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The reservoir of
Castelo
do Bode Lake is the second largest body of fresh water in
Portugal.
It follows the path of the
River
Zêzere through the region of the Ribatejo in
central Portugal with the dam (barragem)
situated at the southern end at Castelo do Bode.
Surrounded by
forests of pine and eucalyptus trees, the lake covers an area of 3,300
hectares and is 60
kilometres (40-miles) in length. Castelo do Bode lake also has many islands,
notably Ilha da Lomba, which has a fully functioning hotel and
restaurant, only accessible by boat.
The main purpose of
Castelo
do Bode lake is to provide drinking water for the
population of Lisbon,
but there are many by-products including the production of
hydro-electricity, providing habitats for wildlife and a wealth of
leisure pursuits. |
The dam (barragem
de Castelo do Bode) itself it a tourist attraction
with coach loads of tourists visiting each year to marvel at the
engineering of the construction. Most weekends and public holidays there
are stalls selling dried fruit and traditional crafts.
Whether you enjoy fishing, water skiing, sailing,
jet skiing, swimming, canoeing or simply breath taking scenery Castelo do Bode has something for everyone.
The reservoir is a haven for birds and wildlife and even has it's own eco-museum, based in the village of Martinchel. |
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Leisure Pursuits at
Castelo do Bode |
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Castelo do Bode lake
is a water sport delight. The waters are crystal clear
and the ph level is tested daily to ensure it's purity.
However it is still possible to utilise speed boats and
jet skis on the lake as long as they are four stroke.
There are various
marinas with slipways to the lake, some private and some
owned by the local councils. Although the lake is
popular for water skiing, jet skiing, wind surfing,
sailing and canoeing due to it's size it is rarely over
crowded. You will find the public swimming areas,
complete with floating swimming pontoons, will be busier
than out of the way coves. However if you wish to take a
dip in the water there are hundreds of spots to choose
from.
Though if you enjoy
scuba diving, Castelo do Bode lake has something special
to offer. The waters of the lake are crystal clear and
local dive schools organise regular trips to visit the
six villages which were flooded during the creation of
the reservoir. |
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| Martinchel |
Montes |
Aldeia do Mato
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Lago Azul |
Speed
Boats |
Sailing on Castelo do
Bode Lake |
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