The 7 Lagoas do Gerês are a sequence of several natural lakes that together create two of the most dazzling and sought-after scenarios of the Parque Nacional da Peneda Gerês. This place, whose official name is Poços Verdes do Sobroso, is accessible by a trail that begins in the village of Xertelo, and it is a compulsory place with no itinerary, if you are thinking of traveling to Gerês.
Here you will find a captivating landscape, where among the huge rocky outcrops of the mountain hide numerous natural emerald-green waters, fresh and clear – or the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, in total harmony with nature.
In this article, we explain how you can get there and we give all the recommendations so that you spend a wonderful day discovering the 7 Lagoas. There are, in truth, two hypotheses to check out at 7 Lagoas – one more easy, and another more adventurous.
1. Simple options
This route is perfect if you want to get to your final destination or as quickly as possible, or you are traveling with children and don’t have a way to spend a whole day walking. It leaves from Xertelo, where you can leave your car, buy water or eat anything, and take the opportunity to quickly visit this picturesque village in the Cabril region.
To start your journey, try to igreja da aldeia and follow the path, which is beginning to climb. A little while later you will pass the Moinho do Poço, and further on, on your left side, you will be able to stop to observe the Fojo do Lobo do Xertelo, a well-preserved example of this type of place, which formerly served as an armadilha for the wolves.
Afterwards, this ascent or trilho becomes mostly flat and easy to follow. São 5 km from Xertelo até à 7 Lagoas along this path, so you must have at least 1 hour of walking to reach your destination, and it is a linear path, so to return you just have to follow the same path back.
2. Adventure option
He likes trilhos and is always looking for the next challenge, this suggestion is for himself! Try to follow the route PR9 MTR – Trilho dos Poços Verdes do Sobroso, a circular road that covers approximately 12 km in total.
Although it differs in distance, it still has more differences in slope, or that naturally, or makes it a little more difficult than the first. This trail also has a more rocky and acid floor, where it is recommended to take extra precaution.
Since it is a designated route, it will always be visible throughout the entire path. Have the possibility of stopping and visiting Silha dos Ursos, which involves only a small detour (less than 100 meters) from the main road.
You just have to continue the indicated route and some time you will get to 7 Lagoas – you will finally be able to rest and have a well-deserved meal! For the return, you can choose to complete the second goal of this trail, or, if you prefer, you can return to the more direct path, or the first option.
Or what to wear for the Trilho das 7 Lagoas?
O trilho até à 7 Lagoas is somewhat demanding (especially the second option), and there are several parts in which the shadows are scarce. Além disso, in your roundness you will not be able to count on bar or restaurant service, so we have prepared a small list of two items that you must take with you – so that you have a calm, protected and convenient day.
- Sunscreen
- Chapeu
- Fato de banho
- water (a lot!)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Food (snacks, fruit, energy bars, etc…)
- Saquinho to place or lixo
Dicas for doing or trilho emseguronça:
- The summer is at a better altitude to enjoy a maximum of two mergulhos in the 7 Lagoas. Therefore, it is also at a height more conducive to finding a multidão that shares the same idea. To avoid this, we suggest that on a weekday, you have this availability – and more try to take advantage of this place with peace and quiet.
- Along the lagoons, there are several and a few smaller recesses where you can find more privacy. Since you redouble security care and avoid doing it with children (there is a real danger of stays), it is worth exploring a little beyond the largest and most frequented lakes.
- Take advantage of the road attached to the final destination. O trilho faz part experiência das 7 Lagoas do Gerês, and provides a unique opportunity to be surrounded by nature. I don’t have to press to get to the end, or the path is in itself a large part of the dazzle of this place.
- As we mentioned before, do not facilitate! Pay close attention throughout the entire route and avoid getting too busy for unmarked and dangerous areas.
Stay within the planned areas and do not neglect basic safety care, and you will see that you will have a day without unforeseen events and that you will keep in memory forever.
