Attractions and Places To See around Pitões Das Junias - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Pitões Das Junias offer a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural insights. This village is situated within the Peneda-Gerês National Park at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters. The region features diverse landscapes, from waterfalls and lakes to ancient ruins and traditional architecture. It provides opportunities to explore both natural monuments and sites of historical significance.
Best attractions and places to see around Pitões Das Junias
- The most popular attractions is Sete Lagoas (Seven Lagoons), a lake featuring 7 natural pools carved into the rock by erosion. These pools lie below a dam that supplies surrounding villages with electricity.
- Another must-see spot is Monastery of Saint Mary of Pitões das Júnias, a religious building and historical site. This 12th-century monastery, now in ruins, has roots potentially dating back to the 9th century and retains notable remains of its original design.
- Visitors also love Pitões das Júnias Waterfall, an impressive waterfall with a main drop of about 30 meters. It flows into a lake bounded by granite outcrops and is surrounded by the Beredo oak forest.
- Pitões Das Junias is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and waterfalls. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient religious buildings to striking natural landscapes.
- The attractions around Pitões Das Junias are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 29 upvotes and 31 photos shared.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Monastery of Saint Mary of Pitões das Júnias
Highlight • Religious Site
Notable remains of its original design still remain, such as the simple side portico of the church and the discreet arcades of the cloister, now in ruins.
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Cela Cavalos Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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Río Caldo Hot Springs
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Sete Lagoas (Seven Lagoons)
Highlight • Lake
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Pitões das Júnias Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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Tips from the Community
An excellent place to end the tour, as we can always get a hot shower.
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The waters of this waterfall come from the Pitões stream, which, due to the uneven terrain, develops over several levels, the first of which is about 30 meters high and flows into a lake bounded by granite outcrops. This waterfall is one of many in the Barroso region and feeds several rivers that originate in the Serra do Gerês.
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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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The Monastery of Santa Maria das Júnias is a ruined monastery, of which the church remains, located on the outskirts of Pitões das Júnias. The last Cistercian monk became the parish priest of the village of Pitões das Júnias in 1834, the date of the abolition of religious orders in Portugal. As a historical curiosity, it is worth noting that Dom Pedro de Pitões, one of the main drivers of the conquest of Lisbon from the Moors in 1147, was ordained bishop of Porto at this monastery.
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Hello, I would like to do this trail but I would like to know if you make stops among the points where you took photos and to know how many minutes you stayed at the points. Thank you for your feedback 😊
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Hidden in the heights of Pitões das Júnias, the ancient monastery of Santa Maria carries centuries of history in the stones that support it. It is believed that its origins date back to the 9th century, in the middle of the Reconquista era, before Portugal was born as a kingdom. Officially, however, it was founded in the 12th century under the auspices of the Benedictines, and later embraced the austerity of the Cistercian reform. Today, among the silent ruins, the modest side portico of the church and the delicate arcades of the cloister remain.
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From the top of the Pitões waterfall, in addition to the impressive waterfall, you can see the beautiful Beredo oak forest, where the Pyrenean oak is a perennial species, perfectly adapted to the climate and altitude of this region. If you look towards the horizon, the imposing outline of the Gerês mountain range completes this scene of pure natural beauty.
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The monastery of Santa Maria de Pitões das Júnias has roots that are believed to date back to a period before the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal, in the 9th century, during the Christian Reconquest. However, it is certain that it was founded in the mid-12th century, initially under the Benedictine Order, later adhering to the Cistercian reform. Notable remains of its original design still remain, such as the simple side portico of the church and the discreet arcades of the cloister, now in ruins.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Pitões das Júnias?
The region is rich in natural beauty, being part of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. You can discover impressive waterfalls like the Pitões das Júnias Waterfall, which features a 30-meter drop into a lake, and the Cela Cavalos Waterfall with its natural pool and emerald lagoon. The area also boasts unique natural pools such as Sete Lagoas (Seven Lagoons), carved into the rock by erosion. Additionally, the Mourela Plateau offers breathtaking scenery, and the Beredo Oak Forest showcases Pyrenean oaks adapted to the local climate.
Are there historical or cultural sites to visit in Pitões das Júnias?
