The Seven Lagoons Trail is one of the most incredible hikes for anyone looking to explore Peneda-Gerês National Park.
If you’re looking for a hike that combines lush landscapes, crystal-clear lagoons, and a close connection to nature, this trail won’t disappoint. It’s one of those simple plans that ends up exceeding expectations and quickly becomes a favorite for anyone visiting Gerês.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to plan your visit to the Seven Lagoons Trail. From where to start, what to expect along the way, practical tips, and even how much time to set aside to make the most of the experience.
The trail starts and ends in the small village of Xertelo, right next to the Seven Lagoons Bar. Here, you’ll find a small parking area and a bar where you can grab something to eat or drink before or after your hike.
Although it’s technically possible to reach the lagoons by 4×4, the best way to experience this trail is on foot. Not only is it far more rewarding, but vehicle access is restricted to authorized drivers, so it’s not a recommended option.
You also don’t need to set aside a full day. A morning or an afternoon is more than enough to hike the Seven Lagoons Trail at a relaxed pace and enjoy the stops along the way.
👉Seven Lagoons Trail – quick info
→ Location: Xertelo, Peneda-Gerês National Park
→ Trail type: out and back (same way there and back)
→ Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles) round trip
→ Duration: 2 to 3 hours (without stops)
→ Difficulty: easy to moderate
→ Start/end point: Xertelo village (next to the Seven Lagoons Bar)
→ Highlights: Xertelo lagoons, mountain views, and natural scenery
→ Best time to visit: spring and fall (summer for swimming)
→ Shade: very limited along the trail
→ Swimming: yes, in the lagoons
→ Parking: available near the trailhead
Is the Seven Lagoons Trail worth it?
Yes, the Seven Lagoons Trail is definitely worth it, especially if you’re looking for a hike in Gerês that combines nature, scenic views, and lagoons where you can stop to rest or even take a swim.
It’s not a trail packed with attractions along the way, but it doesn’t need to be. The real highlight is the Xertelo lagoons, which more than make up for the effort. Along the route, you’ll also enjoy mountain views and a quieter atmosphere compared to other areas of the park.
That said, it’s important to set expectations. The trail does cover some distance and has very little shade in certain sections, so it’s not the easiest walk, especially on hot days.
But if you come prepared and take your time, it’s absolutely a hike worth including in your Gerês itinerary.
How to get to the Seven Lagoons (Xertelo)
The Seven Lagoons Trail starts in the small village of Xertelo, located in Peneda-Gerês National Park.
The easiest way to get there is by car, as public transport to this area is very limited.
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If you’re coming from Porto, the drive takes about 1h50 (around 120 km / 75 miles). From Lisbon, expect roughly 4 hours (around 400 km / 250 miles).
The easiest reference point is the Seven Lagoons Bar, next to which you’ll find a small parking area. This is where the trail begins.
🎫 If you’re not comfortable renting a car (especially since some roads in Gerês can be steep and narrow), you can join this Seven Lagoons tour from Porto, which includes transport, a picnic, and a small souvenir for a more relaxed experience.
Best time of the year to visit the Xertelo Lagoons
Winters in Gerês are usually cold and rainy, so this is the least recommended time to hike the trail.
The rocks along the trail get wet, which makes it dangerous. Therefore, I recommend late spring or early autumn to visit the Xertelo Lagoons.
In summer, while there’s less chance of rain, the higher temperatures can make the trail more challenging, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
There’s very little shade along the route, so if you visit at this time of year, be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Accommodation near the Xertelo village
Although the nearest place to this hiking trail is Xertelo village, accommodation here is pretty much non-existent.
So, I suggest looking for accommodation in places with more offers, such as Pitões das Júnias or Vila do Gerês. Here are some accommodation options:
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Tips to hike the Xertelo Lagoons Trail
Visiting the Xertelo Lagoons in Gerês is fairly straightforward, though it’s not a quick hike.
After parking the car next to the Bar das 7 Lagoas, you should walk towards the centre of Xertelo village and follow the signs to the windmill (look for “cubo vertical”).
A bit further along, you’ll come across the Fojo do Lobo, an old structure once used for hunting wolves. Getting there involves a short but steep climb, which is also the most demanding section of the entire trail.
From this point on, the trail becomes a lot easier to follow through the red and yellow marks. The trail, despite passing through some narrow places, is not that steep. So, all we can do is enjoy the landscape along the trail.
💡 EXTRA TIP: If you would like to know more about how you can organize your itinerary through the Peneda-Gerês National Park, I suggest you read this post with itineraries for 2, 3, or 4 days in the park.
Although the visit to the Xertelo lagoons is our main goal here, I promise that the route to get there will not leave anyone indifferent. The views of the rock formations and all the surroundings are truly breathtaking.
After taking many photos along the hiking trail, once we arrive at the Xertelo Lagoons, we will want to take a few more.
Finally, you can make your way down to the lagoons, take a break, enjoy the scenery, and maybe even go for a swim. The descent is a bit uneven, with some loose rocks, so it requires extra care, but it’s absolutely manageable.
To return to the car park, and since this is a linear route, you will have to walk the same trail, but in the opposite direction.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: There is an alternative option that turns this linear trail into a circular trail of about 12 km (7.5 mi). Although part of the trail coincides with the one I suggest, the rest of the trail is a bit more demanding. If you are interested in this option, you should try to follow the indications of Poços Verdes de Sobroso Trail (PR9 – MTR).
Xertelo Lagoons Hiking Trail Summary
- Linear route
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi (both ways)
- Length: 1h to 1h30 each way. It doesn’t include time to enjoy the lagoons.
- Beginning/End: Xertelo Lagoon
- Difficulty: Easy
What to bring to the Seven Lagoons Hiking Trail
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Especially important in the summer months, as there is very little shade on the trail.
- Snacks and water. Once you start the trail, there is no place to get food/beverages.
- A light backpack
- Proper shoes. Even though the trail is quite flat, sandals or flip-flops are not recommended.
- In the warmer months, don’t forget your swimsuit and towel!
Final thoughts
The Seven Lagoons Trail is one of those hikes that delivers exactly what it promises. There aren’t many surprises along the way… but there don’t need to be. The lagoons, the natural surroundings, and the trail itself make the experience truly worthwhile.
It’s a great plan if you want to spend a day in Gerês without overcomplicating things, while still feeling like you’ve explored one of the most beautiful areas of the park. With a bit of planning, especially when it comes to timing and heat, you’ll enjoy the trail much more.
If you’re planning to go, bring plenty of water, take your time, and don’t rush it. The best part of this trail is being able to stop, take it all in, and move at your own pace.
And if you’re looking to explore more of Gerês, there are plenty of other incredible trails and spots in the area that you can easily combine into the same itinerary.
If you want to plan your trip more efficiently, check out my full Gerês itinerary. It’ll help you pair this trail with other must-see places in the region.
Had you heard of the Seven Lagoons Trail before, or is it now on your list?
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[…] The trail is properly identified and takes 1h15 each way (4,9 km one way). Thus, I suggest that you reserve half a day to visit the Xertelo Lagoons. Get more tips to hike this trail here. […]