Hiking and swimming in Gerês National Park

(15 reviews)
Hiking and swimming in Gerês National Park
  • 8 hours
  • Max 8-15 pax
  • Gerês

Highlights:

  1. Hike through the scenic trails of Gerês National Park
  2. Swim and relax in natural pools with crystal-clear water
  3. Stop at waterfalls and take in panoramic views of the park


Experience Description:

Spend the day walking through Geres National Park, just an hour and a half from Porto. Immerse yourself into the heart of the park, explore the grounds, and enjoy a coffee. Hike for 5 km to the 7 natural pools, spend some time admiring the natural beauty, and head back 5 km again to the starting point.


THE HIKE:

Embark on a 10 km (6.2 miles) hike that takes you to 7 magnificent natural pools situated in the heart of the park. The hike will be divided into 2 stages, 5 km (3.1 miles) from the starting point to the pools, where you'll stay for around 1.5/2 hours to dive in the amazing natural pools. Depending on people's willingness, the group can stay a bit longer. Then, hike 5 km (3.1 miles) back to the starting point. The path is on uneven terrain but without steep slopes.


HIKE DIFFICULTY:

Difficult: for people who are not used to walking.

Medium: For people who are used to hiking for 10 km in the countryside.

Easy: For people who are used to hiking for more than 10 km on uneven terrain with steep slopes.


LUNCH:

For lunch, you need to prepare your own food as there's nothing around where you can eat. Please bring lots of water as it might be very hot.


GROUP SIZE:

From 8 to 19/pax maximum. After the hike, you'll have the chance to stop in a local tavern for a refreshing drink and relax a bit before making your way back to Porto. Arrival in Porto will be around 5:30 PM.

4.93

Excellent ( Baseado em 15 reviews )

15 Reviews

  1. Wael
    Wael
    21/08/2024

    I had the incredible opportunity to explore the breathtaking Gerês National Park, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The 10-kilometer hike into the heart of the park was an adventure that I will cherish forever. The lush greenery, the sound of birds, and the fresh mountain air combined to create a serene yet invigorating experience. One of the absolute highlights was reaching the park's stunning waterfalls. The sight of crystal-clear water cascading down the rocks, surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature, was simply mesmerizing. Taking a refreshing dive into the natural pools felt like a dream—it was the perfect reward after the hike. The water was cool, clean, and rejuvenating, making it an unforgettable moment. Angelo, truly made the experience even more special. He was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly funny, which added a lot of fun to the hike. His passion for the park and its natural wonders was contagious. Angelo was always helpful, highly recommended.

    Reply
  1. Orinta
    Orinta
    01/09/2024

    It was a wonderful day! We got a chance to take a break from the city and spend a whole day in nature, we saw beautiful mountains, goats and cows, and the pools in the mountains were breathtaking! The guide was also a wonderful, friendly and positive person, as was the group we went with. So yes, don't hesitate and go discover this magical place in Portugal!

    Reply
  1. John
    John
    21/07/2024

    Amazing views and scenery. Bus ride was a bit long but worth the drive. Never thought Portugal was this green. Water everywhere. Great waterfall pools for swimming.

    Reply
  1. Beth
    Beth
    01/09/2024

    A great activity if you’re staying in Porto. It’s a beautiful walk leading up to stunning lagoons and waterfalls. Exactly as described in the description. Our guide was friendly and helpful, he gave us some great recommendations for the rest of our trip in Porto. Would highly recommend.

    Reply
  1. Samantha
    Samantha
    01/09/2024

    Beautiful hike, was the highlight of our Porto Trip!! The ride was calm and the hike was pretty easy with our friendly guide. The water was so refreshing and beautiful!

    Reply
  1. Alyssa
    Alyssa
    02/09/2024

    Miguel was a great guide and everything was as described. It is a wonderful day trip outside of Porto for a traveler without a car. I also became nice friends with another traveler on the tour. Thanks for a great tour!

    Reply
  1. James
    James
    21/08/2024

    Great activity. Beautiful hike and scenery. Felt like lord of the rings scenery! Would 10/10 recommend. Hike isn’t for handicap or disabled, need to be able to cross easy/medium terrain in brief instances but overall easy

    Reply
  1. Dan
    Dan
    21/03/2024

    Ours hosts were fantastic. Friendly, helpful, caring and a good laugh. The national park is beautiful and a nice play to spend the day waking with like minded people. Loved it.

    Reply
  1. Elizabeth
    Elizabeth
    01/07/2024

    This tour was amazing from start to finish! The scenery was absolutely stunning and it was a great beginner level hike - not too hard at all. The guides were awesome, very funny and welcoming, and it was a great way to meet other travellers too. The tour was also really well-organised - we were given clear instructions on where and when to meet and what to bring. Overall it was just perfect! Thank you so much for an amazing day!