Yes, Pitões das Júnias offers several significant historical and cultural sites. The most prominent is the Monastery of Saint Mary of Pitões das Júnias, a 12th-century ruin with roots potentially dating back to the 9th century. Within the village, you can explore traditional community life at the Forno do Povo (People's Oven) and the Moinho Comunitário (Communal Mill). The Ecomuseum do Barroso provides insights into local traditions, and the Chapel of São João de Fraga, perched on a peak, offers panoramic views and is a site of annual pilgrimage.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Pitões das Júnias?
Pitões das Júnias is an excellent base for outdoor activities within the Peneda-Gerês National Park. You can enjoy hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. For detailed routes, explore the hiking trails around Pitões das Júnias, road cycling routes, or MTB trails, which offer various difficulties and distances.
Where can I find natural swimming spots or hot springs in the area?
For natural swimming, the Sete Lagoas (Seven Lagoons) are natural pools carved into the rock, perfect for a refreshing dip. The Cela Cavalos Waterfall also forms an irresistible natural pool and a delightful emerald lagoon. If you're looking for relaxation, the Río Caldo Hot Springs offer therapeutic waters, with thermal pools regulated to comfortable temperatures around 40ºC.
Is Pitões das Júnias suitable for families?
Yes, Pitões das Júnias offers several family-friendly activities. The village itself, with its traditional architecture and communal sites, provides an interesting cultural experience. Easy hiking trails, such as the 'Parking lot – View of Pitões Waterfall loop from Pitões das Junias' (4.87 km), are suitable for families. The Río Caldo Hot Springs are also noted as family-friendly, offering a relaxing experience for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit Pitões das Júnias?
Spring is often considered an ideal time to visit Pitões das Júnias, especially for viewing the waterfalls, as temperatures are milder and water flow is more vigorous. The lush natural landscape is also at its peak. Summer offers warm weather for swimming in natural pools, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. In winter, the Mourela Plateau can be popular for snow activities.
Can I go hiking around Pitões das Júnias?
Absolutely. Pitões das Júnias is a prime location for hiking, with paths leading into the mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. You can find a variety of trails, from easy loops like the 'Parking lot – View of Pitões Waterfall loop from Pitões das Junias' (4.87 km) to more moderate options such as the 'As Mice by the Moorish Cottage – Salas Dam' (13.9 km). For more options, refer to the hiking guide for Pitões das Júnias.
What makes the village architecture of Pitões das Júnias unique?
Pitões das Júnias has preserved the rustic charm of typical Barroso villages. Its unique architecture features traditional stone buildings lining winding medieval cobbled streets. You can still see huts with straw roofs, reflecting the authentic traditional building styles of the area, which have been maintained due to the village's isolated location.
What wildlife might I encounter in the region?
Being situated within the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the region around Pitões das Júnias offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. On the Mourela Plateau, you might spot wild garranos (a breed of horse) and various native birds. The Iberian Wolf Interpretive Center (CILI) in the village highlights the presence of the Iberian wolf in its natural habitat, indicating that with luck and patience, you might encounter signs of this elusive species.
How long should I plan for a visit to the main attractions?
To fully appreciate the main attractions around Pitões das Júnias, including the monastery, waterfalls, and natural pools, a full day is recommended. If you plan to engage in hiking or cycling, or wish to explore the village's cultural sites and the Ecomuseum in depth, consider staying for two to three days to allow for a more relaxed and immersive experience.
Are there options for mountain biking near Pitões das Júnias?
Yes, there are several mountain biking trails available near Pitões das Júnias. Routes range from moderate to difficult, offering diverse terrain within the Geres-Xures Biosphere Reserve. Examples include the 'Dolmen of Casola do Foxo – Rio Salas Bridge loop from As Maus' (27.8 km, moderate) and the 'Lobios – vuelta por el río Lima y Minas das Sombras' (41 km, difficult). You can find more details in the MTB Trails guide for Pitões das Júnias.
Are there any unique local traditions or community sites to see?
Pitões das Júnias is rich in local traditions. The Forno do Povo (People's Oven) and the Moinho Comunitário (Communal Mill) are excellent examples of historical community life, where locals once gathered to bake bread and process grains. The Ecomuseum do Barroso, housed in a former cattle shed, further showcases the daily lives and traditions of the local people, offering a glimpse into the authentic rural heritage of the region.
Most popular attractions around Pitões Das Junias
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