Top 6 Lakes around Santa Susana
Best lakes around Santa Susana are found in the parish of Santa Susana, located within the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, Portugal. This area is characterized by its agricultural landscape, particularly rice fields in the Sado River valley, and its historical water management infrastructure. The region features the Pego do Altar Dam, built to supply irrigation and generate electricity. Visitors can also observe modernist architecture from the 1940s and a 16th-century church in the village.
Best lakes around Santa Susana
…Last updated: July 1, 2026
Pego do Altar Dam
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Reservoir of the Pego do Altar Dam
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Figueira Valley
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Pego do Altar Dam Reservoir
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Vale de Tanques Dam
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The Pego do Altar Dam, originally named Salazar Dam, is a dam built on the bed of the Ribeira das Alcáçovas, in the Sado River basin, in the parish of Santa Susana, in the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, Portugal. The Salazar Dam was built in 1949, during the Estado Novo period, to harness the waters for agriculture in the Sado Valley (rice fields of Alcácer do Sal) and for hydroelectric generation. Its reservoir is now a point of great tourist interest, particularly for sport fishing.
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The Pego do Altar Dam, originally named Salazar Dam, is a dam built on the bed of the Ribeira das Alcáçovas, in the Sado River basin, in the parish of Santa Susana, in the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, Portugal.[1] The then Salazar Dam was built in 1949, during the Estado Novo period, to harness the waters for agriculture in the Sado Valley (rice fields of Alcácer do Sal) and for hydroelectric generation. Its reservoir is now a point of great tourist interest, particularly for sport fishing.
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The Pego do Altar Dam is located a few kilometres from Alcácer do Sal and was built in 1949 to supply the agricultural area of the Sado River valley and to produce electricity. Today it is very popular with foreigners in their motorhomes and with sports fishing enthusiasts. It is a magical place due to its landscapes, its capacity for leisure activities and its importance in irrigating the fields, where the main irrigated crop is rice. Not far from the Pego do Altar Dam, the village of Santa Susana has a curious feature: some buildings with modernist architecture from the 1940s, which are due to a benefactor of the region, Henrique Louro Fernandes, whose monogram (HF) can be found on some of them. A small church, with two 16th-century panels inside, somewhat deteriorated but magnificent, completes the interesting visit to this place. Recently, the drought that hit this area “uncovered” an old 200-year-old bridge that was submerged by the waters of the dam.
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The Pego do Altar Dam is located a few kilometres from Alcácer do Sal and was built in 1949 to supply the agricultural area of the Sado River valley and to produce electricity. Today it is very popular with foreigners in their motorhomes and with sports fishing enthusiasts. It is a magical place due to its landscapes, its capacity for leisure activities and its importance in irrigating the fields, where the main irrigated crop is rice. Not far from the Pego do Altar Dam, the village of Santa Susana has a curious feature: some buildings with modernist architecture from the 1940s, which are due to a benefactor of the region, Henrique Louro Fernandes, whose monogram (HF) can be found on some of them. A small church, with two 16th-century panels inside, somewhat deteriorated but magnificent, completes the interesting visit to this place. Recently, the drought that hit this area “uncovered” an old 200-year-old bridge that was submerged by the waters of the dam.
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This is an arm of the Pego do Altar Dam, which serves to irrigate the rice fields in the Alcácer do Sal area.
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A very nice place for birdwatching. A great place for birdwatching.
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Excellent for spending a few pleasant hours with friends and family...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main purposes of the lakes around Santa Susana?
The lakes in the Santa Susana area, particularly the Pego do Altar Dam and its associated reservoirs, were primarily constructed for agricultural irrigation, especially for the rice fields in the Sado River valley, and for hydroelectric power generation. Today, they also serve as popular spots for recreation.
What activities can I enjoy at Pego do Altar Dam?
The Pego do Altar Dam is a popular destination for motorhome enthusiasts and sports fishing. Its scenic landscapes also make it a great place for leisure activities and enjoying the outdoors.
Are there opportunities for birdwatching near Santa Susana's lakes?
Yes, Vale de Tanques Dam is particularly noted as an excellent spot for birdwatching. The diverse aquatic flora and fauna in the region, including wetlands like Les Llobateres (though further afield), attract various water birds.
What historical features can be found around the lakes?
The Pego do Altar Dam itself, originally built in 1949, is a significant historical infrastructure. Recently, during periods of drought, an old 200-year-old bridge that was submerged by the dam's waters has been revealed, offering a glimpse into the area's past. The nearby village of Santa Susana also features modernist architecture from the 1940s and a 16th-century church.
Are the lakes around Santa Susana family-friendly?
Yes, many of the lakes and reservoirs, including Vale de Tanques Dam and the Reservoir of the Pego do Altar Dam, are considered family-friendly and offer pleasant environments for spending time with friends and family.
Can I go cycling near the lakes of Santa Susana?
Absolutely. There are various cycling routes around Santa Susana that pass by the lakes and through the agricultural landscape. You can find detailed touring bicycle routes, including some challenging options, in the Cycling around Santa Susana guide.
Are there hiking trails available near the lakes?
Yes, the area offers hiking opportunities. You can explore easy trails, such as those found in the Easy hikes around Santa Susana guide, or more moderate routes detailed in the Hiking around Santa Susana guide, which often feature views of the water features and surrounding landscapes.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are set within an agricultural landscape, notably surrounded by extensive rice fields in the Sado River valley. The area also features diverse wooded environments, including holm oaks, cork oaks, and chestnut trees, particularly near natural parks like Montnegre i el Corredor (though this is in a different region, it highlights the type of natural beauty associated with reservoirs).
What is the significance of the Figueira Valley?
The Figueira Valley is an arm of the Pego do Altar Dam, crucial for irrigating the rice fields in the Alcácer do Sal area. It plays a vital role in the region's agricultural economy.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Santa Susana?
Visitors appreciate the magical landscapes, the opportunities for leisure activities like sports fishing and motorhoming at Pego do Altar Dam, and the pleasant environment for spending time with friends and family at places like Vale de Tanques Dam. The historical aspects, such as the recently revealed submerged bridge, also add to the appeal.
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