Fervenza de Entrecruces

Fervenza de Entrecruces is one of the most striking waterfalls in the municipality of Carballo, on Galicia's Costa da Morte. It is also known as Fervenza de San Paio, named after the small chapel that marks the start of the path leading to it. Here, the Outón River drops around 40 metres over a rocky terrain fault, forming a cascade framed by dense native forest.

Where exactly is it located?

The waterfall sits in the parish of San Xens de Entrecruces, a few kilometres from Carballo's town centre. It formed at the site of the so-called Meridiana Depression, a geological fault line running from the Carballo coastline all the way to Tui. At this point the fault splits the land into an upper and a lower zone, and it's this sudden change in elevation that gives the Outón River such a dramatic drop.

How do you get there?

The starting point is the San Paio chapel. From the village of Entrecruces, you take a turn heading east toward the chapel, roughly 600 metres away. Cars are left in a small parking area by the chapel, and from there a narrow footpath takes over. After about 500 metres walking through native woodland, you reach the viewpoint overlooking the falls.

The route is short and doesn't require special preparation, making it suitable for families with children and for visitors with no hiking experience. Sturdy footwear is recommended, since the path can turn muddy on wet days.

What will you see there?

The waterfall itself drops around 40 metres, enclosed by rock faces and forest made up of tree species typical of Galician river valleys. Nearby, you can also spot the remains of old water mills and the ruins of the Carballo hydroelectric plant, built in 1915 — a trace of how the Outón River's power was once harnessed to generate electricity.

Fervenza de Entrecruces is one of the stops along the PR-G 142 trail, known as Ruta das Férvedas (Route of the Waterfalls). This roughly 24-kilometre circuit links several waterfalls across the Carballo municipality, including those at Rus and Entrecruces, along with footbridges, chapels and old mill remains. Walking the full route takes about 7 hours and is rated moderate difficulty, though the short stretch to Fervenza de Entrecruces alone makes for a quick, self-contained outing.

When is the best time to visit?

Autumn, winter and early spring are the best seasons, since higher rainfall keeps the Outón River flowing strong and the waterfall at its most dramatic. In summer, during dry spells, the flow can drop considerably. Visiting shortly after rain is a good strategy, though it's worth avoiding periods of very heavy downpour, when the path can become harder to walk.

Frequently asked questions

Does the waterfall have another name? Yes, Fervenza de Entrecruces is also commonly called Fervenza de San Paio, after the chapel that marks the trailhead.

How long is the walk to the waterfall? From the parking area near the San Paio chapel to the viewpoint, it's about 500 metres along a forest path — roughly a ten-minute walk one way.

Is the route suitable for children? The short stretch to the waterfall is easy and undemanding, so it works well for families. Just watch for muddy, slippery sections after rain.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes, the waterfall forms part of the PR-G 142 Ruta das Férvedas trail, which also passes other waterfalls, old water mills and the ruins of a 1915 hydroelectric plant.