The Camino de Santiago offers more than just history, gastronomy, and culture; it also surprises pilgrims with stunning natural landscapes. Among these treasures are the waterfalls (or fervenzas, as they are known in Galicia), hidden along the different Jacobean routes.

Often found just steps away from the main path, they offer a refreshing break and a unique visual spectacle, with water as the star of the show.

Below, we explore the most spectacular waterfalls you can find along the different routes of the Camino de Santiago. This way, you’ll know where to take a nature-filled break during your pilgrimage.

When planning your Camino de Santiago trips, make sure to check the directions and access routes to these places—many are easy to reach and well worth the detour.

 

Waterfalls on the different routes of the Camino de Santiago

Each Jacobean route has its own particular charm, and when it comes to waterfalls, it’s no exception. Below we highlight the main Camino de Santiago routes and the waterfalls you’ll find on each—either right on the trail or via short detours. This will help you better plan your stages and ensure you don’t miss these natural gems.

 

French Way (Camino Francés)

While the French route is best known for its historic monuments and charming towns, it also has some beautiful natural spots.

Near the end of the route, in the Arzúa area of Galicia, you’ll find the Fervenza das Hortas or Santa Marta Waterfall. Located on the border of the municipalities of Touro and Arzúa, this waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and features an old mill. It’s also known for a miraculous legend linked to the saint it’s named after. The setting offers a rich combination of natural beauty and sound.

If you walk through the Navarrese Pyrenees at the beginning of the route, you’ll also enjoy numerous mountain streams, though there aren’t any particularly tall waterfalls along the path. Even so, the French Way offers abundant nature in both its Galician and Pyrenean stages.

 

Northern Way (Camino del Norte – Cantabrian Coast)

The Northern Way presents several natural spectacles.

In Cantabria, the highlight is the Bolao Waterfall, next to the cliffs of Cóbreces. Formed where the La Presa stream drops into the sea, it creates a postcard-perfect scene with the remains of an old mill beside it. It’s actually the closest freshwater waterfall to the sea in Cantabria. The contrast of green meadows, rocky cliffs, and the blue Cantabrian Sea makes it truly special.

Pilgrims can visit it easily, as it’s located just metres from the coastal trail between Santillana del Mar and Comillas. A must-see if you’re walking the Camino de Santiago from Santander to Gijón

In Asturias, the route passes through areas where small rivers flow into the sea; while not as tall as Bolao, there are smaller falls and bufones (sea geysers) found in the limestone cliffs.

For example, near the Asturian coastal path you’ll find the Oneta Waterfalls (three tiered waterfalls near Luarca), along with other hidden springs tucked within the coastal vegetation.

 

Original Way (Camino Primitivo)

The Original Way, from Oviedo to Lugo, passes through valleys and mountains in Asturias with an abundance of water.

A must-see is the Nonaya River Waterfall, near Salas. On the stage from Salas to Tineo, around kilometre 3, you’ll see a signposted detour to the waterfall; it’s just an extra 250 metres and definitely worth it. Though modest in size, it has a special charm: the water cascades between moss and rock, and a photogenic Asturian cross placed beside the fall adds a picturesque touch.

Tip: after visiting the waterfall, rejoin the Camino with care when crossing the nearby N-634 road, as local guides recommend.

This route also crosses streams and lush forests where, on rainy days, you’ll find plenty of smaller waterfalls. The nature on this route is truly authentic.

 

English Way (Camino Inglés)

This route from Ferrol or A Coruña to Santiago is shorter, but also features a hidden gem.

On the first stage from Ferrol, as you pass through Neda, you’ll find the Belelle River Waterfall. It’s not exactly on the path (you’ll need to head up the valley a few kilometres from Neda), but if you have the time, it’s well worth a visit to see one of Galicia’s most spectacular waterfalls, standing 45 metres tall.

It plunges in the middle of a forest, forming natural pools at its base. Its flow remains steady throughout the year, although in autumn and winter it surges with much greater force, creating a breathtaking spectacle. 

The more adventurous pilgrims can take a detour at Neda to visit it (there are signposted local trails), knowing they’ll discover an almost untouched environment. 

 

Portuguese Way (Central and Coastal Routes)

The Portuguese Way is rich in river landscapes, especially upon entering Galicia. A key stop on the central route is the Fervenza do Río Barosa, in Barro (between Pontevedra and Caldas de Reis). 

This natural site is part of the Camino itself: a stone trail climbs alongside the waterfall, passing 17 restored water mills that accompany the 30-metre drop of the Barosa River. The site, known as Parque da Natureza do Río Barosa, is perfect for a break, with picnic areas and natural pools to cool your feet. 

Not far away, in Caldas de Reis, is another waterfall called the Fervenza de Segade, surrounded by the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant, mills and even a nearby Roman bridge. This is a lesser-known spot, but very accessible from the spa town of Caldas. 

Meanwhile, the coastal variant of the Portuguese Way also offers natural highlights. After Porto, the path follows the Atlantic Ocean and, although the coast lacks major waterfalls, the nearby inland areas do. 

