Alqueva Reservoir, reservoir in Portugal
Alqueva Reservoir is the largest artificial lake in Europe, stretching over 50 miles through the Alentejo plains. The water is dotted with small islands and peninsulas, and eight floating docks are distributed along its length to serve visitors and boats.
Alqueva Dam was built on the Guadiana River to generate power and irrigate the dry Alentejo farmlands. Its completion transformed an abandoned and struggling region into a new center for electricity production and water management.
The name Alqueva comes from an ancient word meaning dry land, reflecting the region's former landscape. Today, small villages like Monsaraz with white walls and narrow stone streets border the shore, preserving local Alentejo traditions and ways of life.
The area offers many activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking along the shores. River beaches and water sports centers are accessible at several locations, particularly in Amieira which has the larger marina.
The old settlement of Vila da Luz was partially submerged when the dam flooded, but a new village was built in its place to embrace the water. Visitors can today explore both remains and understand how this project reshaped an entire landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
