Alqueva

Alqueva dam, the largest artificial lake in Europe, a vast mass of water reaching as far as the eye can see, surrounded by an enviable natural landscape. Small islets, small pieces of land that become a dream in something bigger. People in Portugal, specially in the south, are truly proud of Alqueva’s tranquility, colour and, most of all, its beauty and life.

“Alqueva” is a word derived from “alqueive”, “fallow lands” or “deserted”, of dry soils eager for water. Well, now, there seems to be plenty of it.

The dam is located on Guadiana River, one of the longest in the Iberian Peninsula, in Alentejo Portugal. It is actually near a small village with the name… Alqueva. You can navigate the Guadiana from here until Mertola, another very interesting Alentejo village around 68 km away (42 mi).