The falls
Stepping through quartzite.
CMMondim — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Joseolgon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CMMondim — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CMMondim — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CMMondim — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Fisgas de Ermelo are a series of waterfalls on the Olo river in the Alvão Natural Park in northern Portugal, near the village of Ermelo in the municipality of Mondim de Basto, about 8 km in a straight line south-east of the town. They are among the largest waterfalls in Portugal. The river does not fall in a single drop but in a chain of steps as it cuts through a great barrier of quartzite, dropping about 200 m in all. The falls mark the line between the granite uplands to the east and the schist country to the west. Alvão, created in 1983, is the smallest natural park in Portugal, covering about 72 square kilometres. Above the falls, the river forms a string of clear rock pools, the Piocas, popular for swimming in summer. A viewpoint across the valley looks out at the falls, and an interpretation centre opened near Ermelo in June 2024. Waymarked trails, including the PR 3, lead down into the valley. Forest roads link the falls with the villages of Ermelo and Lamas de Olo, and the EN304 road passes nearby. The water usually flows strongest in spring after the winter rain and thins out in late summer. Visiting is free. The rocks around the pools and the edges of the gorge are steep and slippery, so watch your step.
Stepping through quartzite.
Clear water.
Opened in 2024.
Ermelo, Mondim de Basto, Portugal
Usually in spring after the winter rain.
Yes.