Pego Do Infernatural Waterfall (natural Feature)

A trip to the Pego do Inferno is easy to plan, but a few practical choices make the difference between a peaceful hour in the shade and a crowded scramble. The pool lies in the Algarve hinterland, a short drive inland from Tavira, where the coastal plain gives way to low hills of limestone, pine and carob. It is one of the most popular natural spots in the eastern Algarve, partly because it is free and partly because it offers cool water in a region where most swimming means salt and surf.

Start with timing. The pool is small, and on summer weekends and in July and August, it can fill with visitors by late morning, leaving little room on the rocks and no solitude. Arriving soon after nine in the morning, or going late in the afternoon, gives a far more pleasant experience, as does visiting in May, June or September, when the weather is warm but the crowds are thinner. In winter and spring, the stream runs strongly and the falls are at their best, though the water is cold and the paths muddy. After a long dry spell, the flow can shrink to a trickle, and the pool becomes less inviting, so it is wise to check recent weather if the cascade is the point of your trip.

Getting there takes a short drive on rural roads from Tavira, followed by a walk from the car park, on a path that crosses dirt tracks and short sections of boardwalk through pine woods. It takes around ten minutes and is easy for most people, but there are some uneven stretches, so wear closed shoes or sandals with a firm grip. Bring a towel, water, snacks and a bag for rubbish, because there are no facilities beyond the path. Phone signal may be patchy. If you have children, keep them close to the edge, since the water becomes deep quickly, and the rocks below the surface are slippery.

The pool is part of a fragile place, and good behaviour matters. The water is the product of a small stream that cannot cope with a lot of sunscreen, soap or insect repellent, so rinse off before you enter. Take all your rubbish away, avoid climbing on the tufa formations, which are soft and easily damaged, and keep dogs under control if you bring them. Do not light fires. Loud music disturbs the quiet that most people come for.

The outing combines well with a day in Tavira, whose old town, castle and riverside are a short drive away, or with a visit to the whitewashed village of Cacela Velha. A lunch of grilled fish or octopus in the area makes a good finish. The pool suits families, couples and photographers.