Porto and its Metropolitan Area are full of fantastic places to visit, such as the river beaches by the Douro or the Serra da Freita – a wonder full of natural treasures. However, with the arrival of summer, we feel like exploring other destinations. So, how about a trip to Alto Minho to discover Lagoa da Esturranha?
Located about 68 km by car from Porto, this paradise of crystal-clear turquoise water is ‘hidden’ in the parish of Freixieiro de Soutelo, in the Serra d’Arga (Viana do Castelo). Recently, this hitherto little-known lagoon went viral on social networks such as TikTok, attracting the attention of users and the media.
What is special about Lagoa da Esturranha?
Despite being relatively small in size, the Serra d’Arga is home to several natural refuges and is the source of the Âncora River, whose crystal-clear waters feed the lagoon, located near Viana do Castelo.
With its turquoise tones that contrast with the dense green vegetation, this scenery has already sparked comparisons with the famous Plitvice lakes in Croatia.
You won’t find any infrastructure there, so there’s just nature at its purest and, of course, visitors looking to enjoy the tranquillity of the area.
However, the surrounding area is large enough for picnics. So don’t forget to bring everything you need to spend an afternoon outdoors.
Bathing & water temperature
Lagoa da Esturranha has some shallow areas that are ideal for children, but always under adult supervision. The area is not guarded.
At the same time, adults can dive in certain deeper areas. It’s worth noting that the water temperature is cold, but the ‘bravest’ will certainly appreciate it if they want to escape the high temperatures.
Location & Access
Access to Lagoa da Esturranha is relatively easy. Just put this reference in your GPS and head for the parish of Freixieiro de Soutelo, in the Serra d’Arga, about 15 km from Viana do Castelo.
This freshwater paradise is right next to the N305 road. However, pay attention to the parking spaces so that you don’t get in the way of traffic or break any rules of the Highway Code.
This is because the authorities have recently detected several irregular parking lots in this area. Therefore, our advice is to try to enjoy this refuge, but without breaking the rules.
Lagoa da Esturranha is a must-see destination for those who enjoy crystal-clear waters and nature. You can also take some of the surrounding trails.
However, it’s worth noting that this place has been attracting a lot of visitors lately, so it’s best to avoid weekends, when there’s a higher demand. Do you want to discover more natural paradises?
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