Poza da Moura

Poza da Moura is a natural rock pool in Moaña, in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, carved out by the Miñouba River as it tumbles down from Monte Faro de Domaio toward the Ría de Vigo. The spot sits within the parish of Domaio and ranks among the favorite stops for visitors looking for Galician nature away from the coastal beaches.

What exactly is it?

As the Miñouba River cascades toward the estuary, it collects at one point into a deeper pool fed by a small waterfall. The water stays cold and remarkably clear even in the middle of summer, which is why locals and travelers alike come here to cool off when temperatures climb across the Rías Baixas. Old stone watermills (muíños) still stand nearby, a reminder of how the river once powered local milling.

How do you get to Poza da Moura?

The route most commonly recommended is a walking path connecting Domaio and Moaña, roughly 7 kilometers long and taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. Difficulty is rated as medium-low, so the trail suits most visitors with average fitness, though sturdy footwear helps given the rocky and occasionally damp ground. Along the way, the path opens up to views over the Ría de Vigo, the Rande Bridge, and the city of Vigo across the water.

Where does the name come from?

The name "Poza da Moura" points to one of Galicia's many legends about mouras — mythical female figures tied to water and stone. Local tradition tells of a young moura who fell in love with a man from the area; when her father found out, he killed the young man. Grief-stricken, the moura is said to have vanished into the waters of the pool. According to the legend, she can still be seen on the night of San Juan, combing her long hair with a golden comb — a motif that recurs across many Galician tales of water spirits.

What should you know before visiting?

This is a natural site with no ticket booth or permanent food stalls, so it is worth bringing your own water and snacks. Besides the pool itself, regional tourism materials often group it together with other nearby water features, such as Pozo das Meigas and the Fervenza de Verdeal waterfall, making it easy to combine several stops into one longer walk through the Miñouba valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Poza da Moura located? In the parish of Domaio, within the municipality of Moaña, province of Pontevedra, along the Miñouba River as it flows from Monte Faro de Domaio down to the Ría de Vigo.

Can you swim there? Yes, that is one of the main reasons for its popularity — the cold, clear water draws swimmers in summer, though it is a natural pool with no lifeguard or facilities.

How long is the walking route? The path linking Domaio and Moaña runs about 7 km and takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, rated as medium-low difficulty.

Where does the name of the place come from? From the legend of the moura, a figure from Galician folklore said to have vanished into the pool after a tragic love story, and to reappear there on the night of San Juan.