We discovered the Faia d’Água Alta Waterfall while researching waterfalls to include in our article about the best waterfalls in northern Portugal. We had wanted to do it for a long time, but had to postpone the visit because we wanted to go at the right time — that is, after the rains — so we could fully enjoy its main attraction: the Faia d’Água Alta Waterfall.
It’s located in Lamoso, Bemposta, Mogadouro, right in the heart of the Douro International Natural Park, and it’s a circular trail of moderate difficulty, with some steep sections. It’s one of those hikes where the effort quickly fades — the scenery of the Natural Park and, above all, the monumental waterfall take care of that.
The main highlight is, without a doubt, the Faia d’Água Alta Waterfall, which is especially impressive after heavy rains, when the water flow is strong. This is one of those trails that delights mainly because of its star attraction, but it’s also very scenic and pleasant to walk along throughout.
If you want to discover other trails in Portugal, check out our article on the best trails in the country.
Practical Information – Faia d’Água Alta Waterfall Trail PR4 MGD
- Name: Faia d’Água Alta Waterfall Trail PR4 MGD
- Start: Capela do Santo Cristo, Bemposta. 41°18’44.7″N 6°30’06.8″W // 41.312415, -6.501874
- End: Capela do Santo Cristo, Bemposta. 41°18’44.7″N 6°30’06.8″W // 41.312415, -6.501874
- Distance: 10 km
- Estimated time: 4 hours
- Technical difficulty: easy to moderate
- Physical difficulty: moderate
- Max altitude: 725 meters
- Altitude gain: 427 meters
- Type: circular, marked in both directions
- Signage (1–5): 5. Very well marked.
- Highlights: Faia d’Água Alta Waterfall, Bemposta Village, Calçada, and Bemposta Bridge.
- You can download the leaflet here.
- Check the official GPS file here.
Description of the Faia da Água Alta Waterfall Trail PR4 MGD
Our experience on the trail
The PR4 Mogadouro, also known as the Faia da Água Alta Waterfall Trail, starts at the Santo Cristo Church Square in Bemposta village. From there, the trail can be done in either direction, but we followed the clockwise route.
Starting from Santo Cristo Square, we crossed the village heading toward the pillory and then the Santa Bárbara Chapel. Here, there’s a nice viewpoint over the International Douro, though it doesn’t compare to some of the others in the region. Interestingly, this is the highest point of our hike, so we begin a long descent from here.
First, we leave the village and enter a dirt road passing through olive and almond fields. Still close to the village, we pass a wayside cross and, shortly after, start to see the waterfall in the distance. When the water flow is high, it’s impressive even from afar.
The descent follows the slope of the Bemposta stream but stays on the dirt road, so it’s quite easy. After about 3 km of walking, we reach a pedestrian bridge over the stream, cross it, and turn left.
We now follow the right bank of the stream, along a rugged path with steep ups and downs, protected by ropes for safety since the valley is quite steep. We pass an old mill and enjoy the natural beauty.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of the hike. Eventually, we reach a fork where we have to choose between a short or a long path to the top of the waterfall. We chose the longer one, as it’s less rugged and offers more views of the highlight of this hike.
Following the left path, we descend one last time to a new bridge, this time over the Lamoso stream, from where we can see the impressive Faia d’Água Alta Waterfall from below. When the water flow is strong, it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Portugal.
After crossing the pedestrian bridge, there’s a short but steep climb to the top of the waterfall. It’s only about 300–400 meters, made easier by the views over the waterfall. At the top, there’s also a shelter with a table, which can be very useful if the weather suddenly changes.
Enjoy this part, as it’s by far the most spectacular section of the trail. If you want, you can take the shorter path to see the waterfall from another angle.
Continuing the hike, we head toward the village of Lamoso. It’s about 1.5 km along a dirt road, mostly uphill. The landscape is interesting but not extraordinary. At the end of the climb, we reach a paved road and the village of Lamoso.
The trail continues along the road, crossing the village. We pass the Capela da Apresentação and, a few dozen meters later, turn onto a dirt road again. Here begins a long but gentle descent to Bemposta Bridge, an old medieval bridge.
After the bridge, there’s one last kilometer of slow ascent back to the village, and we quickly return to our starting point.
How to get to the Faia d’Água Alta Waterfall
If you don’t want to do the full trail and just want to see the waterfall, we suggest starting at Lamoso and walking the 1.5 km to the waterfall. In theory, it might even be possible to go by 4×4, as the dirt road was in good condition when we visited, but in our opinion, it’s better not to take the risk.
