The Pozas de Melón are a stretch of natural pools, waterfalls and small waterfalls formed by the river Cerves in its descent into the valley of Melón, in the Ribeiro region. The set is articulated on polished and staggered rocks, with pools of different sizes and sectors of steep slope that concentrate the flow in wet seasons. The environment is very green and riverside, with vegetation that accompanies the riverbed and reinforces the feeling of a river gorge. From the tour you can see pools suitable for bathing, rapids and a main waterfall in the upper part, as well as several intermediate points where the river is boxed and becomes more photogenic. The visit combines water landscape, riparian forest and a very marked relief, so it works well both as a short walk and as a stop to enjoy the environment calmly. It is a place often mentioned in guides and local hiking trails in Ourense, and is often associated with the recreational area of A Freixa and the route along the river Cerves. The best time to see it with enough water is usually in spring; in summer it becomes more interesting as a bathing area, although the flow can drop. After rains, the pools show more strength, but also increases the slipperiness. It should be borne in mind that the rocks can be very wet and that there are steep sections, so access requires attention. If you are looking for a quieter visit, the early hours of the day usually offer better light and less crowds.
