Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fisgas de Ermelo
Just north of the town of Ermelo, on the N304 between Vila Real and Mondim de Basto,
is a turn-off to the dramatic Fisgas de Ermelo waterfalls. From this junction, the road
climbs 4km to an overlook with picture-perfect views of the falls and the rugged terrain
surrounding them.
To see the falls from above, return to the main road and climb to a T-junction with a
right-hand turn marked Varzigueto. Follow the Varzigueto road a short distance until you
see signs on the right-hand side for Piocas de Cima. There are actually two footpaths: the
first is marked '1.5km', the second is marked '600m'. Either path leads down into the
river gorge, where you'll find not only hair-raising views of the river plunging off a cliff
face, but also (further up) a natural waterslide and a series of pools perfect for cooling off
on a hot day.
WATERFALL
Ermelo
The 800-year-old village of Ermelo is famous for its schist cottages capped with fairy-tale
slate roofs that seem to have been constructed from broken blackboards. Once the main
village of the region, it boasts traditional
espigueiros
(stone granaries), an ancient chapel,
a sturdy granite
pelourinho
(pillory), a workshop that still practises the ancient local art of
linen-making, and Ponte de Várzea - a Roman bridge rebuilt in medieval times.
The Ermelo turn-off is about 16km south of Mondim de Basto on the N304. The heart
of town is about 1km uphill.
VILLAGE
Lamas de Ôlo
Set in a wide, verdant valley some 1000m above sea level, somnolent Lamas de Ôlo is the
park's highest village, best known for its photogenic thatched roofs, as well as a nearby
mill that was long driven by water from a crude aqueduct.
VILLAGE
Activities
There are a number of fine hikes in the park. A 7km, three-hour jaunt around the southern
village of
Arnal
is described in the Portuguese-language leaflet
Guia do Percurso Pedestre,
available at park offices. The signposted hike delivers views east beyond Vila Real to the
Serra do Marão. While you're in Arnal, track down the slate-roofed centre for traditional
handicraft techniques.
Another popular route is the 13km, five-hour loop through the high country starting just
north of the Cimeira dam along the Vila Real-Lamas de Ôlo road. The trail, marked with
