The 5 best lagoons in Gerês

One of the most beautiful places in Portugal is undoubtedly the Peneda Gerês National Park. It is one of the north’s natural beauties, located just next to the border with Spain.

The park consists of 4 mountain ranges: Peneda, Gerês, Amarela and Soajo. It is among the valleys of these mountain ranges that you can find the stunning natural lagoons of Gerês.

  Let's get to know the 5 best lagoons of Gerês:

1. Blue Well (Poço Azul)

This lagoon is one of the most referred all over Gerês for its crystal-clear blue water. The Landeira stream is responsible for filling this lagoon, with its water flowing through the granitic rocks creating a small waterfall that transmits an even more idyllic feel to this lagoon.

Although it is one of the best-known lagoons in Gerês, it’s still difficult to reach, requiring a trail of around 8 km each way to visit this magical place.

2. Seven Ponds

This is a unique destination for those who love hiking. In recent years it has become a place much visited by tourists for its natural beauty.

The trail to the lagoons can start from two different places: Ponte da Misarela (15 km walk) or from Xertelo village (5 km walk). There is also the possibility to start the route in the village of Cabril (11 Km).

It’s advised to bring appropriate clothes and shoes for this hike because of its rugged terrain.

The lagoons are situated along the Cávado River and are of a stunning crystal clear water. Despite them being of spring cold water, many venture on hot summer days, when the temperature of the water can rise up to over 20 degrees Celsius.

 

3. Leonte Waterfall Pond

Leonte Waterfall is a well-known waterfall near Caldas do Gerês, in the municipality of Terras de Bouro. The waterfall is 2 km from Portela do Homem, by the bridge, and the water comes from the Homem river.

At the end of this waterfall you can enjoy a lagoon of cold water, but very refreshing in the summer..

 

4. Tahiti Waterfall Lagoon

The Fecha de Barjas Waterfall, better known as Tahiti Waterfall, is one of the most sought after waterfalls by tourists and visitors in the region during the summer season. This waterfall is located in Caldas do Gerês, and its waters come from the Arado river. Access to this waterfall is difficult and only accessible by rugged pedestrian paths. However the lagoon that results from this waterfall is of a natural beauty too hard to resist, and definitely a great choice for that summer swim.

 

4. Arado Waterfall Lagoon

It is located in the Arado river, as its name implies, near the village of Ermida, in Terras de Bouro.

This waterfall is one of the largest and most recognizable waterfalls in the Peneda Gerês National Park, and is situated in a location with excellent car access, making it one of the most visited. To observe the waterfall from a privileged position there is a small stepped trail that leads to a viewpoint. The lagoon formed by this beautiful waterfall is of crystal clear water and has slight greenish tones, and for those who do not fear the cold water, there is always a chance to swim in it during those hot summer days.

 

In order to see a little of the natural beauty of Gerês, we recommend that you always use a specialized company. In Tobogã you can see some stunning waterfalls and dive into these lagoons in a radical way. Check our canyoning adventures. Contact us and book your adventure now!!