Poço do Inferno Waterfall Trail is a short, family-friendly walk to a 10-metre waterfall on the EN232 road between Manteigas and the Serra da Estrela plateau, inside the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. A small roadside parking area sits directly below the falls, and no permit or entrance fee is required. The round-trip distance is about 2 km with only around 80 m of elevation gain, following a well-maintained gravel and stone path that climbs gently alongside a fast-flowing stream through a shaded, forested ravine of pine and native shrubs. The path includes a few stone steps and a viewing platform close to the base of the falls, where the water drops into a dark pool that gives the site its name (Poço do Inferno, or Hell's Well). Most visitors treat the waterfall itself as the natural turn-around point, though a rougher continuation trail climbs further upstream for those wanting a longer walk. There is no drinking water source along the trail and no shelter, but the short distance from the parking area means this is not a concern under normal conditions. The stream carries significantly more water in autumn and spring after rainfall, while summer can reduce the falls to a comparatively modest trickle.
| Distance | 2 km round trip |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Car via EN232 toward Manteigas; small roadside parking area |
| Best season | Autumn and spring for peak water flow |
| Address | Poço do Inferno, EN232, 6260-200 Manteigas, Portugal |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Serra da Estrela Natural Park, near Manteigas
What to bring
- hiking shoes
- water
- camera
Weather through the year in Portugal
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Portugal.
Location
Poço do Inferno, EN232, 6260-200 Manteigas, Portugal
40.3340, -7.5730 View on map
Highlights
- 10-metre waterfall dropping into a dark pool within a shaded ravine
- Short, easy walk suitable for families and casual visitors
- Native pine forest and stream-side vegetation along the path
- Roadside parking directly at the trailhead
Tips for visiting
- Visit after rain in autumn or spring for the fullest waterfall flow
- Wear shoes with grip, as the stone steps near the falls can be slippery from spray
- Arrive early on weekends, as the small parking area fills quickly in high season
- The rocks immediately beside the pool are uneven, so keep small children back from the edge
When to visit
Visit on a weekday morning in autumn or spring to see the falls at full flow while avoiding the busiest parking conditions.
Accessibility
The lower section of the gravel path from the parking area is relatively flat and manageable with assistance, but the stone steps near the waterfall are not wheelchair-accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is the waterfall visible in summer?
Yes, but flow is much reduced compared to autumn and spring, when rainfall and snowmelt keep the stream at its fullest.
Is the trail suitable for young children?
The short, gentle path is manageable for most children, though supervision is needed near the stone steps and the pool edge.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the trail and roadside parking are free to use.