The Peneda-Gerês National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers. Its verdant landscapes are absolutely breathtaking and there are so many cool trails you can hike. And that’s why I decided to write this post with tips to visit the Xertelo Lagoons in Gerês – one of my favourite places in the region.
The Xertelo Lagoons hiking trail starts and ends in the small village of Xertelo, next to Bar das Sete Lagoas. Here, besides a small car park, you can enjoy a meal/drink.
Although it is possible to get to the Xertelo Lagoons by 4×4, I believe that the most interesting option is to follow the hiking trail there.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Besides not being the most interesting option, the roads that allow access to the lagoons by 4×4 are restricted to authorized people. Thus, I do not recommend this option at all.
Although it is possible to spend a whole day at the Xertelo Lagoons, I recommend setting aside one morning or afternoon to visit the Xertelo Lagoons in Gerês. Keep reading to find out how you can visit the Xertelo Lagoons in Gerês.
What is the 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, despite the higher temperatures and less likelihood of rain, the trail may be more difficult, especially during the hottest hours of the day. There isn’t much shade along the trail, so if you choose to do it at this time of year, make sure you protect yourself!
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 a relatively simple task, although not a very quick one. 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”).
Bit further, we can also observe “Fojo do Lobo”, which was formerly used for hunting wolves. The route up here involves a steep climb, however, it is quite short. Besides, this will be the most demanding part of the whole 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.
And, finally, we can go down to the lagoons and take the opportunity to rest a bit, enjoy the landscape and, who knows, take a dip in the water. I just warn you that the way down to the lagoons is slightly bumpier and with some rocks. It may require more skills, but it is perfectly doable!
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. 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 the Poços Verdes de Sobroso Trail (PR9 – MTR).
Xertelo Lagoons Hiking Trail Summary
- Linear route
- Distance: 10 km (both ways)
- Length: 1h to 1h30 each way. It doesn’t include time to enjoy the lagoons.
- Beginning/End: Xertelo Lagoon
- Difficulty: Easy
What you should bring to the Xertelo 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!
Finally, I remind you not to leave any rubbish near the lagoons or even on the trail. Enjoy what Peneda-Gerês National Park has to offer, but always in a conscious way 😉.
Disclaimer: this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊
[…] 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. […]