How to visit Poças do Malho (Pozas de Mallón)

Poças do Malho, also known as Pozas de Mallón in Spanish or Pozas do Mallón in Galician, are a series of waterfalls and crystal-clear pools along the Laboreiro River, also known as the Barcia River. They are one of the most beautiful and lesser-known spots in the region. This is a wild and rugged place with a challenging approach, but the scenery and natural beauty make the effort well worth it.

In this article, we explain how to get to Poças do Malho, where the trail starts, how long the hike takes, and everything you need to know to plan your visit. Located on the Portugal-Spain border, these natural pools lie between Peneda-Gerês National Park on the Portuguese side and Baixa Limia–Serra do Xurés Natural Park on the Galician side.

Before setting out, it is important to clarify that this trail does not provide easy access to Poças do Malho. The route ends at a viewpoint overlooking the waterfalls, and getting down to the pools themselves is practically impossible or, at the very least, strongly discouraged. However, there are several crystal-clear pools along the way where you can swim and relax.

Trail to the Poças do Malho Viewpoint

How to Get to Poças do Malho?

Since Poças do Malho are located on the Laboreiro River, on the border between Portugal and Galicia, you might think that it would be possible to reach them from either Portugal or Spain. However, the only access we know of is from the Spanish side. There are no trails or nearby access points on the Portuguese side. The only alternative would be canyoning.

In this article, we explain exactly how to reach Poças do Malho via a trail on the Spanish side. The trail starts in Olelas, Entrimo, is about 2 km (one way), and takes you to the Poças do Malho Viewpoint. Further down, we explain exactly how to get to Olelas and the trailhead.

At the start of this short hike, there is a small parking area and information panels about the trail. Getting to the trail is relatively easy: you simply need to follow a path downhill toward the east and then continue along the trail.

The first few hundred meters are very easy, mostly flat, and run parallel to the river until you reach a footbridge. This is an international footbridge connecting Portugal and Spain. When we visited, it was closed for safety reasons, and there was no indication that it would reopen anytime soon. If you have any more up-to-date information, please let us know.

The trail continues along the river, passing through two gates and several small pools. Take the opportunity to go for a swim, or make a mental note of which one you would like to stop at on the way back, since it is not possible to reach Poças do Malho from the viewpoint.

After a little over 1 km, the trail starts climbing and moves away from the river. This section is well marked and very easy to follow. From here, the climb to the viewpoint begins. It is not very long, but it is quite steep. Take it slowly and you should have no problem, as long as you pay attention.

When you reach the viewpoint, you are rewarded with a fabulous view over the Laboreiro River valley, as well as the various waterfalls and pools that make up Poças do Malho.

The trail continues uphill from the viewpoint. We followed it for another 500 meters to see if there might be a path leading directly to Poças do Malho, but we did not find one. At a certain point, the trail continues even higher, moving completely away from the pools.

From the viewpoint, you have to return along the same trail to the parking area.

Where to Go Swimming?

So, if getting down to the water at the Poças do Malho isn’t possible (or easy), where can you swim? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. If you want to take a dip, look for one of the several paths branching off from the main trail and leading down to small pools. They’re extremely pleasant, and you’ll probably have one all to yourself.

The best pool we found is about 1 km into the hike, in a section with no trees or shade. If you pay attention, you’ll notice that the river forms a beautiful pool here, with a narrow path leading down to it. The pool is deep enough for swimming and even jumping in, and there are plenty of rocks where you can stretch out and enjoy the sun. It’s an amazing spot! We’ve included a few photos in this article to help you recognize it, but you can find the exact location here.

If you really want to reach the Poças do Malho themselves, your best option would be canyoning down the river. If the water level is low, we think it may be possible, but we haven’t done it ourselves and can’t recommend it.

How to Get to the Poças do Malho Trailhead?

As mentioned above, to get to Poças do Malho, you have to approach from Spain, specifically the small village of Olelas, in Entrimo, Galicia.

From Porto to Olelas, it’s just under 150 km and takes about 2 hours. The best route is to take the A3 to the IC28, near Ponte de Lima, and then head toward Arcos de Valdevez/Ponte de Lima until the road ends. From there, continue on the N203, which crosses Peneda-Gerês National Park and takes you to Lindoso and the Spanish border.

