Alqueva Lake
Albufeira do Alqueva
One of the largest artificial lakes in Western Europe, with a winding shoreline and many islands. Take a boat cruise, rent a houseboat, or join a night-time stargazing tour.
The Alqueva Dam was completed in 2002, creating a lake of about 250 square kilometers with a long, winding shoreline. Tour boats and houseboats can be hired from piers near Amieira and Monsaraz, and in summer there are kayaks and lakeside beaches. The area has been named the world's first ‘Starlight Tourist Destination,’ where the Milky Way is clearly visible on clear nights. There are viewpoints near the dam. About 60 km from Évora, roughly a one-hour drive.
Opening hours
Open all day (boat tours follow pier schedules)
Nearby sights
- Herdade do Esporão
- Monsaraz
- Public Garden & Palace of King Manuel
- University of Évora (Colégio do Espírito Santo)
- Chapel of Bones
- Évora Cathedral
- Évora Museum (Frei Manuel do Cenáculo)
- Lóios Church & Cadaval Palace