Best attractions and places to see around Pondras include a variety of natural and historical sites. The region features impressive waterfalls, ancient bridges, and serene natural lagoons carved into rock. Visitors can explore traditional villages and historical religious buildings, often accessible via hiking trails. This area offers diverse landscapes for those interested in natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
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Popular around Pondras
Cela Cavalos Waterfall, or Cela de Cavalos, is a paradisiacal waterfall located in the municipality of Montalegre, in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. With crystal-clear waters, it's a perfect spot for summer swimming, hiking, and nature contemplation. The main access point is from the village of Cela.
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On October 8, 1774, the inhabitants of Xertelo appeared before the notary João de Miranda. They justified their desire to build a chapel by arguing that the main church was too far away, almost three-quarters of a mile, and the Chapel of Reversa was half a mile away, making it difficult for its inhabitants to practice their religion and administer the sacraments to the sick. For these reasons, they requested permission from the Archbishop of Braga to build a chapel in the aforementioned location of Xertelo, entitled "Our Lady of Health."
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The Misarela Bridge, also known as the Devil's Bridge or the Bridge of Hell (we'll explain why below), is one of the most interesting monuments in the North of Portugal. Whether because of the legends, its historical importance or the beautiful landscape in which it is located. The Misarela Bridge is a trestle bridge over a slightly pointed arch, 13 metres high. This was originally a medieval bridge, which was rebuilt in the early 19th century (before the French Invasions) and which gave rise to two famous popular legends and ancient rituals. It has been a property of public interest since 1957 and in this article we will explore all of this, as well as the best ways to get there.
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One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the National Park, the Cela Cavalos Waterfall is fed by the crystal clear waters of the Cavadas and Cela Cavalos streams and, in addition to the striking waterfall that forms a large natural pool, it also has a beautiful lagoon of emerald green water hidden at the top of the waterfall.
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The Cela Cavalos waterfall is fed by the crystal clear waters of the Cavadas and Cela Cavalos streams and, in addition to the striking waterfall that forms an irresistible natural pool, it also has a delightful lagoon with emerald green water hidden above the waterfall. The landscape is disarmingly beautiful! To get there, you have to walk and sometimes climb - about 3 km on the way there and 1.5 km on the way back. You are rewarded with absolute peace and an incomparable panorama, to which the ruins of the two old mills contribute.
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Beautiful old arched bridge with waterfall. Accessible by a short hike.
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The 7 Gerês lagoons are a small natural wonder and the path that leads to them is beautiful. On the way it is possible to visit a Fojo do Lobo (an old structure used for wolf hunting) and hike along an old levada. The 7 natural pools that make up Sete Lagoas were naturally carved into the rock by erosion. They lie below a dam that supplies the surrounding villages with electricity.
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Xertelo is the highest place in Cabril and is about 700 meters above sea level. The village is very interesting with its granite houses, the chapel, the cross and the mill and is a good starting point for the hike to the 7 lagoons.
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The area around Pondras is rich in natural beauty. A must-see is Sete Lagoas (Seven Lagoons), a series of seven natural pools carved into the rock. Another impressive natural site is Cela Cavalos Waterfall, which features an eye-catching waterfall and a delightful lagoon with emerald waters.
Yes, the region offers several historical and cultural points of interest. You can visit Ponte da Misarela and Waterfall, a medieval bridge crossing the Rio Rabagão, steeped in local legend. Also, explore Xertelo Village, known for its traditional granite houses, chapel, and mill, situated about 700 meters above sea level.
The area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hiking and road cycling. You can find various routes, from easy to difficult. For hiking, explore trails like the 'Sete Lagoas (Seven Lagoons) – Seven Lagoons of Gerês loop' or the 'Cela Cavalos Waterfall loop'. For more options, check out the Hiking around Pondras guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Pondras guide.
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. For example, the 'Cela Cavalos Waterfall loop from Capela de Santa Luzia' is an easy 3.2 km trail. Another easy option is the 'Xertelo Village – Seven Lagoons of Gerês loop' which is about 5 km. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes around Pondras guide.
Reaching Cela Cavalos Waterfall typically involves a hike of about 3 km on the way there, sometimes requiring some climbing. For Sete Lagoas (Seven Lagoons), the path is described as beautiful and intermediate in difficulty. Both offer rewarding views for the effort.
Xertelo Village is a charming settlement located about 700 meters above sea level. It's notable for its traditional granite houses, a chapel, and an old mill. It also serves as a convenient starting point for hikes to nearby natural attractions like the Seven Lagoons.
Yes, you can visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Health (Capela de Nossa Senhora da Saúde). This chapel, built in 1774 in Xertelo, was established to provide a closer place of worship for the local inhabitants, who previously had to travel significant distances to reach other churches.
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Highlights like Sete Lagoas are cherished as small natural wonders, while Ponte da Misarela is considered a must-see historical site. The 'absolute peace and an incomparable panorama' at places like Cela Cavalos Waterfall are also highly valued.
Yes, many of the natural attractions double as excellent viewpoints. Cela Cavalos Waterfall offers an 'incomparable panorama' of the surrounding landscape, including ruins of old mills. Sete Lagoas also provides beautiful views of the natural pools and the path leading to them.
According to local legend, the medieval Ponte da Misarela was built by the devil himself. This adds to the mystique of this historical bridge, which crosses the Rio Rabagão and is a significant landmark in the region.
The best way to experience Sete Lagoas (Seven Lagoons) is by hiking. The path leading to them is beautiful, and along the way, you might even visit a Fojo do Lobo (an old structure used for wolf hunting) and hike along an old levada. The natural pools themselves are a result of erosion, creating a unique natural wonder.


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