Where to camp in Gerês - Lima Escape

Sleeping in the middle of the enchanted forest

The first time I went to the Peneda Gerês National Park I simply fell in love. I could only imagine where to camp in Gerês and then the questions came:

Can you camp in Gerês? Where and how? Even more so after becoming a mother, what would it be like to do this with children?

Would it be too complicated to take the little one camping?

Would there be room for the thousand cameras that accompany us?

And showering? Aiiinn I never worried about any of that, I always camped wherever I could, but this time it would be Emmanuel's first camping trip and I wanted everything to be perfect! After all, one of my greatest wishes was to take my little one camping from a young age.

Camping since forever

I remember my parents' "crazy things" very fondly. They would wake us up on a sunny Saturday, put the tent in the car and off we would go to find a beautiful beach. Most of the time, camping with them only lasted a day, but without even knowing it, they began to awaken my passion for adventure.

After that, my brother and I used to play at pitching a tent in the middle of the living room and pretending we were in beautiful places, one more different than the other. Our parents were crazy, they would let a huge tent be set up in the middle of the living room, lol. It was pure fun and I confess that I let the little ones play with it too =)

Camping has always been in my life, even at school we went on at least one camping trip a year with friends and teachers. When I graduated I continued the tradition and soon got Igor hooked on camping.

It's lovely to be able to feel nature so close, to hear the sound of the waves or the wind hitting the treetops in the forest.

I promised myself that I would go camping with the little one as soon as he was born... But time passed so quickly that it was only now that he turned 3 years old that it was time for that to change!

Peneda Gerês National Park

The Peneda Gerês National Park is Portugal's only national park and was created in 1971. With over 60,000 hectares, it is considered by UNESCO to be a world biosphere reserve. There are also around 240 species of vertebrate fauna and 1100 of flora!

Peneda Gerês National Park is located in the far north of Portugal, bordering Spain where it is renamed Baixa Lima Serra Xures Natural Park.

Of course, there are other natural parks in Portugal, but the only one that is really considered a national park is Peneda Gerês.

But is it Portugal's only national park?

The only Portuguese national park, all the others are natural parks. But what makes the Peneda Gerês National Park so important and different from other natural parks?

In addition to all the biodiversity found in the park, we also find important geosites with ecological and educational value, as well as natural and humanized landscapes. It is in the park's territory that we can see, touch and feel all the energy present in the ancient Roman road that connected Astorga to Braga, where the milestones and some of the thermal baths built at the time can still be found.

Visiting the Peneda Gerês National Park is literally immersing yourself in nature and immersing yourself in the culture and history of amazing places. You can be surprised every minute, whether it's by a beautiful species you spot or by the megalithic monuments. For those who love castles, it's also a real treat! The past comes alive in the castles of Lindoso and Laboreiro.

Where to camp in Gerês

The Peneda Gerês National Park is fascinating and it's impossible to see everything in just one day. There are MANY sensational attractions and so we decided that as well as staying overnight we wanted an incredible connection with nature. Then came the question: where to camp in Gerês?

We did a lot of research until we found a magical place! I fell in love with the tents that looked like princess camps in Roman times. Seriously, I think this living in Braga thing is influencing me... lol I'm completely crazy about the history of ancient Rome.

Lima Escape campsite

The campsite chosen was Lima Escape. As soon as I saw the photos of the campsite on the InstagramI knew right away that I had found a place to camp in Gerês!

There are MANY accommodation options to suit all tastes:

Motorhomes, tents, glamping or bungalows. Capacity is up to 400 campers on an area of approximately 47,500 m².

The infrastructure is incredible, with clean changing rooms, hot water and sockets. For fun, there's also a barbecue area and a playground for children of all ages.

Don't worry about eating out, there's a delicious restaurant at Lima Escape, the Artur's Cellar.

We had a delicious lamb lunch and a chicken fillet with mushrooms which was divine. The chicken fillet option was on the summer menu and was more affordable at 8 euros a plate. We were very well served at both meals. The lamb is enough for two and the chicken fillet, depending on how hungry you are, can also be shared.

Just think, I've been looking for a place to camp in Gerês and I've found a place with everything I need. There's nothing better, right? I didn't even have to bring a stove... hihihii

Glamping

You've probably never heard the term, and I hadn't either...lol So, what is glamping?

