If you’re looking for an impressive destination in close communion with nature, you now have the perfect excuse to ‘escape’ the hustle and bustle of the city. Since April 19, the Fisgas de Ermelo— considered one of the most spectacular sets of waterfalls in Portugal—have a new tourist attraction: a viewpoint to admire the grandeur of this ‘abyss’ shaped by the flow of water and the passage of time.
About a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from Porto, in the Alvão Natural Park, the Mondim de Basto City Council has inaugurated a new observation facility in the heart of the Fisgas de Ermelo, featuring apedestrian access path and a walkway. The goal is for visitors to enjoy the stunning beauty of this protected area in a more comfortable and safe manner.
“A mixture of awe and terror”
Located in the Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro region , in the district of Vila Real, the Alvão Natural Park— home to the Fisgas de Ermelo —covers a protected area of 7,220 hectares. Although, at first glance, it may seem smaller compared to other parks, the truth is that it is no less impressive in terms of the diversity of its fauna and flora, as well as its attractions.
Here, the Fisgas de Ermelo take center stage in a landscape shaped by the force of the Olo River, featuring a drop of over 250 meters that creates a series of cascades. In fact, this is one of the main distinctive features of this natural “treasure.” That is, rather than the waterfall being confined to a single drop, it forms a continuous cascade.
The Fisgas de Ermelo may not feature phenomena on the scale of the “Pedras Parideiras” ( in the Arouca Geopark), but the surrounding scenery is no less dramatic and capable of surprising some of the most illustrious figures in Portuguese literature. Miguel Torga wrote about this place in his famous diaries:
Much more than just a photograph
The new Fisgas de Ermelo viewpoint aims to attract visitors to the region, but there are many more reasons for a ‘getaway’ here than just snapping a quick photo. For those who enjoy nature walks, the Fisgas de Ermelo Trail is an option worth considering.
Come summer, the ‘Piocas’ are a real sensation for those seeking small, crystal-clear naturalponds. And, of course, a ‘trip’ to the top of the Santuário da Senhora da Graça is a must — a mythical place at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level and one of the ‘classics’ of the Volta a Portugal cycling race.
How to get there from Porto?
Like other nature retreats in Portugal, the best way to get there from Porto is by car, on a trip covering a distance of over 100 km.
You can take the A4 and then the A7 toward Celorico de Basto/Mondim de Basto. Upon arrival, simply follow the signs for the Alvão Natural Park and the Fisgas de Ermelo.
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