Ézaro waterfall: how to get there and the best time to visit

The Ézaro waterfall (fervenza do Ézaro) is one of the most astonishing spots on the Costa da Morte: the river Xallas plunges around 40 metres and falls straight into the Atlantic Ocean, something no other river does in mainland Europe. From Laxe it sits about 75 km away (1 h 20 by car), so it fits perfectly into a day trip from Casa do Rancho. Here is how to get there and the best time to catch it at its finest.

What is the Ézaro waterfall and why is it unique?

The Xallas is one of the few rivers in the world — and the only one in mainland Europe — that ends in a waterfall over the sea, in the Corcubión estuary, between the councils of Dumbría and Cee. The falls sit at the foot of Monte Pindo, the granite massif known as the “Celtic Olympus”, which makes the scene even more dramatic.

There is one key detail to understand before you go: the flow is regulated by a hydroelectric plant. That means the waterfall does not always come down with the same force; it looks mighty during a water release and shyer when the level is low. In summer there are usually scheduled releases and night-time illumination of the falls, quite a show.

How to get to the Ézaro waterfall from Laxe?

By car is easiest. From Laxe you head towards Vimianzo and Cee, and from Cee you follow the coast to O Ézaro (a parish of the Dumbría council). The drive is around 75 km and 1 h 20. There are two spots you should not miss:

• The foot of the falls: by the river mouth there is free parking, a walkway and a prepared area to get close to the waterfall.
• The Ézaro viewpoint: heading up the road towards O Pindo (DP-3404) you will find a viewpoint with panoramic views of the falls, the estuary and Monte Pindo. It is the best overall shot.

If you come without a car it is tricky: public transport out here is scarce, so the practical option is your own or a rental car. You can combine the visit with the route we suggest in what to see on the Costa da Morte in 3 days, where Ézaro is the highlight of the final day.

What is the best time to visit Ézaro?

The waterfall faces west, so the afternoon is the best moment: the light falls head-on onto the drop and, if you stay, the sunset over the Corcubión estuary is among the finest in Galicia. In summer, there is also usually night-time illumination of the waterfall, which transforms it completely.

One important tip: since the flow depends on the dam, check the release timetable beforehand (the Dumbría council publishes it in season). You will see the waterfall far more impressive during a release than on a minimum-flow day.

How long from Laxe and nearby towns?

Approximate driving distances and times to the Ézaro waterfall:

From	Distance	Driving time
Laxe (Casa do Rancho)	75 km	1 h 20
Cee	12 km	15 min
Corcubión	15 km	20 min
Fisterra	25 km	30 min
Muxía	45 km	55 min

Tip: make the most of the trip and drop by Fisterra lighthouse too, half an hour from Ézaro. It is easy to link the two Atlantic “ends of the world” in a single day.

What else can you see near the Ézaro waterfall?

The surroundings are worth a full day:

• Monte Pindo: a granite mountain with hiking trails and viewpoints; the “Celtic Olympus”.
• Ézaro beach: a wide sandy beach right next door, ideal to round off the visit.
• Fisterra and its lighthouse: the iconic “end of the world”, ~30 min away.
• Corcubión estuary: fishing villages and good seafood along the way.

If you love walking by the sea, Ézaro is close to the end of the Camiño dos Faros; in our guide to the stages of the Camiño dos Faros from Laxe we explain what this 200 km cliff-top trail is like.

Based in Laxe, the Ézaro waterfall makes a perfect excursion: nature at its purest, a geographical rarity unique in Europe, and a sunset that is hard to forget.