Living in Harmony and Tradition: Community Life in the Peneda-Gerês National Park

Living in Harmony and Tradition: Community Life in the Peneda-Gerês National Park

The Peneda-Gerês National Park is a region in Northern Portugal, rich in culture, history, and traditions. Comprising several picturesque villages, with a friendly and welcoming community always ready to greet visitors, it is a destination we are sure you won’t want to miss.

Moreover, the Peneda-Gerês National Park boasts natural landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, where you will feel as if you’ve entered a true enchanted world, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Every breath will bring renewed energy and a desire to learn more about this region and its people.

This is a mountainous area, with deep valleys, and a wide variety of life forms and experiences. In addition to its vast botanical diversity, it is home to rare species.

As the only national park in Portugal, it has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with necropolises, castles, traditional grain storage structures known as espigueiros, watermills, spas, and much more.

Alongside this wealth, there are villages where the inhabitants create a true sense of community. Shall we explore a bit more about its history?

 

The Villages of the Peneda-Gerês National Park

The interior of the park is composed of several villages, including Castro Laboreiro, Lindoso, Caldas do Gerês, Pitões das Júnias and Soajo. These places have small populations, yet there is a very strong sense of community, with locals living in harmony with nature.

It’s common to find multiple family members spread across the region, who regularly gather (mainly around the table, and who could resist the unforgettable gastronomy of the North of Portugal? But more on that in a moment!). These moments are filled with lively conversations, laughter, tears, sharing, and a bond passed down through generations.

The daily pace is always calm and peaceful, far removed from the frantic pace of city life. Cultural traditions are deeply rooted in the communities of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, with constant local festivals, religious celebrations, and other cultural practices.

The espigueiros of Soajo in Arcos de Valdevez

The espigueiros of Soajo, in Arcos de Valdevez, are traditional granaries and a cultural landmark in northern Portugal. A timeless tradition in harmony with nature.

 

Community Traditions

There are many traditions that shape the life of the Peneda-Gerês National Park community. Highlights include shepherding (in the mountains, there are numerous shepherd huts, particularly in Soajo, known as Costelhos. These constructions are crucial for sheltering shepherds from harsh weather), mushroom foraging, and handcrafted production.

When it comes to crafts, linen-based products dominate, particularly the famous lenços dos namorados (love handkerchiefs). You can also find a traditional activity from this area – basket weaving. Traditional rush baskets are common, and these are used to make clothing that protects shepherds from the cold and rain.

All these crafts were (and in many cases, still are) a source of income for many families, with significant effort from all community members to ensure the local economy thrives, while encouraging visitors to buy local products.

And to “open your appetite,” here are just a few of the delicacies you can try in the Peneda-Gerês National Park: roasted kid goat, arroz de sarrabulho (a traditional rice dish), cured ham steaks, sausages, rye and corn bread. The best thing is to sit in one of the region’s restaurants and taste them – we’re sure you’ll love it!

 

Interaction Between Locals, Visitors, and Nature

The people of the Peneda-Gerês National Park are known for their hospitality and willingness to share their way of life with visitors through long conversations, ancient stories, and local legends.

Visitors to the region always have a positive experience, as there is a great deal of interaction with the locals, who are always eager to share their experiences. Their goal? They are a very warm community, and these moments allow them to take their stories beyond borders.

Moreover, they also aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment. They encourage (and inspire) a lifestyle fully connected to nature, with a focus on protecting its landscapes, flora, and fauna.

There is a constant concern for the protection of the park’s natural resources, such as the pastures and forests, by the community, as these areas are deeply connected to local traditions.

A shepherd and his loyal companion in the Peneda-Gerês National Park

A shepherd and his loyal companion in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, embodying the harmony between tradition, community, and nature.

Challenges in the Modern Era

As mentioned earlier, this region is made up of remote villages that face various financial challenges. This is why at Portugal Green Walks, we promote responsible tourism, establishing partnerships with the local community and encouraging the purchase of artisanal products.

However, migration to larger cities, especially by the younger generation, is a reality that threatens this part of Portugal. Additionally, the preservation of traditions is becoming increasingly rare in a constantly changing world.

Once again, we emphasise the importance of sustainable tourism, which allows these communities to thrive without losing their cultural and national roots.

 

The Future of this community

As previously mentioned, this is a community at risk, as the younger generation begins migrating to larger cities. It is crucial to instil in this generation the importance of preserving traditions, whether through community projects or responsible tourism activities.

The use of technology and social media could be a powerful tool for promoting the Peneda-Gerês National Park community in a sustainable manner, highlighting its rich cultural identity.

And the Peneda-Gerês National Park also needs you – your visit, your contribution to this magnificent region in Northern Portugal!

 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMES. SEE HOW YOU CAN COMBINE THE FUN OF AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP WITH THE ENRICHING EXPERIENCE OF A COMMUNITY YOU’LL NEVER FORGET.

Choose the programme that suits you!

And discover a community you’ll never forget.

Explore Peneda-Gerês National Park

Explore Peneda-Gerês National Park

1 week self-guided walking holiday amid the magnificent mountain scenery and rural communities of Portugal’s Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Book Now

Highlights of Northern Portugal

Highlights of Northern Portugal

Experience the best of Northern Portugal. We’ve picked the best parts of some of our favourite walking tours to create an unforgettable itinerary.

Book Now

Make an Enquiry

    * Required field

    I agree to receive other communications from Portugal Green Walks.
    YesNo

    You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

    By clicking “SEND ENQUIRY”, you consent to allow Portugal Green Walks to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.



    Subscribe to our newsletter

    To receive news, updates and tour packages via email.