The Fisgas de Ermelo trail is located in the parish of Ermelo, Vila de Mondim de Basto, district of Vila Real, Northern Portugal
Fisgas de Ermelo Trail;
Distance: 12.5 km;
Circular: yes;
Technical Difficulty: Moderate/Hard;
Departure/Arrival Location: Aldeia de Ermelo.
Distance: 12.5 km;
Circular: yes;
Technical Difficulty: Moderate/Hard;
Departure/Arrival Location: Aldeia de Ermelo.
In the Alvão Mountains you will find one of the most emblematic trails in Portugal, the Trilho das Fisgas de Ermelo, which is characterized by being a pedestrian trail that flanks the imposing Olo River Waterfalls, which at 200 meters high are one of the highest waterfalls in Portugal.
The trail is rough, but the serenity, the beauty of the waterfalls and the superb views of Serra do Alvão and Monte Farinha make up for all the efforts.
By making one or two small detours from the pedestrian trail, visitors can visit the Natural Pools of Piocas de Cima and Piocas de Baixo and be sure to take a dip.
The most stunning place in the protected area of the Alvão Natural Park, but it is also a must-visit for anyone who passes by.
Fisgas de Ermelo, rich in biodiversity, has enormous heritage and scientific value both due to the various species present and the trace of fossils still present in the rocks, they are in great demand when it comes to natural tourism.
Fisgas de Ermelo, classified as one of the largest waterfalls in Europe, the popular name given to the Olo River, arose from the fracturing of rocks around 480 million years old that allowed the river to become "hooked" between them and the warlike phenomenon gave rise to the most beautiful and illustrious Portuguese waterfall.
The "popcorns", the name given to the natural lagoons with crystal clear and pure waters found during the waterfall, are an invitation that bathers cannot refuse.
The beauty of Fisgas de Ermelo attracts tens of thousands of visitors year after year, whether tourists or local people, the truth is that no one visits Fisgas without the promise of returning very soon.
This unparalleled place belongs to the district of Vila Real, municipality of Mondim de Basto, located next to the Union of Parishes of Ermelo and Pardelhas.
The waterfall has a drop in level that extends 200 meters led by the calm and crystal clear waters of the Olo River, which originates precisely in the Alvão Natural Park.
The waters there separate the granite areas from the shale areas of the land that surrounds it.
Access to Fisgas de Ermelo can be done from two locations from Mondim de Basto and Vila Real using the EN 304 road next to the village of Ermelo and the bridge over the Olo river or via the forest roads that connect Lamas de Olo to the town of Ermelo.
One of the riches of this place that invites so many people who like to exercise is the Trilho das Fisgas.
The truth is that not everyone is willing to do it, but those who finish it are left with a feeling of accomplishment, happiness and satisfaction with the emblematic landscapes they had the pleasure of enjoying along the Trail.
This Trail reveals a little of the beauty of Serra do Alvão that dazzles at every glance and of course, the Fisgas de Ermelo which are the culmination of this natural charm.
The beginning of the trail takes place in the village of Ermelo and whoever starts it goes on to discover the soul and liveliness that Alvão has to offer and after crossing breathtaking landscapes, the trail ends with the certainty that Portugal is a beautiful country and that those who only know the cities are missing out on much of what the country has to offer and admire.
The 12.4 km circular route is properly signposted, making it easier to cross, but you cannot ignore the previous instructions, such as walking carefully, taking into account the uncertain and gravelly surface of the trail.
The route is physically demanding and is recommended to be done in a relaxed manner in order to have time to appreciate the landscapes and what nature has to offer.
The trail is rough, but the serenity, the beauty of the waterfalls and the superb views of Serra do Alvão and Monte Farinha make up for all the efforts.
By making one or two small detours from the pedestrian trail, visitors can visit the Natural Pools of Piocas de Cima and Piocas de Baixo and be sure to take a dip.
The most stunning place in the protected area of the Alvão Natural Park, but it is also a must-visit for anyone who passes by.
Fisgas de Ermelo, rich in biodiversity, has enormous heritage and scientific value both due to the various species present and the trace of fossils still present in the rocks, they are in great demand when it comes to natural tourism.
Fisgas de Ermelo, classified as one of the largest waterfalls in Europe, the popular name given to the Olo River, arose from the fracturing of rocks around 480 million years old that allowed the river to become "hooked" between them and the warlike phenomenon gave rise to the most beautiful and illustrious Portuguese waterfall.
The "popcorns", the name given to the natural lagoons with crystal clear and pure waters found during the waterfall, are an invitation that bathers cannot refuse.
The beauty of Fisgas de Ermelo attracts tens of thousands of visitors year after year, whether tourists or local people, the truth is that no one visits Fisgas without the promise of returning very soon.
This unparalleled place belongs to the district of Vila Real, municipality of Mondim de Basto, located next to the Union of Parishes of Ermelo and Pardelhas.
The waterfall has a drop in level that extends 200 meters led by the calm and crystal clear waters of the Olo River, which originates precisely in the Alvão Natural Park.
The waters there separate the granite areas from the shale areas of the land that surrounds it.
Access to Fisgas de Ermelo can be done from two locations from Mondim de Basto and Vila Real using the EN 304 road next to the village of Ermelo and the bridge over the Olo river or via the forest roads that connect Lamas de Olo to the town of Ermelo.
One of the riches of this place that invites so many people who like to exercise is the Trilho das Fisgas.
The truth is that not everyone is willing to do it, but those who finish it are left with a feeling of accomplishment, happiness and satisfaction with the emblematic landscapes they had the pleasure of enjoying along the Trail.
This Trail reveals a little of the beauty of Serra do Alvão that dazzles at every glance and of course, the Fisgas de Ermelo which are the culmination of this natural charm.
The beginning of the trail takes place in the village of Ermelo and whoever starts it goes on to discover the soul and liveliness that Alvão has to offer and after crossing breathtaking landscapes, the trail ends with the certainty that Portugal is a beautiful country and that those who only know the cities are missing out on much of what the country has to offer and admire.
The 12.4 km circular route is properly signposted, making it easier to cross, but you cannot ignore the previous instructions, such as walking carefully, taking into account the uncertain and gravelly surface of the trail.
The route is physically demanding and is recommended to be done in a relaxed manner in order to have time to appreciate the landscapes and what nature has to offer.
