Discovering the Best Waterfalls in Gerês

The Waterfall of Portela do Homem is one of the best-known waterfalls in Gerês. Despite having only access on foot, it is quite easy to get there, since it is located on the road that connects to the border. You should park further ahead, in the car park next to the border, and return on foot along the road, about half a mile. Before descending, enjoy the magnificent, breath-taking panoramic view.

The Waterfall of Fecha das Barjas, better known as the Tahiti Waterfall, is one of the most dangerous waterfalls in Gerês, but also one of the most beautiful. To get there, you must follow the road that connects Fafião to Ermida, park by the bridge and descend on the right side with extreme care. Here, the Arado River goes down creating terraces where you can bathe in.

On the banks of the same river, and close to the previous waterfall, we find the Waterfall of the Arado River. Park near the bridge and go up a staircase that leads to a viewpoint, where you can contemplate the beauty of its almost three thousand feet, with a succession of small waterfalls that create a lagoon of clear waters. Go down the slope and take the opportunity to take a dip, in total communion with Nature.

Located between the villages of Lapela and Cela, the Waterfall Cela Cavalos is not terribly busy, due to its complicated access, but it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the northern region of Portugal. You must leave the car next to the Chapel of Santa Luzia and follow a dirt road for about 1.2 miles. The path itself offers spectacular views over the valley and the Cávado River, but the highlight will, of course, be when you find the magnificent lagoon.

Due to its rare beauty, the Waterfall of Pincães undoubtedly deserves to be among the best waterfalls in Gerês. You must leave the car in the village of Pincães and follow a trail of about 1.2 miles, passing an old oil press and some watermills. After this trail, the waterfall is easily accessible, and the landscape will make you think you are on a paradise island.

Less well-known, the Waterfalls of Firvidas are in the highlands of the Alto Barroso plateau, in Montalegre. To get there, the access is done only on foot, following a path on land, sometimes flooded. Arriving at the waterfalls, surrounded by vegetation and escarpments, where only the noise of water and birds can be heard, we feel in total harmony with Nature.

Unlike the previous ones, the Waterfall of Pitões das Júnias is not recommended for bathing, due to the difficulty and danger in accessing its natural pools. But the beauty of its viewpoint, and of the entire Pitões das Júnias region, deserves to be highlighted and, without a doubt, a visit. The trail of Pitões allows you to visit the famous Monastery and the walkway. Follow this access bridge to the viewpoint and enjoy the amazing natural surroundings.

The Waterfall of Leonte is also not recommended for bathing but, for its beauty, it deserves to be appreciated, even from a distance. Located on the road that connects Vila do Gerês to the Spanish border, in Portela do Homem, the waterfall is on the left, half a mile before Casa de Leonte, an ancient guard house where we find a ranger controlling the entrance to the forest known as Mata da Albergaria. Another way to see this waterfall is to walk the Trail of Preguiça.