Lagoa Comprida - Serra da Estrela - Portugal

Lagoa Comprida is the largest lake of Serra da Estrela. This was an ancient glacier with a kilometer long.

Its huge mass was used from the beginning of the century for the production of electricity, and the wall was increased several times to increase the capacity. Taking advantage of the Covão, it began in 1912 the construction of the dam.
In 1914 it had a height of six meters and in 1934 reached 15 meters. Currently, since 1965, it has a height of 28 meters. It is a gravity type dam, formed by three granite masonry arches with 1200 meters.
The reservoir has a capacity of about 12 million m3 of water and floods an area of ​​800,000 m2.

On the north bank there is a path that follows for its waterfront, excellent access to a small path that allows us to enjoy a water environment, at an altitude where water courses are scarce.

Two tunnels flow into the lake: Covão do Meio, with 2354 meters that diverts water from the slopes of the Tower and the Covão dos Conchos with 1519 meters diverting the waters of the Ribeira das Naves.