Tucked away in the heart of northern Portugal, Alvão Natural Park beckons adventurers with its captivating natural wonder – the magnificent Fisgas de Ermelo, the tallest waterfalls in the Iberian Peninsula. This breathtaking destination offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore picturesque landscapes, swim in refreshing lagoons, and uncover the charming village of Ermelo. But the true highlight of this guided tour lies in a mesmerizing sunset viewing at Mondim de Basto, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the sheer beauty and power of nature. Discover why this hidden gem is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure.
Good To Know
- Explore Alvão Natural Park, home to the highest waterfalls in the Iberian Peninsula, during a 9-hour guided tour.
- Hike to the Fisgas de Ermelo waterfalls, with opportunities to swim in serene lagoons and visit the charming Ermelo village.
- Discover the cultural highlights of the region, including the unique flour mountain and the picturesque Bilhó Waterfall.
- Conclude the tour with a breathtaking sunset viewing at Mondim de Basto, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.
- The tour includes hassle-free transportation, snacks, drinks, and a delicious lunch, ensuring a memorable experience.
Tour Overview
This tour allows visitors to experience the breathtaking Alvão Natural Park, home to the highest waterfalls in the Iberian Peninsula – the Fisgas de Ermelo.
The 9-hour tour includes swimming in lagoons, visiting the charming village of Ermelo, and exploring local attractions. Priced from £111.88 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Highlights include a hike to the waterfalls, a photo stop, and additional visits to Bilhó Waterfall and the flour mountain. The tour concludes with a sunset viewing at Mondim de Basto before returning to Azurém.
With a live English-speaking guide, this private group experience isn’t suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with pickup from accommodations in Guimarães City center, followed by a 1-hour drive to the breathtaking Fisgas de Ermelo waterfalls.
Visitors then embark on a 1.5-hour hike to reach the waterfalls, where they’ll enjoy a 30-minute photo stop to capture the stunning scenery.
After this, the group will explore additional highlights, including visits to Ermelo village, Bilhó Waterfall, and the flour mountain.
The tour culminates with a sunset viewing at Mondim de Basto before the return to Azurém, an hour’s drive away.
Throughout the experience, guests can enjoy snacks, drinks, and a delicious lunch included in the tour.
Included Experiences
The guided tour of the Alvão Natural Park provides visitors with an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s natural wonders.
Guests can enjoy two small hikes to reach serene lagoons and the viewpoint for the impressive Fisgas de Ermelo waterfalls, where they can take a refreshing swim.
Beyond the waterfalls, the tour also includes visits to the charming Ermelo village, the captivating Bilhó Waterfall, and the unique flour mountain, offering a well-rounded exploration of the area’s highlights.
Snacks, drinks, and a delicious lunch are all included, ensuring a truly enjoyable and hassle-free day exploring the natural beauty of the Alvão Natural Park.
Waterfalls and Lagoons
Alvão Natural Park: Visit the Biggest Waterfalls in Portugal
Waterfalls and Lagoons
A highlight of the tour is exploring the majestic Fisgas de Ermelo, the highest waterfalls in the Iberian Peninsula, nestled within the stunning Alvão Natural Park.
Visitors can embark on a 1.5-hour hike to reach the breathtaking waterfalls, where they’ll have the opportunity to take captivating photographs and cool off with a refreshing swim in the serene lagoons, known as ‘piocas,’ surrounding the falls.
Plus, the tour includes visits to the charming Ermelo village, the Bilhó Waterfall, and the unique flour mountain, providing a well-rounded experience of the park’s natural wonders and cultural attractions.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyVillage and Attractions
After exploring the majestic waterfalls, the tour takes visitors to the charming Ermelo village, where they can enjoy the local culture and traditions.
Plus, the tour includes a visit to the unique flour mountain, offering a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage.
Visitors can expect to:
Wander through the picturesque Ermelo village, admiring the traditional architecture and interacting with friendly locals.
Discover the history and significance of the flour mountain, learning about the region’s reliance on agriculture.
Explore the Bilhó Waterfall, a lesser-known but equally captivating natural wonder in the Alvão Natural Park.
These additional stops provide a well-rounded experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the rich cultural and natural tapestry of the Alvão region.
Sunset Viewing
Typically, the tour culminates with a breathtaking sunset viewing at Mondim de Basto, offering visitors a chance to witness the natural beauty of the Alvão region bathed in the warm, golden hues of the evening light.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the surrounding peaks and valleys are cast in a mesmerizing glow, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
Guests can take in the panoramic views, snap breathtaking photographs, and reflect on the day’s adventures in the Alvão Natural Park.
This enchanting sunset experience provides the perfect finale to an immersive exploration of Portugal’s most impressive waterfalls and captivating landscapes.
Transportation and Meeting Point
The tour begins with pickup from accommodations in the city center of Guimarães, conveniently located for easy access to the starting point of the adventure. From there, the group embarks on the 1-hour drive to the Alvão Natural Park, home to the stunning Fisgas de Ermelo waterfalls.
The transportation for this tour is comfortable and efficient, allowing visitors to sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside as they make their way to the natural wonder.
The meeting point offers several benefits:
- Centralized location in Guimarães for easy pickup
- Smooth transition from accommodations to the start of the tour
- Direct access to the Alvão Natural Park and the waterfalls
This seamless transportation and meeting arrangement ensures a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Language and Group Details
This tour employs a live guide available in both Portuguese and English, catering to visitors from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
It’s a private group experience, providing a more personalized and intimate exploration of the natural wonders.
However, the tour may not be suitable for certain participants, such as children under 10, individuals with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
The guided tour through the Alvão Natural Park is designed to accommodate a range of fitness levels, with two moderate hikes to access the waterfalls and lagoons.
Participants can expect a memorable adventure, immersed in the stunning natural landscapes and cultural attractions of this region of Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, snacks and drinks are already included in the tour price, so it may not be necessary to bring additional items. The tour provider encourages guests to enjoy the included refreshments.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. This is due to the challenging hiking and swimming activities involved in the tour.
Can I Request a Different Pickup Location?
Yes, you can request a different pickup location. The tour provider is flexible and will accommodate pickup requests outside of Guimarães City center, but you’ll need to contact them directly to discuss the options.
Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?
Yes, the tour provider offers discounts for larger groups. Customers can inquire about group rates when booking the tour. Discounts may be available for groups of 4 or more participants, providing a more cost-effective option for larger parties.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Customers can discuss their desired tour length with the provider and pay a supplementary charge to customize the experience beyond the standard 9 hours.
The Sum Up
Alvão Natural Park’s guided tour offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Portugal’s natural wonders.
Visitors can hike through picturesque landscapes, swim in refreshing lagoons, and explore the charming Ermelo village, culminating in a mesmerizing sunset viewing at Mondim de Basto.
This tour is a perfect adventure for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in the Iberian Peninsula’s stunning Fisgas de Ermelo.
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