Cascata do Pego do Inferno

About

Pego do Inferno, also known as Hell's Pool, is a secluded waterfall and tranquil lake nestled in the parish of Santo Estêvão within the municipality of Tavira in Portugal’s Algarve region. The site is fed by the Asseca stream and is one of three waterfalls that the stream creates. Although historically referred to by locals as the “secret waterfall,” the name Pego do Inferno (Hell’s Pool or Pit of Hell) reflects a local legend of a carriage that disappeared into the pool, with its occupants and animals never recovered. The legend claims that anyone who falls into the pool is carried straight to hell, adding a mysterious allure to the location. In 2000 the local authorities installed barriers and bins to protect the area, and a small café was established to accommodate visitors. A fire in 2012 closed the space, and since then the municipality has not officially reopened it. Despite this, the area remains frequently visited each summer by locals and tourists who seek its natural beauty and serene waters. Pego do Inferno offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers and those intrigued by folklore, with its clear waters inviting swims and curiosities about the depths that many say remain unexplored.