Until the wadding of the barrage of Alqueva, the barrage of Castelo do Bode will still be the largest lagoon of Portugal.

It has an extension of 60km, from Tomar til the outskirts of Cernache do Bomjardim, close to the barrage of Bouçã. It’s a control point in the airplane trips, since one of the main routes of approach Lisbon, flies over the valley of the Zêzere from the Mountain of Serra da Estrela.

This gigantic reserve of water supplies the region of Lisbon with almost 3 million people.

Its great extension provides the appearance of innumerable water arms where it is possible to find authentic oases of tranquillity.

This barrage was built in the golden era of exploitation of hydraulic resources, in the 1950s. It was the first one to be finished, in 1951, having followed it the barrage of Bouçã (1955) and the barrage of Cabril (1954).

The main goal was to hold back waters proceeding from the bulk of the Mountain of Estrela for the production of electric energy. Only later it was sarted the supplying of the great Lisbon.

The lagoon of Castelo do Bode is an uneven place for the practice of nautical sports. You can also opt for a stroll in the Boat of St. Cristovão, recreation boat where the meals during the trip are served.

You can also pass some days in the inn of the Island of Lombo on a small islet in the middle of the Zêzere river, where you will be able to enjoy days of rest in a true paradise.