Alcántara dam, Buttress dam and hydroelectric station in Cáceres Province, Spain.
Alcántara Dam is a concrete buttress dam spanning the Tagus River in Cáceres Province, stretching 570 meters with walls rising 130 meters high. The structure holds back a large reservoir and channels water through turbines to generate electricity.
Construction started in the late 1950s and finished in 1969, representing a major step forward in Spain's hydroelectric development. The project was part of broader efforts to bring electricity to the region and harness the river's power for energy production.
The facility bears the name of José María de Oriol y Urquijo, who made substantial contributions to Spain's electrical industry development.
The dam can be viewed from several viewpoints that offer clear sight lines of the structure and reservoir. Wear sturdy shoes since the area has stairs and paths that can become slippery, especially after rain.
The spillway system can release up to 8,000 cubic meters of water per second through two separate channels during high water periods. This dual-channel design allows precise control of water flow even under extreme conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Alcántara Bridge
1.1 km
Roman temple of Alcántara
1.1 km
Ponte de Segura
12.8 km
San Benito de Alcántara
1.1 kmDólmenes de Alcántara
1.7 km
Peña Buraca
8.4 km
Menhir del Cabezo
4 km
Church of Santa María la Mayor
15.9 km
Iglesia de San Pedro de Alcántara, Alcántara
1.1 km
Fortaleza de Segura
13.5 km
Castillo de Brozas
15.9 km
Church of Santa María de Almocóvar, Alcántara
1.1 km
Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Hitos
3.9 km
Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Luz
16.1 km
Convento de las Comendadoras de Alcántara
15.9 km
Convento de la Encarnación
16.2 km
Iglesia de los Santos Mártires San Fabián y San Sebastián
16.2 km
Ermita de la Soledad, Brozas
15.7 km
Torre de Belvís
12.6 km
Palacio de los Condes de la Encina
15.9 km
Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias
1.2 km
Pelourinho de Segura
13.4 km
Alcántara Reservoir
0 m
Plaza de toros de Zarza la Mayor
16.5 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
13.4 km
Alcántara bullring
1.5 km
Silo of Brozas
15.4 km
Palace of the Topete-Escobar, Alcántara
1.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes