the douro river dams
The Douro River has been navigated for many centuries, but the calm flow we enjoy today is a recent experience…it used to be quite a treacherous journey with many hidden risks. The magnificent dams along the Douro changed that forever.
The Douro River is an international river, born in the hills of Urbion (Spain), and which builds over 528 miles / 850 km until the released into the Atlantic just past the city of Porto.
On the Portuguese side a total of 5 dams were constructed, together with navigation locks, which both slowed and controlled the flow of water, and allow cruises between Porto City and Barca D’Alva (Spanish border).
The dam names are Crestuma-Lever, Carrapatelo, Bagaúste, Valeira and Pocinho.
Crestuma-Lever Dam was the last dam to be built on the Douro River between 1978 and 1985, which allowed boats to calmly make trips between Porto and Barca D’Alva. The difference in the water level of this lock is about 45 feet / 14 meters.
Carrapatelo Dam was built between 1964 and 1971, being the first dam on the Douro River. The difference in the water level of this lock is about 114 feet / 35m which makes it one of the highest dams in the world.
Bagauste Dam has a difference in the water level is of 88 feet 27m.
Valeria Dam was built between 1971 and 1976 and has a water level difference of 104 feet / 32 meters.
Pocinho Dam was the 4th dam to be built between 1978 and 1983. The difference in the water level is about 65 feet / 20m.