Just you and the River [GR33 - GRZ: Canoeing]
-
River ZêzerePhoto: Aldeias do Xisto, Aldeias do Xisto
Author’s recommendation
Book your acommodation, experience or meal in Book in Xisto.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Classification / Navigability of the river
Level 1
a) Calm waters with slight current, maximum velocity of 4 km/hour, without navigation difficulties.
b) Water currents with velocities ranging from 4 km/hour to 10 km/hour and without any obstacles.
c) When the current is more than 10 km/hour, there may be some difficulties which require the attention of canoeists. The use of lifejackets is advised.
Level 2
Some difficulties, with currents, small dams and easy rapids. The use of lifejackets and protective helmets is advised.
Level 3
Difficult navigation Strong currents and fast rapids that require mastery of the vessel. The use of an appropriate vessel is advised. The use of lifejackets and protective helmets is mandatory.
Level 4
Very difficult but without any danger to well-trained canoeists. The use of lifejackets and protective helmets is mandatory.
Level 5
Extremely difficult and dangerous navigation. Only for fully trained and prepared canoeists. The use of lifejackets and protective helmets is mandatory.
Level 6
Impassable. Impracticable. Cannot be navigated.
Tips and hints
The Bouçã dam is located in Graça Parish in Pedrógão Grande Municipality. It was built on the River Zêzere, near the small town of Bouçã, downstream from Cabril Dam and upstream from Castelo de Bode dam. The construction was completed in 1955. In times of flooding when the Cabril dam spillways open, the Bouçã dam has a feature that differentiates it from all other dams: the discharge water is carried over the wall, giving a cascade of water 63 metres high, creating a unique and indescribable scene. Although the dam is mainly used for producing electricity, the lagoon is now being sought out for a variety of sports and environmental activities, such as fishing, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking. On the more exposed slopes, the vegetation is marked by the presence of rock rose, broom and furze and gorse.Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
- Due to the Bouçã Dam, you will have to make the trip from the Bouçã Intermodal Station to the Intermodal Station at Foz de Alge (Figueiró dos Vinhos) by land, over a distance of approximately 20 km by road (about 30 minutes by car).
- Attention: there is no drinking water and no supply points. Between the locality of Pedrógão Pequeno and Bouçã, the route does not pass through any inhabited areas, infrastructure with drinking water or places where supplies can be bought.
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Help others by being the first to add a review.
Photos from others