remarkable birdlife, including griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and black storks.

Overnight B&B - Bemposta

 

D9 DOURO INTERNATIONAL VULTURES & GRIFFONS

Explore the landscapes of Douro International Natural Park, with the option of short walks along the way. The park's dramatic cliffs are home to griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and other birds of prey, which can often be seen soaring above the Douro canyon.

Overnight B&B - Bemposta

 

D10 CÔA ROCKT ART

Travel to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Côa Valley. Visit the Côa Museum to discover the story of one of the world's most important collections of open-air Palaeolithic rock art. Later, join a guided visit to the archaeological sites, where the ancient engravings can be admired in their original landscape.

Overnight 4 star hotel - VN Foz Côa

 

D11 DOURO VALLEY & PORTO

Travel through the Douro valley, enjoying incredible landscapes, to the heart of the Douro wine region. From here head to Porto.

Night 4 star hotel - Porto

 

D12 DEPARTURE

Like what you see but want some changes? No worries! Just let us know what you're envisioning.

 

We'll tailor this itinerary to match your unique interests, preferences, and schedule, crafting your dream vacation.

Physical Rating

Duration

Price per Person

12 Days

From €1200

bottom of page