Vilarinho da Furna
Campo do Gerês
Vilarinho da Furna
Vilarinho da Furna was a traditional mountain village located in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, whose origins date back to Roman times. For centuries, it was home to a close-knit community that lived according to ancient communal traditions, where land, water, and pastures were shared among all residents. This unique system of self-governance made Vilarinho da Furna a remarkable example of collective rural life in Portugal.
In the early 1970s, the construction of the Vilarinho da Furna dam led to the complete submersion of the village. The last inhabitants left their stone houses in 1971, as the waters of the Homem River slowly covered the valley.
Today, when the water level of the reservoir drops, the ghostly remains of the old village reappear — the outlines of houses, walls, and paths still visible beneath the surface. It’s a haunting and fascinating sight, a reminder of the people and traditions lost beneath the calm waters of the lake.
From Campo do Gerês, follow the signs to Barragem de Vilarinho da Furna. Park near the dam wall, and from there walk the gravel track that follows the reservoir’s edge for about 3 km (one way) until you reach the site of the old village. The path is mostly easy but offers little shade, so bring water and sun protection.
If you prefer to go entirely on foot from Casa Sulfato, turn left as you step out the front door and follow the road all the way to the reservoir and dam. From there, continue along the same gravel track toward Vilarinho da Furna. The full walk is around 5 km (one way) and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.