Article Lakeside escapes in Portugal

If you’re looking for a place to relax, the Great Lake of Alqueva is a wonderful option. Formed by the Alqueva Reservoir, it offers the perfect setting for spending a few peaceful days in good company. Built on the River Guadiana, it is one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, with a surface area of 250 square kilometers. It spans five Alentejo municipalities and surrounded by many points of interest. On the right bank, you’ll find the castles of Juromenha, Alandroal, Terena, Monsaraz, and Portel, while on the left bank, Mourão and Moura offer spectacular viewpoints over this vast reflecting pool.

The lake has transformed the region’s landscape. Where olive groves, cork oaks, and holm oaks once stood are now water and renewed life, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities and water sports such as sailing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding, or invigorating trips by canoe or kayak. Hiking and biking enthusiasts will also find marked trails that are perfect for discovering local customs and traditions and connecting with the local population.

It’s a great place to surprise the family with a scenic drive around Alqueva or, even better, rent a houseboat and sleep under the stars — a perfect idea for a romantic weekend, too.

You are, after all, in the heart of Alentejo, beneath one of the world’s most extraordinary night skies. Certified as a Dark Sky® Reserve and recognized by UNESCO, the area extends over around 10,000 square kilometers. To preserve this natural treasure, towns like Alandroal, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portel, Mourão, and others reduce public lighting at night, creating ideal stargazing conditions. Even without equipment, you’ll see countless stars with the naked eye, but for a closer look, companies along the Dark Sky® Route provide binoculars, telescopes, and expert guidance to help you explore the cosmos.

You absolutely must visit the new Aldeia da Luz, the only village that, submerged by the dam’s waters, had to be entirely relocated. A museum here features a collection composed largely of objects donated by former residents, preserving the memory of the old village.

Monsaraz is another must-see. This beautifully preserved medieval hilltop town, with its schist-paved streets and surrounding walls, enchants visitors at every turn. Nearby, around the Convent of Orada, don’t miss the Xerez Cromlech, a unique, square-shaped megalithic site.

Naturally, in Alqueva — as throughout Portugal — the regional cuisine is irresistible. Be sure to try açorda (a bread-based casserole), migas (sautéed breadcrumbs with garlic), local pork dishes, traditional sausages, and, of course, the excellent Alentejo wines.

At the Great Lake, it’s easy to be captivated by rural tourism, the simple pleasures of country life, and the chance to slow down and enjoy the surrounding nature. It’s a serene getaway where calm waters, starry skies, and the peaceful rhythm of the Alentejo landscape invite you to truly unwind.