Natural Heritage

A stage where nature is practically intact and baptized with various refreshing watercourses that support the Cávado and Homem Rivers, this is a rich territory in its flora (highlight as an example the Mata de Albergaria, near the Portela do Homem, well within the National Park of Peneda-Gerês) and fauna (in the Gerês Mountain it is still possible to catch a glimpse of wild horses, boars, wolves or deer, badgers, otters, martens, polecats, roebucks and the famous, but rare, royal eagle or grey-partridge). Inhabited since the Neolithic period, the territory Gerês still preserves some traces of roman occupation, such as the roman military road that crosses the mountain and that in ancient times connected Bracara Augusta to Astorga, and where it is still possible to observe various milestones that date back to the years 79 and 353 A.D. This is actually a giant nature`s amphitheatre which additionally serves other purposes – those of adventure tourism. A privileged contact with the environment, through walks, hikes and horseback rides, as well the practice of adventure tourism, are attracting more and more followers.  Here, in Terras de Bouro, is the heart of the PNPG, the country’s only National Park and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. Their Door (Interpretative Centre), is located in Campo do Gerês in the same building where can also be visited the Museum of Vilarinho das Furnas.