Family-Friendly Adventures in Peneda-Gerês, Viana do Castelo!

Peneda-Gerês National Park (Parque Nacional Da Peneda-Gerês)

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure in Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park, brimming with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife.

Day 1: Discovering Gerês Village and Thermal Springs

- Morning: Start your journey at the village of Gerês. You can drive there from Porto (about 1.5 hours) or from Braga (around 1 hour). Explore the charming village and enjoy a light trek along well-marked trails.

- Afternoon: Visit the nearby thermal springs for a relaxing dip. The natural hot springs are believed to have health benefits and are perfect for rejuvenation.

Day 2: Hiking and Historical Sites

- Morning: Head to the Campo do Gerês area. Park at the visitor center, where you can pick up maps and learn about the park’s ecology through interactive exhibits. Embark on a family-friendly hike along one of the many trails, such as the Trilho da Águia do Sarilhão, which offers stunning views and a chance to spot some of the park"s wildlife, including the famed Garrano horses.

- Afternoon: Explore the Roman Geira, ancient Roman roads dotted with milestones. It’s a fascinating walk through history and a great educational experience for kids.

Day 3: Waterfalls and Dams

- Morning: Drive to the Tahiti Waterfalls (Cascata do Tahiti), also known as Fecha de Barjas. The falls are easily accessible, and the surrounding pools are perfect for a refreshing swim.

- Afternoon: Visit the Vilarinho das Furnas dam. If the water level is low, you might see the submerged village of Vilarinho das Furnas, offering a haunting glimpse into the past.

Through each day, ensure to pack lunches, plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes. This itinerary blends relaxation, adventure, and education, making Peneda-Gerês National Park a memorable destination for any family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães)

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Guimarães Castle

Begin your day at the iconic Guimarães Castle, a medieval fortress steeped in Portuguese history. The castle opens at 10:00 AM, so aim to arrive early to beat the crowds. You can reach Guimarães by train from Porto, which takes about an hour. From the Guimarães train station, it’s a scenic 15-minute walk to the castle, allowing you to soak in the charm of this historic town.

Visit the Castle (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Explore the castle"s robust walls and towers, which have stood since the 10th century. Originally built to protect against Moors and Normans, it"s famously linked with Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. Engage the kids by visiting the tower where legend says Afonso was baptized. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the castle towers, offering your family panoramic views of the surrounding Minho landscape. Fun fact: Guimarães Castle is known as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its significant role in the country"s history.

Lunch Break (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)

After exploring, head to the nearby historical center of Guimarães for lunch. Choose one of the charming local restaurants or cafés for some traditional Portuguese dishes like "Francesinha" or "Bacalhau".

Afternoon: Paço dos Duques de Bragança (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM)

After lunch, a short 5-minute walk will take you to the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, a stunning palace that showcases a mix of medieval and modern architecture. Explore the ornate rooms filled with tapestries, furniture, and artifacts that tell tales of Portuguese nobility.

Evening: Stroll and Departure (4:00 PM onwards)

Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll through the Largo da Oliveira and Praça de São Tiago, absorbing the medieval atmosphere. Enjoy some artisanal ice cream or coffee before heading back to the train station.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of historical exploration and relaxed family time, making your visit to Guimarães Castle both educational and enjoyable.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga)

Morning Arrival

Kick off your day with a pleasant morning stroll through Braga’s historical center. Arrive at Braga Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Portugal, around mid-morning to beat the crowds and the heat. You can easily reach the cathedral by catching a bus from Braga"s train station or a short walk from any central location.

Exploring Braga Cathedral

Start your cathedral tour by marveling at its varied architectural styles, from Romanesque to Baroque. Don"t miss the magnificent organs and the chapels, especially the Chapel of Kings with its eerie tombs of Henry of Burgundy and Countess Theresa, the parents of Portugal"s first king. Engage the kids with tales of these historical figures and the grandeur of their resting place.

Treasure Hunt Game

Turn the exploration into a fun game by having a treasure hunt for specific symbols or architectural details, like the famous rooster inside the cathedral. This will keep the young ones excited and attentive.

