After arriving, ease into the valley with a relaxed drive to the São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint for sweeping panoramas over the terraced vineyards and the Douro River-perfect for photos and a short coffee at the roadside kiosk. Continue with a gentle walk along the Miradouro de Casal de Loivos trails to spot traditional quintas and spring blossoms, finishing at Quinta do Bomfim for a brief cellar tour and tasting to orient you to the region's wines.
Drive down to the riverside village of Pinhão and stroll along the historic Pinhão Railway Station to admire its azulejo panels before boarding a short, late-afternoon scenic Rabelo-boat cruise on the Douro River to feel the valley's scale from the water. After the cruise, visit Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman) for a sunset terrace tasting and panoramic views over the terraced vineyards, then relax with a riverside dinner at a local taverna in Pinhão to set the tone for tomorrow's hikes.
As twilight falls, take a short drive to Favaios for a stroll through its honeyed streets and stop at a family-run docaria to sample local pastries and muscatel. Finish the night with a relaxed supper and view of the valley from the terrace of Quinta da Pacheca, where you can enjoy regional cuisine paired with a glass of wine while listening to the river valley settle into evening hush.
Set out early for a rewarding hike along the old mule tracks of the terraced hills, starting at Quinta do Tedo and following the marked path toward the panoramic ridge at Miradouro da Pedra Alta, where spring wildflowers frame sweeping views of the river. Pause midday for a guided vineyard walk and picnic at Quinta do Panascal, tasting fresh olive oil and local cheese while learning about hand-harvested viticulture before returning to Pinhão to board your afternoon boat.
After your hearty picnic, descend toward the river for a guided Rabelo-boat experience departing from Tua Wharf, where the skipper will weave local stories as you glide past terraced quintas and hidden river coves. Later, stretch your legs on the riverside promenade to Castelo de Numão for a short exploration of the hilltop ruins and sweeping late-afternoon views, finishing with a tasting of regionally produced olive oils and a plate of smoked chouriço at a riverside tavern in Alijó as the valley warms into sunset.
Wind down with a slow, sensory evening that stays close to the river: head to São João da Pesqueira for an al fresco tasting at a small, family-run quinta where you can sip late-harvest whites as the light softens. Afterwards, take a short twilight walk along the cobbled streets to Capela de São Salvador for gentle hilltop views, then enjoy a riverside dinner at Taberna do Rio, sampling grilled river fish and a bottle from a nearby producer while listening to local stories from the proprietor.
Leave the Douro terraces after an early breakfast and drive north into rugged country, arriving to begin a crisp morning trek from the visitor centre at Portela do Homem up toward the striking granite outcrops of Arado Valley; the route threads through spring meadows where you may spot roe deer and mountain orchids. Pause at the scenic plunge pools near Poço Azul for a cooling break and a picnic of local bread, queijo and chouriço, then continue along the pastoral lanes to the stone village of Lamas de Mouro to meet shepherding traditions and gain perspective on the park before your afternoon explorations.
After lunch in a local village, head deeper into the park for an afternoon of cliffside panoramas and gentle scrambling along the Miradouro da Pedra Bela route, where granite tors open to sweeping views of forested valleys and distant ridgelines. Continue with a guided visit to the ancient schist hamlet of Castro Laboreiro to meet shepherds, sample rustic mountain honey, and explore nearby glacial lakes such as Lagoa da Várzea before settling at a rural pousada for a fireside dinner and stargazing.
After a day of high ridgelines and plunge pools, slow the pace with a drive toward the park's quieter southern slopes and enjoy sunset from Miradouro do Arado Pequeno, where the late light gilds the valley and granite faces. Follow this with a hearty mountain supper at the family-run Taberna da Calçada in a nearby village, then join a short, guided nocturnal walk to listen for owls and spot grazing deer beneath the stars near Vale do Cávado.
