The 7 best waterfalls in Peneda-Gerês

Do you know which are the 7 best waterfalls in Peneda Gerês in Portugal?

The Peneda-Gerês National Park

The Peneda-Gerês National Park is located in the north of Portugal, on the outskirts of the cities of Viana do Castelo and Braga. With an area of over seventy thousand hectares, it connects the Peneda and Gerês mountains and is the only National Park in Portugal.

To find out how to get to the park and learn about other activities, see our full post about Peneda-Gerês National Park.

The 7 best waterfalls in Peneda-Gerês

For those who love contact with nature, especially waterfall lovers, we have brought you the list of the best waterfalls in the park. Below we list the 7 best waterfalls in Peneda Gerês:

Tahiti Waterfall (Fecha de Barjas)

One of the main and most beautiful in Gerês. The waters are crystal clear and relatively warm. Located in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the Tahiti Waterfall, also known as Fecha de Barjas, is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its crystal clear waters and scenic landscapes. The trail to reach the waterfall is a journey in itself, full of untouched scenery. Once there, you will find natural pools perfect for cooling off. An unmissable visit for lovers of nature and tranquility.

Arado Waterfall

This waterfall is located on the Arado River. Along with the Tahiti waterfall, it is one of the most famous in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Access for cars is good, which makes it easy to get to. The walk to the waterfall from the parking lot may be challenging for some, but the experience and panoramic views make it a must-see destination for nature lovers. The effort is rewarded when you reach the waterfall: it is a waterfall formed by a succession of waterfalls between the rocks. The waterfall forms a natural pool of green water.

Laja Waterfall

Located near Termas do Gerês, it is a mountain waterfall named after the serene stream that supplies it. It drops gracefully behind a picturesque wooden bridge. Surrounded by a lush forest of hardwoods, mainly oaks, the area resembles an enchanted forest. To reach the waterfall by the shortest route, follow PR10 trail, known as Trilho da Preguiça, in the opposite direction, covering approximately 1 km.

Pincães Waterfall

The Pincães Waterfall, located near the village of Pincães, stands out for the tranquility that surrounds it. Surrounded by a lush forest, mainly with oak trees, this waterfall offers one of the most beautiful natural pools in the Peneda-Gerês National Park with an intense turquoise hue. To get there, follow the Pincães Trail (PR6) from the village. It will be a walk that reveals breathtaking scenery.

Waterfall of the 7 lagoons

The 7 Lagoons trail is considered one of the pearls of Gerês. Starting and ending in the picturesque village of Xertelo, you will discover some of the most spectacular natural treasures of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. This isolated and almost unknown corner is a delight for nature lovers. The trail is home to a Fojo do Lobo, an ancient structure used to hunt wolves, and the opportunity to walk along an ancient levada (irrigation aqueduct), all amid stunning views. It’s an adventure that takes you to the 7 Lagoas Cascade, a set of 7 lagoons formed by rocks, connected to each other by small waterfalls.

Cela Cavalos Waterfall

The Cela Cavalos Waterfall, located in Cela, north of Cabril, in the Vila Real region, is one of the country’s charming waterfalls. Although it is not the highest, its picturesque beauty makes it an unmissable destination. To get there, just take a 30-minute drive from Cabril, in the direction of Paradela. After about 15 kilometers you will find the exit for Cela (signposted by a small sign). Park your car near the Chapel of Santa Luzia, from where you begin a walk of approximately 2 kilometers (about 30 minutes), which is worth exploring the stunning scenery. The Cela Cavalos waterfall has a drop of over 10 meters and offers a perfect place to swim, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. This is one of the least known, and therefore, one of the least busy. The waters are cold but the presence of little fish is the reward.

Portela do Homem Waterfall

The Portela do Homem Waterfall is actually a series of waterfalls on the Homem River, located just 500 meters from the border with Spain. To visit them, you need to park at the border area and walk the 500 meters back to the bridge area, due to limited access to traffic between Leonte and Portela do Homem. During the warmer months, this location becomes quite attractive and can attract large crowds. It is important to note that the descent along the banks with rough ground and slippery rocks requires caution to avoid possible falls.

It is worth mentioning that the entrance to the Peneda-Gerês National Park is free. Activities offered by tour operators, such as ecotourism tours, adventure tourism activities and professional guides, must be booked in advance. For more information check the Visit Portugal website.

Did you like to know the 7 best waterfalls of Peneda-Gerês in Portugal? We invite you to learn more in the full article about the Peneda-Gerês National Park!