The Póvoa Dam "Barragem de Póvoa", situated about 11 km Northeast of Castelo de Vide is a large lake and is a great place for a picnic, especially in Spring where you will most probably be alone. In the summer months the local Portuguese go for a swim to cool down from the hot Alentejo sun.
The dam was created in 1927 with the objective of providing energy for the region. Professional fishing and motorized boats are not allowed so it is a very tranquil and beautiful place to relax with plenty of water and large granite boulders to keep the children occupied.
Here you can observe a great variety of birds including lots of ducks and the Great Crested Grebe.
On the south side of the lake you can discover a Megalithic burial chamber or tomb (dolmen) " Anta do Curral das Galhordas", an ancient structure built more than 3000 years ago. (Latitude: 39.461200N Longitude: 7.54425W)
If you are visiting the Alto Alentejo spend the day here and marvel at the stunning natural landscape of this unforgettable region.
www.cm-castelo-vide.pt/barragem.htm
Google map: bit.ly/h9KgPE
In the Alto Alentejo region of Portugal you will see scattered over the beautiful countryside these very large megalithic stones. You can discover over 50 here including dolmens and menhirs. One that stands out is the Menhir a Meada near the village of Póvoa. It is over seven meters tall and 1.25 meters diameter, the tallest in the Iberian Peninsular. Nearby is the Coureleiros Megalithic Park, Castelo de Vide, a collection of various dolmens. Also near to the villages of Barretos and Beira there are more including the Anta da Granja.
These large stone structures are over 3,000 years old and it is still a mystery how these ancient civilizations managed to place them there.
Take a walk, go see and touch these magnificent stones and wonder how on earth did our ancestors cut and manage to move them.
Castelo de Vide and Marvão
A small medieval hill town in the North Alentejo region of Portugal, a delightful place for a holiday with its 14th century castle, Gothic doorways, small white houses and cobbled streets. A place where you can step back in time from the era of the Romans and Visigoths to the Moors and Christian crusaders.
Don't forget to visit the 13th Century synagogue and covered fountain in the famous Jewish quarter.
One of our favourite places in Portugal.
The surrounding countryside with the mountain range of the "Serra de São Mamede" with its abundance of flora and fauna is a great excuse to get out the walking boots.
Two outdoor public swimming pools great for family fun. One in Portagem near Marvão with a large swimming pool and smaller children's pool, sun loungers, shades, a grass area with a small stream and bridges and cafe/restaurant.
The other one in Castelo de Vide with two great slides for the kids, large swimming pool, small children's pool, sun loungers, shades and grass areas with small olive trees and a cafe/restaurant.
A respite from the hot Alentejo sun and the kids will love it.
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