In Galicia, where the coastal and central routes merge in Redondela, the Fervenza da Feixa in Reboreda (Redondela) is worth a mention. This 15-metre waterfall is hidden in a riverside forest fed by the Alvedosa River. Many pilgrims are unaware of this hidden gem, but locals recommend it as a perfect evening walk if staying overnight in Redondela. 

In the Vigo and Baiona area, there are also numerous streams that form smaller waterfalls in natural parks (such as the Casariños waterfall near Fornelos de Montes). 

If you choose the Portuguese Coastal Way, especially on the Camino de Santiago from Porto to A Guarda and on the Way from A Guarda to Santiago, you’ll enjoy the sea breeze and, further inland, river spots with waterfalls and ancient mills.

 

Via de la Plata (Sanabrés Way)

The Via de la Plata, or South-Eastern Way, enters Galicia through the province of Ourense. One of its final stretches passes very close to the Fervenza do Toxa, considered the tallest free-falling waterfall in Galicia. Located in Silleda (Pontevedra), just a few kilometres off the official route, the Toxa River waterfall drops an impressive 30 vertical metres. 

It is surrounded by native oak and chestnut forests, inviting you to stroll along shaded trails to the viewpoints. In fact, a short detour allows pilgrims to reach a natural balcony from which to admire the confluence of the Toxa and Deza rivers and the spectacular waterfall. 

Very close by are other places of interest such as the historic Ponte do Demo (a medieval bridge) and the Monastery of Carboeiro. Many pilgrims on the Sanabrés Way take the opportunity to visit once they reach Silleda or Bandeira, knowing Santiago is just a couple of days away. 

Other noteworthy waterfalls along this route include the Fervenza de Férveda (in Silleda municipality, with a 15-metre main drop) and small cascades in mountain rivers across the province of Ourense, though these are less known.

 

Winter Way

This alternative route crosses the Ribeira Sacra in Lugo and Ourense, following the Sil River valley to avoid the snow-covered peaks in winter. The Winter Way offers incredible river landscapes and, of course, waterfalls. 

The most remarkable is the Augacaída Waterfall, in Pantón (Lugo). It’s a roughly 40-metre high drop close to where it flows into the Miño River. It lies very near the Winter Way trail and is accessed on foot via a short route through woodland with wooden walkways. The effort is well worth it: Augacaída is considered a natural gem of the Ribeira Sacra. 

Also along this trail, you can visit the Castro de Marce, a Celtic settlement high in the valley, combining nature with archaeology. 

Other waterfall spots on the Winter Way include the Barxa de Lor area in Quiroga (with small cascades in streams) and historical springs like the Fuente de San Benito in the Ourense mountains.

 

Way to Fisterra and Muxía

Many pilgrims continue to the Atlantic coast after reaching Compostela. In this extension, nature once again takes centre stage. 

The undisputed highlight is the Ézaro Waterfall, in Dumbría (Costa da Morte). It is the only waterfall in Europe whose river flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean, a rare phenomenon that has earned it the nickname “the Galician Niagara”. 

The Xallas River drops in Ézaro from around 40 metres before reaching the sea, creating a one-of-a-kind spectacle at the beach. In the past, the flow was regulated by hydroelectric dams and the waterfall was often dry, but since 2011 a law ensures a constant flow, bringing life back to this natural setting. 

Pilgrims walking the Way to Fisterra pass very near Ézaro between the stages of Olveiroa and Cee, and many choose to visit this iconic site. There is a path/walkway from the village of Ézaro that leads to the base of the waterfall in just a few minutes, and in summer, the cascade is even illuminated at night with colourful lights. 

Additionally, the route to Finisterre features other water spots: for instance, near Negreira is the Fervenza do Río Marazas (locally known), and as you approach Muxía, you can visit the Naufriños Waterfall or small cascades in the streams that flow into the Camariñas estuary. 

 

Other routes and curiosities

There are other, less-travelled Jacobean routes that also feature waterfalls. 

For example, the San Salvador Way (between León and Oviedo) crosses mountain passes where you can find the San Antón Waterfalls below the path, near Pola de Lena in Asturias (a route among mills and waterfalls highly recommended for nature lovers, according to local guides). 

The Baztán Way, which descends from France through the Baztán Valley (Navarra) and connects with the French Way in Pamplona, passes near the Xorroxin Waterfall in the Irati Forest — a true fairytale setting. 

Even in local Galician variants, such as the Muros-Noia Way, there are hidden waterfalls. These details prove that nearly every route on the Camino de Santiago offers a natural paradise for the walker — whether it’s a famed waterfall or an anonymous stream surprising you just around the bend.

Walking the Camino de Santiago is more than going from one place to another: it’s about living each step and discovering unexpected corners. Waterfalls add that touch of natural magic — a moment to take a deep breath, feel the spray on your face and connect with the surroundings. 

When approaching them, always show respect: don’t leave rubbish behind, stay on marked trails, and be extra cautious if the rocks are wet or slippery. Getting informed beforehand (by asking locals or fellow pilgrims) is also a good idea, especially for waterfalls that require longer detours.