Fervenza das Hortas

Fervenza das Hortas is one of Galicia's most striking waterfalls, tucked into the woodlands on the border between the municipalities of Touro and Arzúa, in the province of A Coruña. It's also known locally as Fervenza de Santa Marta, a name tied to a legend that has been passed down among residents of the surrounding parishes for generations.

What is this place?

The waterfall is formed by the Regueiro de Saímes stream (also referred to locally as the Ufa, Santa Marta, or da Fervenza), which drops in two stages reaching a combined height of around 30 meters before joining the Ulla River. The larger of the two drops exceeds 30 meters and is by far the more dramatic, especially in spring or after rainy spells, when the flow is at its strongest. The stream itself marks the natural boundary between the parish of Santa María de Turces (Touro) and Domodán (Arzúa) — a detail reflected in the site's name, since As Hortas is the access point on the Arzúa side, where a signposted trail leads down to the falls.

A short distance downstream, the Ulla River is held back by the Salto de Touro dam, which places the waterfall within a broader river landscape — a wild, cascading stream on one side and a calm reservoir on the other.

How do you get there?

A signposted and maintained path leads to the waterfall from a parking area in As Hortas, on the Arzúa side. From there, it's roughly a 400-meter descent down toward the stream bed. The trail is straightforward but can get slippery, particularly after rain, so sturdy footwear is worth bringing. Fervenza das Hortas also sits along the official PR-G 233 walking route (Ruta da Fervenza das Hortas ao Río Lañas), which can be extended toward the Lañas River for a longer hike through the surrounding countryside.

What will you see?

The main draw is the pair of cascading drops that plunge from a tall, forested slope into a natural pool below. The setting is classic Galician broadleaf woodland — oaks, chestnuts, and damp undergrowth that offer shade in summer and colorful foliage in autumn. Compared with more famous spots on Galicia's tourist map, this is a quiet, uncrowded corner, making it a good pick for visitors after a genuine nature escape rather than a busy attraction.

The site also carries a well-known local legend: a young woman was betrayed and pushed off the edge of the waterfall by her lover. As she fell, she is said to have cried out for help to Saint Martha, and was miraculously saved when an oak tree at the base of the cliff broke her fall — which is where the alternate name, Fervenza de Santa Marta, comes from.

When should you visit?

Late winter through spring (March to May) is the best window, when rainfall and snowmelt keep water levels high and the falls put on their fullest display. In summer, flow tends to drop noticeably, though the surrounding forest still makes for a pleasant, shaded walk. It's worth avoiding long dry spells, when the stream can slow to a trickle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reach the waterfall? From the parking area in As Hortas, the walk down usually takes a matter of minutes — about 400 meters, though steeply downhill, so the return climb takes a bit longer.

Can you swim at the waterfall? The spot is primarily a viewpoint and walking destination; check conditions on-site before swimming, as the rocks can be slippery.

Is the trail suitable for children? Older children can manage the short descent with adult supervision, but the steep, occasionally slick path calls for care.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Fervenza das Hortas lies along the PR-G 233 route, which continues toward the Lañas River — a good option for anyone wanting to extend the outing with more kilometers of Galician countryside.