A vast green and blue camaieu stretches as far as the eye can see in the plain. An impressive bridge spans one of the largest man-made lakes.
But it will have taken time for this hydroelectric dam on the course of the Guadina to see the light of day. According to our guide, as early as the 1940s, there was talk of developing a water reserve for agriculture, but it was not until 2002 that filling could begin. It took nine years to reach the maximum capacity: from 30 to 150 m deep!
An entire village has also been submerged to allow construction, as has the megalithic site of Cromeleque do Xerez, dating from 4000 to 3000 years BC. A work of art near the nautical base invites to imagine how important this site is. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to visit.
Along the lake, each village has its pier. "About 33% of the lake is on the Spanish side but we don't sail there, explains our guide, because they haven't removed any fences or trees which are so many obstacles to navigation". The rivalry between the two countries still surfaces!
But no matter, the lake is large enough for beautiful boat trips between some 250 islands and islets. One of them is known as the golden island: granite flakes shine like gold!
The nautical base is located at the river beach at the foot of Monsaraz. Several water activities are offered, there are picnic areas, showers and a bar-restaurant.
