With its narrow streets and granite houses, Campo do Gerês or São João do Campo, is a traditional village with a strong community character. Over time the village has experienced various social and economic changes but without losing its traditions and the essence of its origins.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the EDP housing estates and engineering yards were set up for the construction of the Vilarinho da Furna dam, whilst the villagers from Vilarinho moved to São João do Campo. The new housing brought new people and services that did not exist previously. Also at the same time the forestry services of the Estado Novo controlled the use of common lands, leaving less land available for the villagers’ cattle. There was also a huge wave of emigration and the consequent absence of many of the local men from the land.

But the Serra do Gerês mountains were already known and visited by many mountain lovers and the village of Campo do Gerês was one of the main host "quarters". Wilderness camping and mountain trekking began to be increasingly common during these visits. So little by little, the traditional mountain village has become a village accessible to tourism, with various services available, but nevertheless retaining its authenticity.

Be sure to visit the Campo do Gerês Park Gate, the Vilarinho da Furna ethnographic museum, the Geira Museum, the Albergaria Forest and the Roman road.