Pousada Canicada Geres

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Pousada Canicada Geres is in the wrong country.  

Constructed in 1968, the Pousada Canicada Geres wouldn’t be out of place with the chalets of the Alps, with its exposed cedar beams and sloped overhanging roof. The hotel sits high on the southern slopes of the Ribeira Cavado Valley, with a breath taking view of the Serra do Geres mountains – one of the highlights of the Parque National da Peneda-Geres, which is the only area in Portugal classified as a National Park.

The hotel has thirty-eight ensuite rooms, with A/C and free WiFi, twenty-four-hour reception, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace – and the sweeping views across the valley at breakfast are stunning. A ten-minute drive brings you down to the shore of the Canicada reservoir, which is a great spot for swimming, kayaking and SUP. Further afield, the outdoor centre at Campo do Geres offers a great selection of outdoor activities including canyoning, climbing, horse riding and guided hiking, and the famous Termas do Geres hot springs are just a short drive up the mountain pass.