Top 9 Lakes around Montemor-O-Novo
Best lakes around Montemor-O-Novo are primarily reservoirs formed by dams, serving both agricultural and recreational purposes in the Alentejo region. These water bodies provide significant resources for irrigation and hydroelectric generation. The landscape around these reservoirs offers opportunities for various outdoor activities. Montemor-O-Novo's surrounding area features several such aquatic environments, contributing to the region's natural appeal.
Best lakes around Montemor-O-Novo
- The most popular lakes is Pego do Altar Dam, a lake that was built in 1949 to supply the…
Last updated: July 9, 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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Monte do Marnel Reservoir
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Reservoir for irrigation of the surrounding agricultural fields and an excellent place for bird watching...
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of 'lakes' can I expect to find around Montemor-O-Novo?
The 'lakes' around Montemor-O-Novo are primarily reservoirs formed by dams, such as the Pego do Altar Dam and Monte do Pinheiro Dam. These water bodies serve important agricultural and hydroelectric purposes, but also offer significant recreational opportunities and scenic beauty in the Alentejo region.
Are there any family-friendly lakes in the area?
Yes, several reservoirs are considered family-friendly. The Pego do Altar Dam and its associated areas like Figueira Valley are popular for their landscapes and leisure activities. The Monte do Pinheiro Dam also welcomes visitors, provided civility rules are respected.
What activities can I do at the Pego do Altar Dam?
The Pego do Altar Dam is a popular spot for motorhome visitors and sports fishing enthusiasts. Its landscapes are considered magical, offering various leisure activities. The nearby village of Santa Susana also features interesting modernist architecture and a church with 16th-century panels.
Where can I go for water sports like water skiing?
For dedicated water sports, the Barragem da Atabueira (also known as Barragem do Ciborro) is an excellent choice. It hosts a Water Ski School that attracts international athletes due to its superb conditions, including multiple slalom tracks, a figures track, and a jumping ramp.
Are there opportunities for birdwatching near the lakes?
Yes, the Monte do Pinheiro Dam is particularly known as an excellent area for observing water birds. The Albufeira da Barragem da Abrunheira also offers opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of the Alentejo landscape.
What kind of outdoor routes are available near the lakes around Montemor-O-Novo?
You can find a variety of outdoor routes. For hiking, consider trails like the 'Megalithic Circuit of Évora' or the 'Almendres Cromlech loop'. If you prefer cycling, there are MTB trails such as 'O Migalhas – Pegões Dam loop' and road cycling routes like 'Dolmen of Monfurado – View of Montemor-o-Novo loop'. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for Hiking around Montemor-O-Novo, MTB Trails around Montemor-O-Novo, and Road Cycling Routes around Montemor-O-Novo.
Can I find any historical or cultural sites near the dams?
Near the Pego do Altar Dam, the village of Santa Susana is notable for its modernist architecture from the 1940s and a small church housing two magnificent, albeit somewhat deteriorated, 16th-century panels. Additionally, a 200-year-old bridge, previously submerged, has been uncovered during periods of drought at the dam.
What is the primary purpose of these dams and reservoirs?
Beyond recreation, the dams and reservoirs around Montemor-O-Novo, such as the Pego do Altar Dam and Barragem dos Minutos, are crucial for agricultural irrigation, particularly for rice fields in areas like Alcácer do Sal, and for hydroelectric power generation.
Are there any specific recreational activities for youth at these reservoirs?
The Barragem dos Minutos has been known to host multi-activity mornings, including cycling and canoeing, specifically promoting physical activity and engagement with the local fauna and flora for young people.
What is the best time to visit the lakes for scenic views?
The landscapes around these reservoirs, particularly the Barragem dos Minutos, are especially picturesque after periods of rain, when water levels are higher and the surrounding nature is lush.
What should I be aware of when visiting Monte do Pinheiro Dam?
The Monte do Pinheiro Dam is on private property, but access is generally permitted if civility rules are respected. Be mindful that there may be cattle in the area, so approach animals with caution.
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