The Barragem de Vilar shapes the themes of this stay: the construction of the dam created a large reservoir from the waters held back on the Rio Távora. Water activities, a varied adventure programme and historical memories of a submerged bridge offer different perspectives on Vilar. This means you can choose not only water activities, but also history and festival traditions.

On the Water at Barragem de Vilar

A municipal visitor information page, updated in 2021, lists annual summer activities on the calm waters of Barragem de Vilar with GaivotAventura. These include pedal boat and canoe trips, as well as the use of a diving platform. Before your trip, check which activities are currently available in the summer season in question.

From the Water to a Wide Range of Adventure Activities

Parque Aventura Crónicas da Terra is located by the Barragem do Vilar reservoir in the municipality of Moimenta da Beira. A municipal listing, updated in 2021, includes canoeing, a bridge course, abseiling, climbing, a zip line, mountain biking, paintball, rafting, orienteering, shooting, group games and walking trails. Check the current availability of individual activities before visiting.

Unlike GaivotAventura, whose listed offerings focus on water activities, Parque Aventura’s programme also includes numerous land-based activities. The range of activities is therefore a practical difference to consider when planning; canoeing is offered at both. You can weigh up a focus on water against a broader selection of different activities.

Swimming Area and Facilities

Near the swimming area, there is a campsite and caravan park with swimming pools for adults and children, a multi-purpose sports court, a volleyball court and a bungalow. The facilities combine swimming opportunities with sports areas; a bungalow is also part of the site. Check which facilities are currently available before your trip. The Rota do Távora is certified by the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal.

Festival Traditions and the History of the Barragem

Celebrations in honour of the patron saint São Bartolomeu took place in 2017 and 2023. Records for 24 August 2017 mention a solemn Mass and a procession, during which around 25 biblical figures were carried through the parish’s main streets. If you would like to plan your trip around the festivities, check the dates for the relevant year.

The former Ponte de Fonte Arcada also tells the story of how the landscape changed: it connected Fonte Arcada with Vilar before being submerged in 1965 by the waters held back by Barragem do Vilar. Its remains lie permanently below the reservoir’s minimum water level. The bridge is therefore a historical reference point for the creation of today’s body of water.

Discover more destinations: Moimenta Da Beira, Alvite, Paradinha, Caria, Leomil

Go to the parent travel overview: Moimenta Da Beira.