THE LARGEST LAKES IN PORTUGAL

The Alqueva Dam, with a 250 km² reservoir and more than 1,100 km of shores, is the largest artificial lake in Europe. Having submerged in the process the old Village of Light, the dam and the reservoir have created new possibilities for tourist development, now encompassing the Great Lake to a region that already has a long history, patent in its rich architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage.

Évora is an inspiring city with much to know and explore. Through plains to lose sight, by a landscape where the sun dominates the oiro of the sun, we reach the Montargil Dam, located already in the district of Portalegre. Belonging to the tagus river basin, the Maranhão Dam, built on the Seda river, is one of the largest in northern Alentejo. Its neighbouring reservoirs of Montargil and Caia have an ornithological richness without equal.

It is the heart of northern Alentejo, which beats strongly in the dam that bears its name. Montargil is a village, it's a lake, it's paradise. It is a typical Alentejo village that invites us to let ourselves be carried away in time, intoxicated by the beauty of the space, where every ride to the old rhythm - by bike or on foot, by marina or through the fields - is an unforgettable experience!

Venture over the water from the dam or on a horseback ride. Visit the narrow streets of the village, discover architectural remains of the eighteenth century. Discover the Mora Fluviary, where you can meet some native aquatic species, in a playful and pedagogical space. Eat... migas, eggs, cation or tomato soup, soaked or sericaia, river fish or pure Alentejo meat... Drink... Never to forget.

The snaking of the course of the River Zêzere guides us to a magnificent lake between the shale and magical mountains of the municipality of Tomar. In this area you can visit and enjoy the Castelo de Bode Dam, one of the main buildings in the set of dams of the Zêzere basin and one of the largest dams in the country. You can also immerse yourself in the mystical world of the Templars through the historic Almourol Castle.

If you are in the region you can not fail to pay a visit to Dornes, a peninsula that served as a military strategic point in the early days of nationality. This small town preserved important historical monuments, namely a Templar tower and a small church erected by Queen St. Elizabeth, in honor of Our Lady of The Weeby.

Santarém, located on top, is nicknamed Cidade Miradouro. The history of this beautiful city is intertwined with the work of the Order of Christ, successor of the Templars, who financially supported the Discoveries. This connection is also reflected in the Santarém of our days, in monuments so important to the history of Portuguese art.