Cathedral"s Museum and Library

Next, head to the cathedral"s museum. Check out the sacred art, medieval relics, and manuscripts. The museum is compact, making it manageable for young kids. Show them the colorful vestments and ancient books, sparking conversations about medieval times.

Lunch and Leisure

Post-tour, have lunch at any family-friendly café near the cathedral. Try some local Minho cuisine like "Bacalhau à Braga" (Braga style cod).

Afternoon Option

After lunch, spend your afternoon at the nearby Garden of Santa Barbara, a perfect spot for kids to run around and for you to enjoy the scenic flowerbeds and medieval structures.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by late afternoon, perhaps with a leisurely walk back through Braga’s charming streets, picking up some souvenirs like local crafts or sweets along the way.

This engaging and educational day will leave your family with cherished memories of Braga’s rich history and beautiful sights!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Bom Jesus do Monte

Why Visit?

Welcome to a delightful day at Bom Jesus do Monte, a stunning sanctuary and a perfect destination for a family outing in Braga, Portugal!

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by driving or taking a bus to Bom Jesus do Monte, located just a few kilometers from Braga city center. There’s ample parking if you’re driving, and buses frequently run from Braga’s central area. The journey offers scenic views which get even more picturesque as you approach the sanctuary.

Exploring the Sanctuary

Upon arrival, take a moment to admire the iconic Baroque stairway leading up to the church. The zigzagging steps are lined with chapels, statues, and fountains, each depicting different Biblical scenes which provide a great opportunity for teaching kids about biblical stories in an engaging way. If the stairs seem daunting, especially for little ones, the century-old funicular, the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, offers a fun and historic ride to the top.

Visit the Church and Grounds

Once at the top, explore the church itself, a neoclassical marvel, and enjoy the serene gardens surrounding it. The areas are perfect for a leisurely walk and provide numerous photo opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to dip your hands in the "Fountain of Life" - kids will love the legend that it brings good fortune!

Picnic Lunch

For lunch, unpack a picnic in the shaded areas of the garden. There are also several nearby restaurants serving local cuisine if you prefer a sit-down meal.

Afternoon Leisure

Post-lunch, take a relaxed stroll around the lake or rent a rowboat to gently cruise around, letting the kids marvel at the ducks and geese.

Departure

As the day winds down, head back down either by foot to enjoy the scenic views once more or by the funicular for one last ride.

The visit to Bom Jesus do Monte not only promises breathtaking views and architectural beauty but also a memorable family bonding experience steeped in culture and history.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Barcelos

Why Visit?

Welcome to Barcelos, a charming Portuguese town renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the legendary rooster, "O Galo de Barcelos." Here"s a delightful itinerary for a family-friendly visit:

Morning: Explore the Historical Center

Start your day at the heart of Barcelos. Park near the city center and take a leisurely stroll to the Barcelos Medieval Bridge, an impressive structure offering picturesque views of the Cávado River. Continue to the Church of Bom Jesus da Cruz, a baroque masterpiece central to the town"s religious history, built in 1710. Just a few steps away, engage with local history at the Museu de Olaria (Pottery Museum), where children can marvel at colorful ceramics and learn about the town’s famous symbol, the Barcelos Rooster.

Lunch: Local Gastronomy

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal at a local restaurant. Try "Bacalhau à Braga" or "Pica no Chão," both local specialties. Many family-friendly restaurants are located around the main square, Largo do Município.

Afternoon: Thursday Market

If your visit coincides with a Thursday, don"t miss the Barcelos Market, one of the largest and oldest markets in Portugal, near the Campo Da República. It’s a fantastic place for families to explore local crafts, fresh produce, and perhaps pick a Barcelos Rooster souvenir. Any other day, consider a visit to the Paço dos Condes de Barcelos, the remains of a palace offering educational displays and stunning views of the town.

Late Afternoon: Parque da Cidade

Finish your day with a relaxing walk or a picnic at Parque da Cidade, a lovely spot next to the river. It"s great for kids to play and enjoy nature.

Getting Around

Barcelos is compact and most attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local buses and taxis are available, making it easy for families to navigate the town.

Enjoy your family trip to Barcelos, where history and culture come alive in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.