Grande Lago

Destinations / Portugal / Grande Lago

The Grande Lago is the largest artificial lake in Europe and offers beaches, swimming in clean and warm water, fishing, ridingcycling, diverse flora and fauna, historical sites (fortified towns, archaeological excavations), local artists and traditional local cuisine. Grande Lago is located in the south-west of Portugal and was created in 2002 by the construction of the Alqueva Dam on the Guardiana River, creating a lake of 250 km².

You will start your journey in the town of Amieira, which is a naval base and also full of renowned restaurants. Here you can rent canoes and small sailing boats to enjoy the lake. You should also visit the beautiful town of Luz, which lies on the shores of the lake, and Mourao, which has a well-preserved castle and fortifications dating back to the 13th century. Its church and the festivals associated with it are very famous.

If you are tempted to visit the legendary bullfights that are inherent to the entire Iberian Peninsula. Discover the fortified town of Monsaraz, with its narrow cobbled streets leading to the large arena, which is still used for the cortege. This town is also home to archaeologists, and is famous for its September celebrations and museum. Jerumenha is a fortified town with a church, chapel and houses with a typical square.