Top 8 Lakes around Vila Cova À Coelheira

Covão dos Conchos is an artificial lagoon located in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal, near the mountain village of Sabugueiro. Covão dos Conchos became famous for its bell-mouth spillway[1]. The spillway was built in 1955 to allow water to be transferred from the Ribeira das Naves River to Lagoa Comprida. It is part of the Serra da Estrela Hydroelectric System. This science fiction-style spillway became famous when photographs of the hole went viral on social media in 2016. Over the past 60 years, the growth of vegetation at the funnel's mouth has created extraordinary biodiversity and increased its ethereal allure. It is 4.6 meters high and 48 meters in circumference. The tunnel that collects the water is 1,519 meters long.

Next to the Nave de Santo António, the Covão do Ferro or Padre Alfredo dam, inaugurated in 1956, uses a glacial cirque and collects water from the Alforfa stream. It was commissioned by Father Alfredo to supply electricity to the wool industry in Unhais da Serra. Unhais da Serra can be seen in the background.

The second half (from Covão dos Conchos) is impassable and in some places only possible with orientation using stone markers (stacks). Nevertheless, it's a beautiful hike with views.

A beautiful nature trail, about 9 km round trip to Covão dos Conchos. Unfortunately, on August 15th, the water couldn't reach the hole and thus reveal the waterfalls. It's a reservoir, part of the Serra da Estrela hydroelectric system. A funnel-shaped drainage structure that allows water to flow from this body of water to Lagoa Comprida. The spillway was built in 1955 to divert water from Ribeira das Naves to Lagoa Comprida. Over the past 60 years, moss and foliage have grown over the mouth of the funnel, creating a captivating spectacle. It is 4.6 meters high and 4.8 meters in circumference. The tunnel that collects the water is 1,519 meters long. It's a stunning place to visit, not only for the combination of human intervention and nature, but also for the surrounding landscape.

Located at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters, Lagoa Comprida is the largest water reservoir in the Serra da Estrela, intended for hydroelectric generation. This natural lake lies in a wide depression of glacial origin, approximately one kilometer long, which fed the Covão Grande glacier. Numerous glacial scars are visible along its banks, making this lake one of the most interesting geomorphological sites in the Serra da Estrela. Construction on this lake began in 1911, and by 1914, it was already six meters high. Later, in 1965, it underwent heightening work that increased its height to 28 meters, currently boasting a storage capacity of approximately 14 cubic hectometers, flooding an area of approximately 80 hectares. Small streams of water flow into this lagoon, as well as water retained in the Covões dos Conchos and Covões do Meio and carried to this lagoon through underground tunnels.

In May 2025, everything was still overgrown for a good 3 km up to the upper lakes. Definitely only recommended with long clothing.

We walked this walk in October, on a beautiful day, after a few days of heavy rain. Due to the previous wet days, parts of the path were quite a challenge. Certainly to keep your feet dry. The advantage was that the water flowed nicely into the 'drain'. Beautiful sight and impressive. Due to the path of pebbles, boulders, unevenness, etc., it is advisable to wear good walking shoes. Take enough food and drink with you, as is always the advice. In sunny weather, protection from the sun is absolutely necessary. There is no protection from the sun during the walk. Walk calmly, enjoy the surroundings and let everything sink in.

A beautiful walk, also suitable for a family with children. The gap to the power station is very special.