Sete Lagoas (Xertelo)
Sete Lagoas
A chain of clear natural pools in a granite gorge, reachable on foot and quieter than the Tahiti Waterfall for wild swimming.
Sete Lagoas lies near the village of Xertelo in the Cabril parish of the municipality of Montalegre. A mountain stream has carved a string of natural pools of varying sizes into the granite bed. They are crystal clear and surrounded by bare granite slopes, a wild and unspoiled landscape. Park near Xertelo village and follow the trail on foot for about 20–30 minutes to reach them. Some sections require scrambling over rocks, so wear non-slip shoes. Summer is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. There are fewer people than at the Tahiti Waterfall, but weekends are just as busy. It is about 40 minutes' drive from Gerês village, on narrow mountain roads. There are no facilities at all, so bring your own water and take your rubbish with you.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Misarela Bridge
- Tahiti Waterfall (Fecha de Barjas)
- Arado Waterfall
- Pitões das Júnias Waterfall
- Portela do Homem Waterfall
- Monastery of Santa Maria das Júnias
- Geira Roman Road
- Albergaria Forest