Covão dos Conchos is an artificial lagoon in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, in Portugal.
The lake and spillway Covão dos Conchos was built in 1955 with the purpose of diverting water from a river in Ribeira das Naves to the Lagoa Comprida reservoir, where the hydroelectric dam was built, through a 1,519 meter long collection tunnel. Although it is a man-made structure, over 60 years of use, moss and grass have grown to the top of the funnel, adding to its natural charm.
This lake is famous for its amazing bell overflowing dam like a bottomless pit ,this spillway was little known to the public and tourists until 2016, when photos of this water collection bucket went viral on the internet in 2016.
Access : Coordinates: 40.3639, -7.6109 / The only way to get to Covão dos Conchos is on foot, through the trail. Covão dos Conchos is located in the Serra da Estrela natural park.
Highlights :
- The Serra da Estrela Natural Park : The park is located in the center-north of Portugal, in the districts of Guarda and Castelo Branco.
- Covão dos Conchos Trail : Length : 8.9 km (round trip), Average time : 2h30 (round trip),Difficulty level : Easy.
- Top sights in Serra da Estrela Natural Park : Penhas da Saude / Old Town of Guarda / Historic center of Covilha / Belmonte Jewish quarter -Belmonte Jewish Museum / Virgin in the rock Carved in the rock, on the way up to Torre. / Glacial Valleys / Historic village of Linhares / Museo de Lanificios One of the best textile museums in Europe according to UNESCO./ Guarda National Museum / Sacred Art Museum of Gouveia.
Go next : the mountain village of Sabugueiro / the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