Set out at first light for a looped trek through the heart of the park, starting from Vilarinho da Furna (viewpoint) and following the well-marked trail toward the thundering cascades of Cascata do Arado, where you can pause on granite slabs for coffee and photos. Continue along the river corridor to explore the secluded pools at Cascata de Pedra Bela and keep an eye for roe deer and the park's endemic butterflies as a local guide points out medicinal plants and traditional shepherding terraces before a riverside picnic.
After your morning waterfall loop, take a scenic forest track toward Miradouro do Penedo, pausing to scan open glades for red deer and the endemic Iberian emerald dragonflies around the marshy folds. Continue to Poço do Inferno for an invigorating swim in a sheltered plunge pool, then follow a quieter shepherds' trail to the traditional schist cluster of S. Bento da Porta Aberta for a late-afternoon coffee with locals and stories of mountain life before returning to your pousada as the light softens.
As dusk falls, drive to the tranquil hamlet of Cerdeira and take an easy riverside stroll along the sheltered banks of the Ribeira de Pitões to listen for night birds and spot bat activity. Follow this with a candlelit meal at the family-run Casa do Xico, sampling slow-cooked regional lamb and chèvre while swapping stories with locals, then finish the night with a short guided spotlight walk around Lagoa de Sanábria Viewpoint to try and glimpse roe deer and nocturnal foxes under the starlit canopy.
Cross the border after an early breakfast and head into the Ribeira Sacra for a morning of cliff-top hiking from Convento de Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil along the ridge trails that reveal dramatic meanders of the Sil River; pause at the panoramic terrace of Mirador de Cabezoás for sweeping gorge views and binocular birdwatching. Continue with a guided visit to a riverside bodega in the Amandi subregion to taste Mencía wines and learn about steep-slope viticulture, then descend to the hamlet of Doade for a riverside picnic and a short pre-booked canoe shuttle that will deliver you to the boat-launch point for this afternoon's Sil River excursion.
After your canoe shuttle delivery, board a guided Rabelo-style boat or kayak from O Fiol to glide through the heart of the gorge, passing cliffside monastic terraces and stopping to explore the dramatic viewpoint at Mirador de Santiorxo for close-up canyon perspectives. Later, stretch your legs on a riverside walk to Monasterio de San Pedro de Rocas, wander its ancient rock-hewn chapel and olive groves, then finish the afternoon with a tasting of local Mencía and honeyed cheeses at the family-run Adega Algueira before dinner.
As the light softens, head to the sleepy hamlet of Ribas de Sil for an aperitif on the terrace of Casa Grande do Bachao, watching the gorge glow and listening to local river tales. Follow this with a twilight walk along the forested path to Mirador do Cabo do Mundo for a final panoramic view of the river meanders, then dine on slow-cooked Galician lamb and seasonal foraged mushrooms at the family-owned O Xardín do Sil, pairing dishes with local Mencía while stars begin to flicker over the canyon.
Rise early and launch a guided kayak from Doade Launch Point, paddling gently through narrow meanders as cliffs and terraced vineyards reflect in the river while your guide points out cliff-nesting raptors; pause at Playa Fluvial de Abeleda for a riverside coffee and a short stretch. Afterward, climb the wooded track to the dramatic outlook at Balcones de Madrid for sweeping canyon vistas, then descend to explore the mossy ruins of Castro de San Paio before returning to camp for a riverside picnic and a brief siesta ahead of the afternoon boat.
After a restful riverside picnic and siesta, cruise downstream on a small motor-launch from Os Chancís to reach the quieter side-gorges, stopping to scramble up the short trail to the cliff-top Mirador do Castro de Salvaterra for dramatic canyon panoramas. Continue with a guided shore excursion to the terraced vineyard lookout at Pe do Boi, where a local vigneron will explain steep-slope vines and offer a tasting of crisp Mencía while you watch the river light shift into late afternoon.
