Granite mountains, waterfalls you can swim under and stone villages in Portugal's only national park, near the Spanish border north of Braga. Here's what Peneda-Gerês is like, when to go and how long to stay.
You'll want a hire car, as buses into the park are few. The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
May, June and September are the best months, warm enough to swim in the river pools with fewer people on the trails. July and August are hot and the most popular waterfalls get busy, especially at weekends. Spring is green, with the waterfalls at their fullest. Winter is cool and very wet, as this is one of the rainiest corners of Portugal.
A string of waterfalls tumbling down a granite valley, with a viewpoint above and cold pools for a summer swim.
Walk a stretch of the old Roman road between Braga and Astorga, still lined with its stone milestones.
Two mountain villages known for their groups of raised granite granaries, called espigueiros. Lindoso also has a castle.
An old stone bridge arching high over a rocky gorge, reached by a short walk.
A long reservoir below the mountains for kayaking, paddleboarding and boat trips in summer.
The park's little spa town, with thermal baths, cafés and trails into the forest.
A historic city with the famous hilltop sanctuary of Bom Jesus, under an hour's drive away.
Fly to Porto, which has plenty of UK flights, then drive about an hour and a half to two hours to the park.
Yes. In summer people swim in the river pools and below waterfalls, though the water stays cold. Some spots are restricted, so follow the signs.
Yes, really. Buses are few, and the trails, villages and viewpoints are spread out along slow mountain roads.
Three or four days covers the waterfalls, a Roman road walk and the villages. A week leaves time for longer hikes and Braga.
Put Peneda-Gerês on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.