Glamping is a glamorous campsite, very luxurious, with a double bed and lots of top decoration, nothing more than a campsite that no one can fault, beautiful! Seriously, when I said I felt like a princess, I wasn't kidding.

We stayed in the Bell-Tend tent, 5 meters in diameter, with a double bed, an extra bed for the little one and plenty of space.

Emmanuel managed to enjoy himself and jump on the bed as he does in every hotel he arrives at.

In addition to all the comforts, there's also a bathroom with a toilet and a sink, for any late-night peeing, lol.

It was the most luxurious campsite I've ever stayed in!!! I loved it and I think I got used to it.

On top of all this, we woke up to the sound of birds and the Lima River flowing past in front of the tent. A delicious breakfast was served on our veranda.

Having family coffee with that view was sensational! Not to mention the adventure for Emmanuel, who couldn't stop talking about being in an Indian house.

Prices

If you've never thought of camping because you don't like simple tents, your problems are over and you now know where to camp in Gerês.

There are two glamour tent options:

• Tipi tent - EUR 50.00*;
• Bell-Tent - EUR 60,00*

An extra 20 euros is charged for children over 2 years old and 35 euros for up to two children under 12. Breakfast is included in the daily rate for the glamor tents, served on the tent veranda or in the restaurant, at the customer's choice.

*Please note that the figures described here refer to August 2018, and are updated to the latest figures. site.

Bangalows

We also have the option of a bungalow, which, by the way, is sensational!!! It has a living room, kitchen, full bathroom, cozy bedroom and balcony. The sunrise happens right in front of the huge windows of the bungalow and it's jaw-dropping.

Everything is so comfortable that you simply forget you're on a campsite, so if even a luxurious tent isn't your thing, opt for a bungalow.

Enjoying nature in this way can be a democratic option for groups of friends who can split up into Glamping, Baganlow or tents. By the way, the Bangalow is the best option for the winter, as it has a fireplace.

If you're looking for where to camp in Gerês and want something more like a house, this is certainly your choice. We know the T1 + 1 bungalow.

Prices

There are three bungalow options:

• 1 bedroom with capacity for up to 2 people - EUR 60.00** in high season* and EUR 45** in low season;
• T1 + 1 with capacity for up to 4 people - EUR 70** in high season* and EUR 55** in low season;
• T1 + 1 TOP with capacity for up to 4 people, EUR 70** in high season* and EUR 55** in low season.

*High season is from July 1st to August 31st, low season is the rest of the year.

**Remember, these figures refer to August 2018, consult the site to keep up to date.

Attractions near Lima Escape

There are many things to see in Gerês and I recommend starting with the attractions close to the campsite.

Almost opposite Lima Escape, you'll find a little river beach. If you want to walk a little further, in 800 meters you'll find the Chão D`Além Lagoon, with its clear waters and ideal for enjoying half the day. If you keep going, at 2.1 km you'll find the Poço de Froufe Lagoon and the one that won our hearts at 6.4 km, the Ponte da Ermida Lagoon.

We drove to the Ponte da Ermida Lagoon and the road is beautiful, passing through cute villages, we were able to park right next to the lagoon and it's only a 3-minute walk to the lagoon. We could have spent the whole day playing in this paradise, but unfortunately time ran out and we only went on the last day.

Tours

We did two tours with Lima Escape, our choice of where to camp in Gerês.

Kayaking down the tributaries of the Lima River

The kayak trip provided us with unique landscapes and we were able to dive in untouched places. It was great to be able to see the landscape from another perspective. We were able to have unique moments with the sound of nature, often stopping as we paddled to contemplate nature and the peace it brought us. Along the way we encountered many surprises and at the end there was a beautiful forest at the foot of the river with its crystal-clear waters.

Whether in the natural pool, on the old bridge or even in the full, deep river with green algae adorning the waters, it was all incredible!

We were also able to travel back in time, observing the buildings that marked out land in ancient times, the stone walls that bordered the river are still preserved.

The kayak trip was sensational and we enjoyed a pleasant morning getting to know the beauties of the region in depth.

This tour was done with Lima Escape's partner Akitiva Natura, who offered us very comfortable kayaks, with seats with back support.

