Swimming

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Tag: Swimming

Pego do Inferno: Tavira’s Hidden Waterfall & Its Legend

Family Friendly,  Hiking & Outdoor Activities,  Nature & BiodiversityPosted on

Tucked away in the countryside near Tavira lies a slice of nature legend: Pego do Inferno , or “Hell’s Pool.” Once a popular swimming spot, today it’s more of a secret pilgrimage—quiet, wild, and wrapped in mystery.

🏞️ What is Pego do Inferno?

  • Located on the Asseca stream in Santo Estêvão , just 7–10 km northwest of Tavira , Pego do Inferno consists of a modest 3‑meter waterfall flowing into an olive-green plunge pool, estimated to be around seven meters deep .
  • The falls are part of a trio—including Cascata da Torre and Cascata do Pomarinho —all created by water flowing over calcareous tufa formations along the stream.

🕯️ The Legend Behind the Name

According to local lore, a carriage once plunged into the pool and neither the vehicle nor its passengers were ever recovered . Divers reportedly couldn’t find the lake’s bottom—so it earned the dramatic name, “Hell’s Pool”

Some say hidden underwater passages connect to nearby rivers like the Guadiana or Gilão, though no proof exists beyond storytelling.

🚧 Why It Remains Mostly Closed

  • In 2012 , a forest fire swept through the area, destroying the boardwalk, bridge, stairs, and facilities that once made the waterfall easy and safe to visit. The municipality officially closed the area afterward and never rebuilt the infrastructure.
  • Since then, efforts to reopen the site under safe conditions have stalled due to drought , lack of water flow, private land negotiations , and priority projects funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

🧭 Visiting Now: What to Expect

Although officially closed, Pego do Inferno still attracts adventurous locals and holidaymakers who navigate informal paths and dense overgrowth to reach the pool.

Taste Tavira by Annick desribes how to find it.

AllTrails users describe:

  • Overgrown trails through bamboo and citrus groves
  • Stream crossings becoming impossible in winter or bad rain
  • Risky, unclear terrain and degraded trail infrastructure

Tripadvisor reviewers echo concerns:

  • In wet seasons, paths are hazardous
  • In dry seasons, the waterfall may be reduced to a trickle or a stagnant green pool
  • Trash and poor maintenance also worry visitors \.

🗺 Planning Your (Responsible) Visit

If you’re drawn to hidden spots and you’re well-prepared:

TipNotes
Footwear Wear sturdy shoes—trail is uneven and slippery.
Waterflow timing Best after recent rainfall; drought years may leave little to see.
Safety Bring water & snacks, avoid solo visits, and respect “no entry” signs.
Timing Spring and autumn offer the best balance of water and navigable trail.
Access routes Park near Santo Estêvão/Tavira outskirts using GPS and follow local informal directions

Fuseta – Oyster Beds, Island Beaches, and Life on the Lagoon

Ria Formosa Natural ParkPosted on

Fuseta is a small fishing town tucked between the Ria Formosa lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s one of the best places to experience the quieter, more authentic side of the Algarve. Unlike larger resorts, Fuseta still feels like a working village—where fishermen mend nets in the harbor and tide charts matter more than time.

One of Fuseta’s most fascinating features is its connection to the local oyster industry . The shallow, nutrient-rich waters of the Ria Formosa provide perfect conditions for oyster farming. At low tide, you can spot rows of oyster beds stretching out across the lagoon. Several small producers offer tastings and boat tours , where you can learn how oysters are grown and harvested—often followed by a chance to taste them, freshly opened and with just a squeeze of lemon.

For swimming and relaxing, Fuseta offers two great options. The main beach sits inside the lagoon and is ideal for families with young children—calm, shallow waters and no waves. For a wilder beach experience, take the short ferry or water taxi to Ilha da Fuseta , a barrier island with wide Atlantic beaches and soft sand that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Fuseta is also a great spot for kayaking, birdwatching , or simply enjoying grilled seafood by the water. Life moves at a gentle pace here, shaped by the rhythm of the tides. Whether you’re slurping oysters, paddling through the channels, or walking barefoot on the sand, Fuseta offers a simple but unforgettable slice of Algarve life.

Olhão and the Islands – Gateway to the Wild Side of Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa Natural ParkPosted on

Olhão is the perfect starting point to explore a very interesting side of the Ria Formosa Natural Park , a labyrinth of salt marshes, sandbanks, and islands that stretch along the Algarve coast. While the town itself has a strong fishing identity, it’s the connection to the lagoon and its islands that makes Olhão truly special.

From the marina, you can catch a ferry or water taxi or book a (half) daytrip to the islands of Armona, Culatra, and Farol . These islands have no cars, just sandy paths, modest cottages, and unspoiled beaches. Culatra, home to a small fishing community, offers a rare glimpse of traditional island life—complete with colourful boats and drying octopus racks. Armona is perfect for a relaxed day of swimming and walking, with wide sandy shores on both the lagoon and ocean sides.

The boat journey itself is a highlight. As you glide across the calm waters of the lagoon, you’ll pass oyster beds, fishing nets, and flocks of birds wading in the shallows. The views constantly shift with the tides, making each trip feel slightly different. For a quieter, more ecological experience, you can also book a solar-powered boat tour through the Ria Formosa’s winding channels.

Whether you’re birdwatching, beachcombing, or simply enjoying the salty air, Olhão offers a deeper, wilder connection to nature. The islands here aren’t about beach bars or crowds—they’re about space, silence, and the simple beauty of sand and sea.

Praia de Monte Gordo – Where Tourism Meets Tradition

BeachesPosted on

Praia de Monte Gordo is one of the most accessible and vibrant beaches in the Eastern Algarve. Backed by a long line of hotels and holiday apartments, this beach is ideal for travelers who enjoy comfort, convenience, and a lively atmosphere. It’s especially popular with Portuguese and Spanish tourists, and the town buzzes with activity during the summer months.

Despite its tourist appeal, Monte Gordo still holds onto its traditional fishing roots . Along one end of the beach, you’ll find the artisanal fishing fleet , with brightly painted wooden boats resting on the sand and fishermen bringing in their morning catch. It’s a rare glimpse into the Algarve’s coastal heritage—one that continues to thrive even alongside the modern beach scene.

The beach itself is wide, clean, and perfect for long walks, sunbathing, or swimming in the warm, shallow waters. The sea here is among the warmest in Portugal, and the gentle waves make it safe for all ages. Facilities are excellent, with lifeguards, sunbed rentals, and beach cafés lining the promenade.

Monte Gordo also offers plenty off the sand: a pedestrian promenade for evening strolls, traditional seafood restaurants, and even a casino for those looking to try their luck. It’s a beach that offers the best of both worlds—relaxation by the sea and a touch of authentic Algarve culture , all within walking distance.