Poço do Bacalhau - Over the Ocean
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Poço do Bacalhau

4.9
·1k reviews·Fajã Grande, Portugal

A breathtaking waterfall cascading into a natural swimming pool, offering a refreshing dip and stunning photo opportunities. Free and easily accessibl...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime, especially overcast days

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Poço do Bacalhau - Over the Ocean

Poço do Bacalhau

Best Time

Anytime, especially overcast days

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking waterfall cascading into a natural swimming pool, offering a refreshing dip and stunning photo opportunities. Free and easily accessible!

4.9
(1k reviews)

"Absolutely stunning waterfall, even went for a swim! A bit chilly, but otherwise the views were absolutely magnificent."

Vertical photo
TIP

🏊 Bring Your Swimsuit!

The natural pool is a highlight. Don't miss a swim, even if the water is chilly! :woman-swimming:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The stone path is well-made but can be uneven. Comfortable shoes are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Poço do Bacalhau Waterfall

Poço do Bacalhau Waterfall

Base of the falls

A stunning, powerful waterfall cascading into a natural swimming pool. Absolutely magnificent views!

Natural Swimming Pool

Natural Swimming Pool

At the base of the waterfall

Take a dip in the cool, refreshing waters of this naturally formed pool. An unforgettable experience!

Scenic Stone Path

Scenic Stone Path

Path leading to the falls

Enjoy the picturesque walk to the waterfall, offering beautiful views along the way.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Chill: Swimsuit is a Must!

Don't let the chilly water deter you! The natural pool beneath Poço do Bacalhau is a unique experience. Pack your swimsuit and towel to fully enjoy this free natural wonder. The water temperature is around 16°C, so be prepared for a refreshing dip!

Easy Access, Big Rewards

Reaching Poço do Bacalhau is a breeze, with a short 5-minute walk along a well-maintained stone path. Parking is available on the side of the main road. It's a perfect spot to visit even on overcast days when you might have it all to yourself.

Best Times

When
Anytime, especially overcast days
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏊 Bring Your Swimsuit!

The natural pool is a highlight. Don't miss a swim, even if the water is chilly! :woman-swimming:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The stone path is well-made but can be uneven. Comfortable shoes are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photography Ready

Bring your camera and consider an ND filter for stunning waterfall shots. :camerawithflash:

🚗 Easy Parking

Park on the side of the main road; access is quick and convenient. :car:

Tips

from all over the internet

🏊 Bring Your Swimsuit!

The natural pool is a highlight. Don't miss a swim, even if the water is chilly! :woman-swimming:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The stone path is well-made but can be uneven. Comfortable shoes are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photography Ready

Bring your camera and consider an ND filter for stunning waterfall shots. :camerawithflash:

🚗 Easy Parking

Park on the side of the main road; access is quick and convenient. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Poço do Bacalhau, particularly the opportunity to swim in its natural pool. The easy access via a short, well-maintained path makes it a convenient and rewarding stop. While the water is noted as being quite cold, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a must-visit free attraction.

"Beautiful waterfall. Below the falls is the naturally made swimming pool. Amazing & bring your swimsuit & towel. The path leading to the falls is well made with stone, though not completely level. All this beauty and it's all free!!!"

Maria

"Bring swim suit, you don't want to miss a swim in this waterfall! But the water is rather cold, probably around 16°C.
This waterfall is close to the main road, where you can park on the side. It take only 5 minutes to reach it. Worth visiting even during overcast weather, where we had this waterfall all for ourselves."

Filip Mik

"Absolutely stunning waterfall, even went for a swim! A bit chilly, but otherwise the views were absolutely magnificent."

Leal

What People Like

Stunning waterfall
Natural swimming pool
Easy access

What People Dislike

Cold water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Poço do Bacalhau is easily accessible from the main road. You can park on the side of the road and it's just a short, 5-minute walk to the waterfall along a well-made stone path. Reddit

Yes, parking is available on the side of the main road leading to the waterfall. It's very convenient for visitors. Reddit

The walk to Poço do Bacalhau is very short, only about 5 minutes from the roadside parking. Reddit

The path is well-made with stone, though it's not completely level. It's generally easy to navigate for most visitors. Reddit

Information on public transport is limited, but driving or a taxi is the most common and convenient way to reach this natural attraction. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Poço do Bacalhau is a natural attraction and entry is completely free! Reddit

As a natural outdoor attraction, Poço do Bacalhau is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

There is no admission fee. You can enjoy the beauty of the waterfall and its swimming pool for free. Reddit

Yes, you can swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall. Be prepared for cold water, around 16°C. Reddit

Definitely bring your swimsuit and a towel if you plan to swim. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for the path. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

You can photograph the waterfall from up close, from the street, and various points in between to capture different moods and effects. Reddit

While not essential, a Neutral Density (ND) filter can be very useful for achieving silky smooth water effects in your waterfall photos. Reddit

Yes, the path leads to the base of the waterfall, allowing for close-up photography opportunities. Be mindful of slippery rocks. Reddit

Visiting during overcast weather can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions mentioned for photography at Poço do Bacalhau. Enjoy capturing its beauty! Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Poço do Bacalhau is a great, quick stop for families. The short, 5-minute walk from the parking area is manageable for most children, and the well-made stone path is relatively safe. The main attraction is the waterfall itself, which is visually impressive. While swimming in the pool is an option, the cold water might be a deterrent for younger children. Ensure kids wear appropriate footwear for the path and supervise them closely near the water's edge due to potentially slippery rocks. It's a beautiful spot for a brief exploration and some memorable photos. Reddit

📸 Photographers

This location is a dream for photographers. The accessibility combined with the dramatic waterfall and natural pool offers numerous compositions. Consider bringing an ND filter to capture the classic 'silky water' effect, especially if you plan to shoot during brighter conditions. The path provides varied vantage points, from wider shots including the surrounding landscape to intimate close-ups of the water's power. Overcast days are ideal for soft, even lighting and fewer people, allowing for more creative freedom. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Refreshing Dip: Swimming at Poço do Bacalhau

One of the most unique aspects of Poço do Bacalhau is the opportunity to swim in the natural pool formed at its base. Visitors consistently mention the invigorating, albeit chilly, water temperature, often around 16°C. It's a truly memorable experience to stand beneath the cascading water or float in the cool pool. Remember to bring your swimsuit and a towel, as many reviewers express regret if they forget them. Be cautious of slippery rocks around the pool's edge, especially after rain.

While the water is cold, the sheer beauty of the surroundings makes the swim worthwhile for many. It's a chance to connect with nature in a very direct way. The experience is often described as 'amazing' and 'unforgettable,' highlighting the unique appeal of this natural swimming spot. Reddit

Photography Opportunities at Poço do Bacalhau

Poço do Bacalhau offers a fantastic canvas for photographers, with diverse angles and moods to capture. You can frame the waterfall from the roadside, offering a wider perspective, or get up close along the stone path to capture the raw power and detail of the cascade. The natural pool at its base also provides unique photographic opportunities, especially if you're brave enough for a dip.

For those looking to enhance their waterfall shots, bringing a Neutral Density (ND) filter is highly recommended. This allows for longer exposure times, creating a silky, ethereal effect on the moving water, a technique often sought after in landscape photography. Visiting during overcast weather can be a blessing, providing diffused light that is ideal for photography and often results in fewer crowds, giving you more freedom to compose your shots. Reddit

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