Once you cross into Spain, stay on the same road for a few more kilometers until Aceredo, where you turn toward the bridge over the reservoir created by the Lindoso Dam, heading toward A Illa. In A Illa, turn left toward Olelas. This final stretch to Olelas is only about 10 km, but take your time. It’s a good road, but extremely winding, with some incredible views.

In Olelas, turn left toward the Laboreiro River. The road descends quite steeply along a narrow, paved lane until you reach the parking area and the signs marking the start of the trail.

As mentioned above, this location is marked on Google Maps, so you can easily use GPS to get there.

One final important note: although this location is quite close to Castro Laboreiro, there is no easy or quick way to travel between the two. It’s more than 30 km and takes almost an hour to drive.

Best Time to Visit Poças do Malho

This is a trail you can hike year-round, as it doesn’t present any major technical difficulties and offers something different in both summer and winter. However, be especially careful if you visit after or during rainy weather, as the steeper, rockier sections can become quite slippery.

In winter, you’ll find the waterfalls flowing with much more water, making them even more impressive. Summer is the best time for swimming, and although the Laboreiro River is relatively small, there was still a decent flow when we visited in summer.

Who Is This Trail Suitable For?

The trail is short and has no technical sections, so it’s relatively easy, and anyone used to hiking should be able to complete it without much trouble. We believe it’s also doable with children (not too young) and older hikers who don’t have mobility or flexibility issues.

There are also a few shaded sections, which makes things much easier on days with strong sun.

We especially recommend this hike to people who already know the region quite well and have visited most of the better-known places in Peneda-Gerês National Park, such as Poço Azul, Poço Verde, Lagoa dos Druidas, 7 Lagoas do Xertelo, and many other natural pools and lagoons.

Is It Worth Visiting Poças do Malho?

Yes, without a doubt. Although it’s not easy to reach the Poças do Malho themselves for swimming, the hike to the viewpoint is well worth the effort. The views over the waterfalls and pools tucked into the Laboreiro River valley are impressive and offer a glimpse of one of the wildest and most pristine corners of the border between Portugal and Galicia.

On top of that, there are several crystal-clear pools along the trail where you can swim and relax. In our opinion, this combination of a short hike, a stunning viewpoint, and great swimming spots makes Poças do Malho a destination worth discovering for anyone looking to get away from the more touristy places in Peneda-Gerês National Park.

What to Bring to Poças do Malho?

Although there isn’t much elevation gain, this is a mountain trail, so you won’t find any cafés or bars along the way, not even at the trailhead. We recommend bringing:

• Plenty of water (about 1 liter per person);
• Snacks;
• Comfortable hiking shoes;
• Comfortable clothing;
• Swimsuit, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen in summer;
• A rain jacket in winter;
• A phone or camera, as there are plenty of opportunities to take great photos. Your phone can also be used as a GPS device;
• A small backpack to carry everything;

As always, please don’t leave any trash behind. Take everything you bring with you.

Where to Stay When Visiting Poças do Malho?

Peneda-Gerês National Park has plenty of accommodation options, many of them relatively close to the trailhead. If you want to know where to stay in Gerês, we suggest checking out this article, where we talk about the best areas of the park and our favorite hotels in each one.

Poças do Malho isn’t the easiest of the park’s pools to access, but that’s also one of the reasons they’re so special and still relatively uncrowded. When you decide to visit, we suggest taking the opportunity to explore some of the other attractions along the way, such as Castro Laboreiro, Lindoso, or Lobios, with its famous thermal baths and hot-water pools.

Below are some of the accommodations we recommend that are relatively close to Poças do Malho:

• Hotel Miracastro – located in Castro Laboreiro, less than an hour from Poças do Malho. It’s a comfortable hotel with a terrace and an excellent restaurant.
• Pensão Os Baños – located in Os Baños, Lobios, right across from the famous hot-water pools.
• Destro Village – a two-bedroom house in Lindoso, great for a family stay.

Although getting there takes some effort, Poças do Malho is one of the most impressive and lesser-known places in the Peneda-Gerês National Park area. If you’re looking for pristine nature away from the crowds, this is one of those places you’re unlikely to forget.

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