As dusk deepens, head upriver to the tranquil hamlet of Nogueira de Ramuín for an aperitif on the terrace of Taberna do Pote, watching the canyon walls mellow in warm light. Follow with a short sunset hike to the lesser-known cliff perch at Mirador das Cortellas to catch the gorge glowing, then return to shore for a riverside supper at Casa da Água, where locally smoked fish and Mencía by the glass close the day surrounded by river-sound and starlight.
After a scenic morning drive south from Ribeira Sacra, begin with a dawn walk through the oak and juniper slopes of Monte de Sanabria en route to the Sierra, pausing at Mirador del Lago de Sanabria for broad views that set the scene for the park's wild interior. Continue to the interpretive centre at Villardeciervos for a short briefing with a local wildlife guide before taking a gentle guided trail toward the meadows around Laguna de los Peces, where early-morning birdlife and grazing roe deer prime you for the afternoon wolf-tracking excursion.
After a restorative lunch, join a guided wildlife-drive through the mosaic of oak scrub and pasturelands around Puebla de Sanabria to search for grazing red deer and Iberian hare, then stop for a riverside walk along the banks of Río Tera to spot kingfishers and wagtails. Late afternoon, meet a specialist tracker at La Sierra Visitor Centre for a hands-on wolf-tracking session across the dehesa, learning to read prints and scats before settling at Mirador del Castrejón to watch the ridgelines for emerging silhouettes as the light softens.
As dusk falls, settle into the tranquil hilltop village of Villanueva de los Perales (or a nearby rural casa) for an aperitif on a stone terrace before a guided spotlight drive through Valle de Sanabria's lower slopes to listen for wolf calls and watch for nocturnal mammals. Finish the night with a private dinner at El Rincón del Guardián, sampling regional cured meats and local red wines, then join a short after-dinner walk to Mirador de la Peña del Águila to absorb skyline silhouettes and the very real sense of stepping into wolf country.
Begin the day with a crisp short loop on the shaded trails of Bosque de Valverde, where a local guide will help you spot woodpeckers, booted eagles and early-morning warblers among cork oaks; pause at the streamside hide at Fuentemora for binocular time and a coffee while listening for passerines. Afterwards, take an easy climb to the panoramic ridge of Alto del Mirador de los Lobos for sweeping views of the dehesa and a final chance to photograph grazing red deer before returning to your rural lodging to pack and prepare for onward travel.
After a leisurely lunch, take a guided short hike along the oak-lined tracks to Mirador de los Lobos, pausing at the scrub-edge pools of Laguna de los Ojos to watch for herons, marsh terns and flycatchers through provided binoculars. Continue with a visit to Centro de Interpretación de la Fauna for a hands-on session reviewing photos and footprints from your wolf-tracking the previous day, then unwind on the terrace of Casa Rural El Corral while packing and enjoying a final tasting of local cheeses and a glass of regional vino before evening preparations for departure.
As dusk settles, take a gentle twilight walk to Mirador de los Barruecos to watch the valley hues deepen and scan for large raptors coming in to roost, then continue to El Prado del Lobo meadow where a local naturalist will lead a short session on nocturnal wildlife calls and recent wolf-sighting notes. Finish with a relaxed countryside supper at Casa del Pastor, sampling smoked cheeses and local red wine on the terrace while sharing photos from the trip and preparing gear for your departure the following day.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint | Free |
| Miradouro de Casal de Loivos trails | Free |