    Reply
  1. Sarah
    Sarah
    21/07/2024

    Two of us joined the hiking/swimming trip. The scenery was stunning and the pools beautiful. The hike was a nice distance - a decent amount to enjoy the scenery and exercise, but not too challenging. Our guide Rui was fantastic. Really friendly and knowledgeable and made sure we had a lovely day. It was a nice, small friendly group.

    Reply
  1. Yotam
    Yotam
    01/09/2024

    The guide was very good and the area is as amazing as the photos

    Reply
  1. Sonia
    Sonia
    03/12/2025

    This was one of my highlights from my Porto trip. After touring the city for a whole day, it was so nice to spend my second day of the trip outside in nature. Our guide, originally from the Czech Republic, was wonderful and spoke so many languages to accommodate everyone. The hike was moderate in level - remember to pack plenty of water as it's hot! Getting to the lagoons was bliss and we had almost 2 hours to swim and eat our packed lunches. The special surprise about this excursion was all the great people we were able to meet and befriend from all around the world!

    Reply
  1. Norma
    Norma
    03/12/2025

    It was a wonderful trip! Miguel was a wonderful guide. He made us laugh and was very flexible for every member of the group. The park was gorgeous and the lagoons were amazing!!!! Thank you!

    Reply
  1. Melanie
    Melanie
    03/12/2025

    It was just all around a great experience. Can highly recommend Miguel our tourguide. My son forgot his phone in the van, and after hours they texted me back that they found it. 👏👏👏

    Reply
  1. Dennis
    Dennis
    03/12/2025

    The best part was enjoying the relaxing nature during the short hikes and the people who we went with, including our guide. I recommend this trip if you want to enjoy the nature and look at some beautiful views. Sadly it was a rainy and foggy day when we went so some views were obstructed by the clouds.

    Reply

Meeting Point

Our shop is located in the Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira, nº34, 4050-414 Porto

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Drive to the hike location

The drive from Porto to Gerês takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, there is a small shop with restrooms where you can pause for a few minutes before starting the hike

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Hike to the 7 lagoons

Start your hike in the direction of the 7 lagoons, hiking for 5 km (3.1 miles)

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Swim and relax at the lagoons

Enjoy a quality time in the lagoons, swim, eat your lunch, lay down and relax with nature. We stay in the lagoons for 1:30/2 hours.

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Hike back to the starting point

Hike back the 5km (3,1 miles) to where we first arrived and rest a little bit before heading back to Porto

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Return to Porto

Drive back to Porto after a day full of adventures surrounded by nature!

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What's included

  • Insurance
  • Round-trip transportation between Porto and Gerês National Park
  • Experienced guide



What's not included

  • X Additional food and drinks not included
  • X Gratuities not included

Know before you go

  • Please make sure to eat breakfast before the activity begins
  • In the summer, Gerês can be a bit hot; be prepared for temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius
  • Food and drinks are not included, please make sure you bring something to eat during the day
  • Ensure you can walk on uneven terrain for about 3 to 4 hours
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Not wheelchair accessible or people with mobility impairments
  • Groups can go up to 19 pax maximum
  • This experience does not take place in case of rain. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund



Not suitable for

  • Children under 6 years
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users
  • Not suitable for pets

What to bring

  • Please have breakfast before the experience starts
  • Lunch
  • Comfortable clothes and shoes
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Water

FAQs

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, departing from Porto and returning at the end of the day.


Can we bring children?

Yes, children can join the tour; however, you must inform us in advance so we can provide a child seat. Child seats are mandatory for children up to 6 years old, and booster seats are required for children between 6 and 12 years old. We can provide these upon prior request.


I have specific allergies. What should I do?

In case of allergies, you should always inform us either when booking the experience or at check-in.


How long is the van ride?

The trip from Porto to the Douro Valley takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The return trip from the Douro to Porto takes approximately the same amount of time.


Is the hike to difficult?

If you are used to hiking, you will probably find this walk moderate and enjoyable.

⚠️ If you are not used to walking, are elderly, sedentary, or have heart, respiratory, or mobility issues, this hike will likely be very difficult and exhausting.


Does the experience take place if it rains?

No, in case of rain, this experience cannot take place. In this situation, we will offer an alternative activity or a full refund.


Can we bring animals?

If you wish to bring an animal, the situation must be handled carefully. You should contact us in advance to inform us, so we can evaluate whether it’s possible, due to potential allergies from other passengers in the van. We do NOT provide animal carriers. If we are not informed beforehand, the animal cannot join the tour.


Do you have wheelchair access?

No, our transportation does not have wheelchair access.


Where is lunch?

Guests must bring their own lunch. A picnic will take place halfway through the walk so you can enjoy a relaxed meal.


Do I need sun protection?

Yes, you should bring sunscreen, as temperatures in Portugal can be quite high during the summer.


  • Type of experience
    Adventure
  • Attributes
    Hiking, Swimming
  • Advance booking

    Can be booked no later than 8 hour(s) before start time

  • Live tour guide
    English, Portuguese, French
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