Alternatively, you could do the hike we did from Bemposta to the waterfall and back, but it doesn’t make much sense, as it’s much longer and mostly downhill compared to starting in Lamoso.
Distance and type of trail
This trail is about 10 km and takes roughly 4 hours to complete, including some time for a snack and plenty of photos. That’s what we did and how long it took us.
It’s a circular route and, for the most part, very easy to follow. We only got a little distracted in the village and strayed from the path. Otherwise, it’s well marked, and when we did it (2026), the markings looked quite new.
We always recommend taking a GPS and downloading the trail, but in this case, we didn’t even need it, as we never had any doubts.
Altitude and total elevation gain
Although it’s not strictly a mountain trail, the total elevation gain is over 400 meters, which is quite respectable for a 10 km circular trail. In terms of altitude, it’s not very high, but at the Santa Bárbara viewpoint, we are over 700 meters above sea level.
Technical and physical difficulty
The trail doesn’t present major technical challenges, and all the more dangerous sections are well marked and protected.
All turns are clearly marked, and the steepest sections near the cliffs are equipped with supporting ropes. The only part that may be a bit tricky is the circuit around the waterfall, which has some steep, narrow sections. Even so, if you stay on the marked path and use the ropes, you’re unlikely to have any problems.
Signage
As mentioned before, the signage was excellent in January 2026. Interestingly, you only really need to check the GPS once, and even then, only in Bemposta village. For most of the trail, it’s also very easy to follow, as it mainly runs along dirt roads.
The trailhead is also well marked, with an informational panel.
When to hike
This trail is ideal during the rainy season, when the waterfall flows at its highest and is most impressive. We would even say it’s one of the best trails in Portugal to do in winter and spring, as long as it’s not raining on the day.
If you’re considering summer, keep in mind that most of the trail offers no shade, and this region can reach very high temperatures. Additionally, the waterfall will likely have very little water, so we don’t recommend it.
In winter, you should also be mindful of the cold and possible water accumulation.
Who the Faia d’Água Alta Waterfall Trail is suitable for
The trail is not very demanding and is easy to follow, so anyone used to short to moderate hikes can complete it with ease.
In our opinion, it’s an excellent trail for those who love waterfalls (even just to see them) and discovering new, less crowded places. However, it is not suitable for people with limited mobility or flexibility due to its steep sections.
It’s also worth noting that if you just want to see the waterfall, the best option is to go to Lamoso, park your car, and walk about 1.5 km to the waterfall. There, you can do a short circular route of about 800 meters (quite rugged), explore the waterfall, and then return.
What to bring on this trail
Since the trail doesn’t have a high level of physical or technical difficulty, you don’t need anything extraordinary for this hike. The most important thing is proper hiking shoes with good grip. Still, we recommend bringing:
- Some water (around 1 L per person)
- Snacks or a small picnic
- Comfortable hiking shoes. Sneakers can work, but make sure the soles are non-slip
- Comfortable exercise clothing
- A rain jacket in winter
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen in summer
- Camera and phone, as there are plenty of photo opportunities. The phone can also be used as a GPS
- A small backpack to carry everything
And, as always, please don’t leave any trash behind. Take everything you bring with you.
How to get to Bemposta
To reach the start of the Faia d’Água Alta trail, head to Bemposta village, in the municipality of Mogadouro, within the Douro International Natural Park, near the border with Spain.
Despite the long distances, getting to Mogadouro is fairly straightforward. From Porto, take the A4 toward Bragança, exit a few kilometers after Vila Real onto the IP5 toward Miranda do Douro. Stay on the IP5 to Mogadouro and then continue on the IP5 to the Bemposta/Urroz exit. The total distance is about 250 km, and it takes around 3 hours.
If coming from Lisbon, the best route is via the A23 to Guarda, then a few kilometers on the A25 to join the IP2 north, and finally the IC5 toward Miranda do Douro. Note that this is almost 500 km and takes about 5.5 hours.
Where to stay when hiking the Faia d’Água Alta Trail
Since this amazing waterfall is in such a remote area of Portugal, the best option for most people is to stay at least one night in the region and take the opportunity to explore more of the Douro International and the local cuisine.
The closest town to Bemposta is Mogadouro, where you can find some accommodation options. Our recommendation is Hotel Trindade Coelho, which offers good amenities (fitness center, garden, terrace, outdoor seating area) and an excellent location. Check more info here.
However, our favorite hotel in the Douro International region is Freixo Douro Superior, in Freixo de Espada à Cinta. It has an indoor pool open year-round, a gym, and a fantastic breakfast. See photos and rates here.
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