| Quinta do Bomfim cellar tour & tasting | €25 |
| Pinhão Railway Station (azulejos) | Free |
| Douro Rabelo-boat short scenic cruise (Pinhão) | €20 |
| Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman) terrace tasting | €20 |
| Docaria (pastries) in Favaios | €6 |
| Dinner at Quinta da Pacheca (glass of wine + meal) | €35 |
| Hike from Quinta do Tedo to Miradouro da Pedra Alta (self-guided) | Free |
| Guided vineyard walk & picnic at Quinta do Panascal | €45 |
| Guided Rabelo-boat experience from Tua Wharf | €30 |
| Castelo de Numão visit | €3 |
| Olive oil & chouriço tasting in Alijó | €10 |
| Al fresco tasting at family-run quinta (São João da Pesqueira) | €20 |
| Capela de São Salvador viewpoint | Free |
| Dinner at Taberna do Rio (river fish meal + wine) | €30 |
| Drive & visitor centre at Portela do Homem (Peneda-Gerês) | Free |
| Trek in Arado Valley & Poço Azul (self-guided) | Free |
| Picnic supplies (bread, queijo, chouriço) | €10 |
| Visit Lamas de Mouro (cultural visit) | Free |
| Miradouro da Pedra Bela route (guided scrambling) | €15 |
| Guided visit to Castro Laboreiro & Lagoa da Várzea | €25 |
| Pousada dinner & stargazing (mountain menu + local wine) | €28 |
| Miradouro do Arado Pequeno sunset visit | Free |
| Taberna da Calçada dinner | €22 |
| Nocturnal guided walk (owls & deer) in Vale do Cávado | €12 |
| Vilarinho da Furna viewpoint & waterfall trails | Free |
| Cascata do Arado visit (park access) | Free |
| Guided nature walk (butterflies, plants) in Gerês | €20 |
| Poço do Inferno swim (access) | Free |
| Visit S. Bento da Porta Aberta (village) | Free |
| Casa do Xico dinner | €25 |
| Evening riverside stroll in Cerdeira | Free |
| Cross-border drive to Ribeira Sacra (transport fuel toll estimate per person) | €15 |
| Convento de Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil viewpoint visit | Free |
| Mirador de Cabezoás visit | Free |
| Guided bodega visit & Mencía tasting (Amandi) | €18 |
| Canoe shuttle to boat-launch (Doade area) | €12 |
| Guided Rabelo-style boat/kayak from O Fiol | €30 |
| Mirador de Santiorxo visit | Free |
| Monasterio de San Pedro de Rocas entry | Free |
| Tasting at Adega Algueira | €20 |
| Aperitif at Casa Grande do Bachao | €8 |
| Mirador do Cabo do Mundo visit | Free |
| Dinner at O Xardín do Sil (meal + wine) | €28 |
| Guided kayak from Doade Launch Point | €35 |
| Balcones de Madrid viewpoint hike | Free |
| Castro de San Paio visit | Free |
| Riverside picnic (supplies) | €8 |
| Motor-launch cruise from Os Chancís (afternoon) | €25 |
| Mirador do Castro de Salvaterra visit | Free |
| Pe do Boi vineyard tasting | €15 |
| Aperitif at Taberna do Pote | €7 |
| Dinner at Casa da Água | €26 |
| Drive to Sierra de la Culebra (fuel/tolls per person) | €20 |
| Mirador del Lago de Sanabria visit | Free |
| Briefing at Villardeciervos interpretive centre | Free |
| Guided walk around Laguna de los Peces (birdwatching) | €18 |
| Wildlife-drive (guided) around Puebla de Sanabria | €35 |
| Río Tera riverside walk | Free |
| Wolf-tracking session with specialist (La Sierra Visitor Centre) | €40 |
| Mirador del Castrejón visit | Free |
| Spotlight drive for nocturnal mammals | €30 |
| Dinner at El Rincón del Guardián | €28 |
| Twilight walk to Mirador de la Peña del Águila | Free |
| Bosque de Valverde guided birdwatching | €22 |
| Fuentemora streamside hide (binoculars provided) | €5 |
| Alto del Mirador de los Lobos visit | Free |
| Centro de Interpretación de la Fauna visit | €4 |
| Mirador de los Lobos short hike | Free |
| Laguna de los Ojos birdwatching stop | Free |
| Casa Rural El Corral terrace tasting (cheeses + glass wine) | €12 |
| Mirador de los Barruecos twilight visit | Free |
| El Prado del Lobo meadow nocturnal wildlife session | €10 |
| Final supper at Casa del Pastor | €24 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €1,053 |