Sete Lagoas
Cabril
Sete Lagoas
Sete Lagoas is a breathtaking group of seven natural lagoons formed along the upper course of the Ribeira das Negras, high in the Gerês mountains. Surrounded by bare granite peaks and open valleys, the lagoons shimmer in shades of deep blue and emerald green, connected by small cascades that invite a refreshing swim on warm days. Reaching them requires effort — it’s a long and demanding hike with very little shadows.
From Campo do Gerês, drive towards Vilar da Veiga and continue along the scenic mountain road towards Ermida and Fafião. Just before reaching Fafião, take the narrow road that climbs up to the small village of Xertelo — the main starting point for the Sete Lagoas hike. The drive takes about 50 minutes and offers beautiful views over the valleys and granite peaks. In Xertelo, you can park near the entrance of the village (note that parking is limited). The trail to Sete Lagoas is not marked, so you should rely on a GPS device (see the Helpful Links section). The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours each way.