The Dams of the Douro River

From Porto to Barca D'Alva we find five imposing constructions that determine the route of the Douro River.

The five dams on the Douro river allowed the creation of the Navigation Channel for this important watercourse, with 208 kilometers of waterway, ranging from Porto to the Spanish border of Barca D’Alva.

The Douro River was once considered a dangerous river, where many people lost their lives. With the construction of the dams, the river became calm and serene, allowing for safe navigation.

 

Crestuma-Lever dam, the closest to Foz

The Crestuma Lever dam owes its name to its location between the parishes of Crestuma and Lever, in the district of Porto.

It started operating in 1986 and connects the municipalities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Gondomar.

It has a height difference of 13.9 meters. When we go up the Douro River from Porto to Régua, this is the first dam we come across.A sua albufeira estende-se por cerca de 44 quilómetros, e possui 8 comportas.

At 85 meters high, in addition to producing electricity and storing water, the dam also serves as a pedestrian and road crossing.

 

Carrapatelo Dam, the first of the Douro River Dams to be built

Located on the border between the districts of Porto and Viseu, the Carrapatelo Dam was the first dam to be built on the national section of the Douro River.

Inaugurated in 1972, it is also the dam with the greatest difference in level, with a difference of 35 meters between the two sides of the river. It is composed of 6 large floodgates.

When taking a cruise between Porto and Régua, you will have the opportunity to cross this dam and live an unforgettable experience.

 

Bagaúste dam on the "best road in the world"

Located between the municipalities of Régua and Lamego, the Bagaúste Dam was inaugurated in 1973.

With an unevenness of about 27 metres, it is regularly crossed by cruise ships between Régua and Pinhão.

The dam is next to Estrada Nacional 222, known for being considered the best road in the world.

Next to the lock there is a parking lot, where people usually leave their vehicles to watch the Cruises that pass the dam, a process that takes about 30 minutes.

It is thus used for navigation and the production of electricity, and also has a passageway for pedestrian and road crossings.

 

Valeira dam, the second highest dam on the Douro River

The Valeira dam is located in São João da Pesqueira, in the district of Viseu. It was inaugurated in 1976 and is the second highest dam in the Douro, with a difference in level of 33 meters between the two sides of the river.

It is located on a bend in the river next to the narrow rocky passage where the Cachão da Valeira once stood.

É atravessada pelos Cruzeiros entre a Régua e o Pocinho ou Barca D’Alva. É caraterizada por se localizar numa paisagem imponente com grandes rochedos em ambos os lados do rio.

From the famous Viewpoint of São Salvador do Mundo it is possible to have a unique perspective on the Valeira dam.

 

Pocinho dam, the last with a lock before Spain

Located in the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, the Pocinho Dam was inaugurated in 1982.

It is located between the mouth of the river Sabor and the river Côa, and has a difference in level of 22 meters.

The reservoir surrounding the dam allows the practice of various sports and leisure activities. Here is located the high performance rowing center of Pocinho.

By taking a cruise between Régua and Pocinho, or to Barca D’Alva, you can cross this dam, as it is the last dam with a lock on the route from the Douro River to the border with Spain.