Poço Verde is among the best-known and most popular spots in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Located relatively close to Fafião, known as the village of the wolf, this is a lagoon (or poço as many Geres mountain lagoons are called) of extraordinary beauty, with crystalline green waters and relatively easy access.
In this article, we will show you how to go to Poço Verde, explaining the route, its difficulties, what you need to bring, and what to expect from one of the most beautiful lakes in Gerês.
The trail to Poço Verde – general information
- Name: Trail to Poço Verde
- Start: Fafião
- End: Poço Verde
- Distance: about 2km
- Time required – 30 minutes
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Max/min altitude: 560 meters at the viewpoint; 400 meters at Poço Verde;
- Altitude gain: 200 meters (from the village);
- Type – linear, round trip
- Signaling (1-5) – 5
- Highlights: Poço Verde, Fafião Viewpoint
Poço Verde of Fafião
Poço Verde is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. With a considerable size and greenish crystalline waters, Poço Verde is one of the main attractions in the region.
It is a lagoon with some depth that allows us to dive and swim. Plus, there is some space on the rocks to sunbathe, making the experience quite pleasant and the photos spectacular. Comparatively speaking, Poço Verde is larger than Poço Azul, and Poço do Dola but similar in size to the Druids lagoon.
The biggest drawback is that it is already well known, and as access is not tough, it is also one of the most popular lakes in Gerês, so it sometimes gets quite crowded, thus losing some of its charm.
How to go to Poço Verde de Fafião
To visit the Poço Verde of Fafião, head to Fafião (see below how) and park next to the sports park or the Fafião lookout (about 200 meters ahead). In both places, you will find where to park.
Alternatively, you can leave the car in the village and walk to the viewpoint, where the trail actually begins. It’s an arduous climb, but it’s fine as it’s only about 400 meters. In total, from the village to Poço Verde, it’s about 2 km (4km round trip), so it would be a little less if we start at the viewpoints.
We advise you to visit and take the opportunity to go to the new Fafião viewpoint, as it is well worth it. It’s a relatively short climb, but from there, you get one of the best views of Gerês. It is no coincidence that we consider it one of the best viewpoints in the National Park.
After going to the viewpoint, we must continue along the road for a few meters until we reach a junction where the direction to Poço Verde is indicated. From here, all you have to do is follow the signs, as they are clearly indicated whenever you need to turn.
Continuing along the road, this initial part is more or less flat for a few hundred meters until you reach a new turn, this time to the left. After turning, we will notice that the path begins to descend very quickly, and we have to continue down this path for about one km until we almost reach the river valley.
When we are already at an altitude similar to the river, a new sign appears, and we have to turn left and continue down. We walk a few tens of meters more and must be attentive because this is the only point where there is no sign.
Despite the absence of an indication, it is evident that we are reaching the green lagoon, and when we see a steep descent through the forest, we have to turn and go down this small path until we reach Poço. It’s only about 100 or 200 meters.
Just note that we arrive at the lagoon on the left bank, with shadows but not much space to be. If you want to cross, you must go through the water or go up a little and cross the river further up through the rocks.
The water is cold, as always, but it’s not so bad in summer as the lagoon gets plenty of sun all day. Enjoy because this is one of the best lakes in Gerês.
The way back is precisely the same, and since it’s always going up and going up a lot, it still costs a little. After all, there are still about 150 meters of ascent in just about 1 km. But it’s nothing you can’t do with a stop or two to “take pictures.”
Best time of year to go to Poço Verde
The green lagoon can be visited at any time of the year, as the walk is relatively easy and short. The only time you need to be careful is actually accessing the Poço, as it is a tricky and steep descent. If it’s raining, then maybe it’s better not to go at all.
However, to get the most out of Poço Verde, going there with the sun and heat is essential. Therefore, the best time to go to Poço Verde is in the summer, on hot days.
Finally, we must remember that Poço Verde is one of the most popular small mountain lakes in the National Park. So, if you can, avoid going on holidays and weekends, especially in July and August. You will find many people there at this time, which can spoil the experience a little. Also, despite the existence of some space around the water, it isn’t that much.
Who can go to Poço Verde?
Anyone used to hiking can do the trail to Poço Verde. The ascents and descents are pretty challenging, but the distance is relatively short, and therefore, with more or less effort, with a stop or two to take pictures, it’s fine.
Children and elderly people without mobility problems can also get there. People with flexibility and mobility problems will have more difficulties, as the final access to Poço Verde is a bit tough.
What to take to Poço Verde
As we have already mentioned, the walk is not particularly long or difficult, so nothing special is needed, but we still advise you to take:
- Water (minimum 2l per person);
- Snacks to eat by the lagoon;
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip as there are steep slopes;
- Comfortable and light clothing for the summer;
- Towel, bathing suit, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen in summer;
- Cameras and cell phones are also available, and there are many opportunities to take beautiful pictures. Cell phones are also to be used as GPS.
- Small backpack to carry all this;
As always, please don’t litter. Bring everything you take with you.
How to get to the beginning of the trail to Poço Verde?
The trail to Poço Verde starts in the village of Fafião. To get to Fafião, the easiest way is to go to Braga, and from there, take the N103 road towards Gerês, Chaves, etc.
On the N103, we will not turn towards Rio Caldo (this is also possible but takes longer) but go straight ahead for a few more km until there is an exit for the Salamonde dam. We must go to the dam and back up to Fafião on the other bank. Both the descent and ascent are steep and have tight curves.
Arriving in Fafião, we can park in the village center or head to the sportsfield and the new viewpoint of Fafião. The trail starts next to the viewpoint; from there, it is impossible to continue taking the car. There are plenty of parking spaces there, more than in the village.
Where to stay near Poço Verde?
The best place to stay when visiting Poço Verde is in Fafião. The village has several options for local accommodation, good restaurants, and attractions close by, such as the new viewpoint and Fojo do Lobo (the medieval trap to capture the wolves). It is no coincidence that Fafião is one of our favorite villages in Gerês.
In Fafião, we recommend the guest house Fojo dos Lobos. It’s a brand-new guest house, and it looks great. Rooms are comfortable with modern decor and incredible mountain views. The price-quality ratio is also very good. See more information and book it here.
We have the Hostel Retiro do Gerês for an even cheaper option but also good quality.
However, we must mention that it is not mandatory to stay in Fafião. It is possible to stay in another part of the National Park (or even Braga and Porto) and go to Poço Verde do Gerês. See here our suggestions for the best accommodation in Gerês.
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