Top 5 Lakes around Chorense
Lakes around Chorense are primarily found within the Peneda-Gerês National Park in Northern Portugal, an area characterized by its granite ridges and significant water bodies. This region is known for its hydroelectric power stations and reservoirs, which contribute to both energy production and recreational opportunities. The landscape offers a mix of natural beauty and man-made structures, providing diverse experiences for visitors. The Cávado River and its tributaries form several of these reservoirs, creating a network of water bodies.
Best lakes…
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Caniçada Dam
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Alqueirão Beach (Gerês beach)
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Vilarinho da Furna Dam
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View from Miradouro da Pedra Bela overlooking the Rio Gerês reservoir
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Vilarinho das Furnas Dam
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From here to Vilarinho das Furnas and back it is a comfortable 5 km, which in the summer months can sometimes be driven by car for a fee.
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Dam with a fantastic view, and also provides quick access to both banks...
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The dam dams the River Homem into a reservoir. The dam and the associated reservoir are located on the edge of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. About 1 km southeast of the dam is the municipality of Campo do Gerês. The project to build the dam began in 1966. The construction was completed in 1972. In addition to generating electricity, the dam also serves as flood protection.
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Miradouro da Pedra Bela - actually there are three viewpoints. We were completely alone up there shortly before sunset.
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The Caniçada Dam (Portuguese: Barragem da Caniçada) is located in the Northern region of Portugal in the Braga district near the municipality of Caniçada. It dams up the Cávado River and its tributary Rio Gerês to form a four-armed reservoir (port. Albufeira (da Barragem) da Caniçada). In the middle of the reservoir, near the point where the Rio Gerês originally flowed into the Rio Cávado, the lake is bridged by two bridges. To the north of the reservoir is the Peneda-Gerês National Park and part of the lake area belongs to the national park. The city of Braga is located about 15 km southwest of the Caniçada dam. Upstream, the next hydroelectric power station on the Cávado is the Salamonde dam.
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Beautiful reservoir with interesting vegetation around it. If you're already in the area anyway, you can do a little lap here.
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An impressive build! Built in 1955, it has a height of 76m and a crown length of 246m. The hydroelectric power station located there produces an average of 346 GWh per year.
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From the popular vantage point you have a wonderful view of the Rio Gerês reservoir. This is one of the most visited places in Peneda-Gerês National Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the lakes around Chorense located?
The lakes around Chorense are primarily found within the Peneda-Gerês National Park in Northern Portugal. This region is characterized by its granite ridges and significant water bodies, including reservoirs formed by the Cávado River and its tributaries.
What kind of lakes can I expect to find near Chorense?
You'll find a mix of man-made reservoirs and natural water bodies. The area is known for its hydroelectric power stations and the large reservoirs they create, such as those formed by the Cávado and Homem rivers. These offer both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
Are there any notable viewpoints overlooking the lakes?
Yes, a must-visit is the View from Miradouro da Pedra Bela overlooking the Rio Gerês reservoir. It's one of the most popular spots in Peneda-Gerês National Park, offering expansive views of the reservoir.
Which dams are significant in the Chorense lake region?
The Caniçada Dam on the Cávado River is a prominent man-made monument, forming a four-armed reservoir. Another important one is the Vilarinho da Furna Dam on the River Homem, known for its beautiful reservoir and role in electricity generation and flood protection.
Are there family-friendly spots among the lakes?
Absolutely. Alqueirão Beach (Gerês beach) is particularly family-friendly, offering bathing facilities, water castles for children, jet ski and pedal boat rentals, and lifeguards. The Vilarinho da Furna Dam area is also considered family-friendly.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the 'Junceda Viewpoint loop from Gerês' or 'Valley View – Fenda da Calcedónia loop from Curvaceira'. For more challenging activities, there are running trails such as 'Trilho da Calcedónia (PR 1)' and cycling routes like the 'Caniçada Reservoir – Porta do Homem Border Crossing loop from Rio Caldo'. You can explore more options in the easy hikes guide, running trails guide, and cycling guide for the area.
Are there opportunities for swimming or water sports?
Yes, Alqueirão Beach (Gerês beach) is well-equipped for swimming and water sports, offering jet ski and pedal boat rentals. The reservoirs themselves provide ample opportunities for enjoying the water.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Chorense?
While specific data isn't available, generally, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to October) are ideal for enjoying the lakes, swimming, and water sports. For hiking and exploring the natural beauty, spring and autumn offer milder temperatures.
What kind of natural features can I observe around the lakes?
The area is characterized by pure granite ridges, especially around Alqueirão Beach. You'll also find interesting vegetation surrounding reservoirs like the Vilarinho da Furna Dam, all set within the stunning landscapes of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Chorense?
Visitors appreciate the expansive views, especially from viewpoints like Miradouro da Pedra Bela. The impressive engineering of the dams, the beautiful reservoirs, and the opportunities for various outdoor activities like hiking and swimming are also highly valued.
Are there easy walking trails near the lakes?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Junceda Viewpoint – Junceda Viewpoint loop from Gerês' or the 'Stream bank with clear water – São Bento Sanctuary loop from Rio Caldo', which are suitable for leisurely walks. More options are available in the easy hikes guide.
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