Geres: Small Group Day Trip with Waterfall Swim & Picnic

Summary

Swim in clear Geres pools hike wild trails share a picnic lunch

You’ll hike muddy trails and swim beneath waterfalls in Geres with a local guide who knows every bend. Share a riverside picnic and stories with your small group before heading back to Porto. Expect laughter, cold water on your skin, and moments you’ll remember when city life gets loud again.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Porto when our guide, João, started chatting about his childhood summers in Gerês. He pointed out the old stone villages as we wound past Braga (didn’t stop, but you could see the castle tower poking above the trees). The van was quiet for a bit—maybe everyone was sizing up their hiking shoes or just watching the mist lift off the hills. I caught a whiff of eucalyptus through the open window, which I didn’t expect this far north.

The trails in Peneda-Gerês are muddier than I thought—my socks are still drying somewhere in my backpack. João kept us moving but stopped often to show us wild herbs or let us try saying “cascata” (waterfall). Li laughed when I tried to say it in Portuguese—probably butchered it. The sound of water got louder as we hiked, and then suddenly there was this cold blue-green pool under a cascade. Most of us jumped in without thinking; it was freezing but kind of perfect after the climb. My skin tingled for ages after.

Lunch was a picnic spread on some rocks by the river—cheese, bread, olives, things João’s mom apparently makes for all his tours (“unless it rains,” he shrugged). We talked about how different life is out here compared to Porto. There’s something about eating outside after a swim that makes everything taste sharper. On the way back, everyone was quieter—tired maybe, or just full of that heavy mountain air. I still think about that silence sometimes, when I’m back in city noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Peneda Geres National Park

• Depart from Porto
• Pass Braga without stopping
• View Povoa de Lanhoso Castle tower
• Tour Peneda Geres National Park
• Swim in crystal clear lagoons
• Hike beautiful trails
• Visit typical villages
• Enjoy picnic or local meal
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Geres day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Porto are included.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?

No, a picnic lunch is provided unless weather requires eating at a local restaurant.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, swimming in natural lagoons and waterfalls is part of the experience—bring swimwear and a towel.

How difficult is the hiking in Geres?

The trails require moderate fitness; paths can be muddy and uneven but are manageable for most active travelers.

Are food restrictions accommodated?

Yes, but you must inform the operator in advance; otherwise standard options will be provided.

What if it rains during the tour?

The itinerary may change due to weather; sometimes lunch moves to a typical local restaurant instead of outdoors.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transport options near pickup points in Porto.

Are children allowed on this Geres day trip?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Porto, all activities led by an experienced local guide, plus a riverside picnic lunch (or meal at a typical restaurant if weather changes), so you don’t have to plan anything except what shoes to wear and whether you’re brave enough for that waterfall swim.