Jeep tour

The jeep tour was done with Lima Escape itself and José was the one who took us along the way - he's a real human encyclopedia! Everywhere we stopped there was a story that was more interesting than the last, we were enchanted by so much knowledge.

Our tour began in the direction of Castelo do Lindoso, but first we made a surprise stop at the crystal-clear emerald waters, which invited us to take a dip. This stop was also accompanied by an old mill with stories about corn plantations in the region.

The famous Lindoso Castle, almost untouched, is an invitation to the ancient times of the Middle Ages, when it played an important role in defending the border with Spain. From this point you can see the neighboring land on the horizon and it was precisely in this region that many families mixed their blood through forbidden loves.

Be sure to watch our video José lovingly told us about everything that happened there over the centuries. I also had a lovely lesson on the beginnings of the Portuguese language.

It's at Lindoso Castle, where you'll find a threshing floor with 50 granaries from the 17th to 18th centuries. Don't confuse them with cemeteries lol. The granaries were used to dry and protect the corn from rodents. The crosses, on the other hand, are there for protection and because of the region's strong religiosity.

Landscapes and more landscapes

We continue through breathtaking landscapes, after the famous gambuzino rice, be sure to talk to Seu José who wants to try it too...lol

Lo and behold, we were in Spain, seeing water gushing out of the ground at 72 degrees Celsius, WOW! We stopped very close by at the Balneario de Lobios, I wanted to see and feel the hot water flowing in this area, but I couldn't stand it! The water is really hot, even when mixed with cold water, it must have been over 40 degrees. I bathed next door, where the water is more mixed and I could stand it. I never imagined that the water could be so hot, it must be delicious in winter.

Our tour continued and we passed through more beautiful landscapes. The flora mixed and changed scenery, sometimes more arid, sometimes more dense, but always beautiful.
Halfway there was an old flooded village, where the lowering of the dam showed one of its roofs. Legend has it that even though the villagers left their houses for the last time, they locked them up. You see, they loved the little houses they had spent their lives in so much that even though they were giving them up to the dam that would flood them, they took care to lock them up.

The surprises continue

Along the way we saw wild animals and even wild horses, beautiful!

The sun was setting, drawing pictures in the sky, we wanted to get to the top to watch the sunset, but time was flying by and we almost didn't get to see the spectacle, until WOW! Best way to end the tour, as the sky transfigured its colors, the moon was giving its air of grace almost like a lantern in the sky.
On the way back to the campsite, we also saw some Roman milestones, which were part of the Roman road in Gerês.

We loved the tour, it was simply breathtaking and enriching.

Horseback riding

We got to know the region in every possible way and it was time to enjoy one more.

The equestrian center is not so close to our choice of where to camp in Gerês, but nothing that a few minutes' drive couldn't solve. We went to the Mezio Equestrian Center, where Igor could take an hour-long ride through nature. While he enjoyed the feeling of freedom and tranquillity, I walked around the riding center with Emmanuel.

And if Dad rode horses in the wild, Emmanuel rode horses in the arena. I love this connection with these beautiful animals. We also witnessed and were enchanted by the care given to the animals, we saw a horse that was let loose in the arena. He played like a child, running and throwing himself into the sand, what a magical moment!

Afterwards, we also saw the horses being bathed and the handler's affection for the horse.

We loved this experience and ended our trip on a high note! Of course, we were left wanting more. There was so much left to see, but at least now I know where to camp in Gerês.

What do we think about our choice of where to camp in Gerês?

One thing's for sure, we were right where to camp in Gerês and we had a great time! I already want to go back with the whole family when they come to visit or, who knows, get some friends together to have a good time there.

The good thing is that there are options for all tastes and ages. People who need something with a bigger infrastructure can stay in peace and quiet, and so can those who just want a tent! So it's the perfect option for those who want to know where to camp in Gerês.

It pleases Greeks and Trojans in a unique natural setting, I loved it! Emmanuel was very happy and can't stop talking about wanting to go camping and enjoy the adventure again. I was so happy to have chosen Lima Escape for my first experience of camping in Gerês and it worked out so well.

Cris pelo Mundo was hosted by Lima Escape. However, this post is true to my impressions.

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