Trails, waterfalls and canyoning to explore the natural beauty of Terras de Bouro

All paths lead to the emblematic village of Caldas de Gerês, a picturesque location tucked away in the valley that is a resting place for hikers and thermal bathers, as the town is famous for its thermal waters. From Vila do Gerês you can explore the most beautiful corners of the country’s only national park and it is one of the main gateways, due to its proximity to places such as Mata de Albergaria, a natural picture postcard of Minho. Before setting off to discover trails and waterfalls, we stop at more than 800 meters above sea level, at the Pedra Bela Viewpoint. Here you will find panoramic balconies, picnic areas and it is a privileged place to contemplate the valley and the Caniçada reservoir.

The itinerary’s first stop is the Arado Waterfall, 900 meters above sea level, one of the most beautiful in the park, which forms a lake with crystal clear waters. Despite the seemingly inviting dream setting for swimming, access to the Arado waterfall for this purpose is not recommended as it is quite dangerous, particularly due to the slippery and uneven floor.

To admire it, walk along a dirt road for about 1 km and park when you see the bridge that connects both banks of the Arado River. It’s now time to continue on foot along the stone stairs that give access to the Arado waterfall viewpoint, from where you can enjoy the panoramic view and hear the melodious sound of the waterfall.

Nearby, a birch grove offers shade and stone tables for a break. You can see the river valley from the panoramic Rocas viewpoint. A path of immense beauty leads from the Arado waterfall: the Poço Azul trail. It starts next to the stairs that give access to the Arado waterfall and continues for approximately 10 km (round trip), much of it in the shade of leafy trees.

Alternatively, choose two other waterfalls, which are more accessible, although they require caution. Both originating from the Arado River, both the Truta Cascade and the Rajada Cascade are accessible from the village of Ermida. Access to the waterfall is via a path on the right, 300 meters after entering the dirt road that connects to the Arado waterfall. After this access, the waterfall is another 300 meters away, which requires special caution, due to the winding and slippery nature of the route. The same happens on the way to the Rajada waterfall, which is reached after, from the viewpoint, crossing the village of Ermida and walking for around 2 km on dirt.

Located at the bottom of a valley, the Fecha de Barjas waterfall and lagoon or Tahiti waterfall, as it is popularly known, is only accessible via winding, unprotected pedestrian paths. The route follows the left bank of the river, next to the bridge, until reaching the most secluded part, preferred for swimming, but not recommended for groups with children – in this case, they should opt for the first lagoons to appear on the route, which are shallower and easier to access. Despite the difficulty, those who continue the steep descent will be rewarded with a breathtaking landscape: the waters from the Arado River fall through the rocks into a main lagoon, serene and paradisiacal, except in times of heavy tourist traffic.

Nearby, the Cela Cavalos waterfall, small in size, little known compared to the most famous in the area, but of great beauty, is most popular in the hot months. To get there, leave the vehicle next to the Santa Luzia chapel, a humble but cult place in the region, from where you have a wide view of the Cávado river valley and the surrounding mountains, and follow the road, always going downhill, to the waterfall.

The 2 km route takes around half an hour (plus a little more to return, climbing), but it is relatively easy – observing the immensity of nature along the way helps to make the trip unforgettable. When you start to hear the waterfalls, fed by the Cavadas and Cela Cavalo streams, the destination is close. As you go up the right side of the waterfall, next to the ruined mill, you will find, at the top of the waterfall, the Cela Cavalos lagoon, the icing on the cake. With calm and transparent waters, it is another ideal place for refreshing dives.

All paths lead to the biggest star of the national park, the enchanting Mata de Albergaria. Sanctuary of pure nature, wild horses are common. Please note that in order to preserve this natural space, parking or stopping your car is not permitted along the route. Visitors should continue to Portela do Homem and, at that point, park to better admire the waterfall or join the trails.

Better known as the Portela do Homem waterfall, as it is located in a gate in the valley of the Homem river, which rises in the Gerês mountains, the São Miguel waterfall and lagoon is just 1 km from the border with Spain. Nearby, several trails begin that lead to the milestones of Geira Romana.

The unique route, the most monumental Roman archaeological complex located in the Peneda – Gerês National Park, maintains 30 km almost intact. With its bridges, walls, houses and dozens of thousand-year-old landmarks marking the various miles, many of which are epigraphed with inscriptions dated between the end of the 1st century and the 4th century AD that perpetuate the memory of governors and emperors.

Passeio Verde has the support of To Portugal – Boa Cama Boa Mesa Official Car which, weekly, throughout the year 2025, will showcase natural spaces, experiences and activities in nature. “This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Boa Cama Boa Mesa/Expresso (see code of conduct), without external interference.”