Spain is rich in historical monuments and amazing natural attractions, among which the Tagus River occupies a special place. If you are lucky enough to spend your holidays in this country, be sure to visit the places where the beautiful mountain river flows.
Where is the Tagus River?
The Spaniards and the Portuguese consider this river their main asset. The inhabitants of Spain are especially proud of it, which is not surprising, because the Tajo River passes through the territory of this country for almost most of its path.
Mostly it flows through mountainous areas and is not very full. It originates in the mountains at an altitude of more than one thousand six hundred meters and at the end of its path flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Tahoe River Description
There is no longer river in the Iberian Peninsula than the Tagus. Its length is one thousand thirty-eight kilometers, with more than seven hundred kilometers passing through the territory of Spain. In addition to its length, the Tahoe River has a fairly large basin area - eighty thousand square kilometers. This ismakes it the most important for the economy of Spain and Portugal, which managed to turn the shallow river into public property.
The authorities of both countries built several hydroelectric power stations along the entire length of the river, which formed more than sixty reservoirs. A large number of rapids provide a constant flow of water to the reservoirs that feed the driest regions of Spain.
Tajo or Tejo: which one is correct?
On geographical maps, the river has different names, they change depending on the territory through which the river waters flow. It's amazing, but the Tagus River in Spain turns into the Tagus River when it crosses the border into Portugal.
Specialists still cannot provide solid evidence which of the names was primary. Some believe that in Spanish, "tajo" means "deep wound." This perfectly matches the river itself, stormy and fast, making its way through narrow gorges. Other scholars claim that even during the Roman Empire, the river was called Tagus.
In any case, both names of the river are currently used, they are indicated on maps and official papers in Portugal and Spain.
Do the Tahoe have tributaries?
The longest river on the Iberian Peninsula does not differ in depth and full flow, from January to March, water from melting snow in the mountains enters it. In the summer months, it becomes calmer and noticeably shallower, the main tributary of the riverTahoe Zezere is almost completely dry.
It is worth noting that the Tahoe has many tributaries. They have a total length of about ten thousand kilometers. The right tributaries of the river are:
- Zesere;
- Harama;
- Alagon;
- Guadarrama;
- Alberche.
From the left bank of the Tahoe feed:
- Salor;
- Algodor;
- Ybor;
- Almonte;
- Guadiela.
With so many tributaries, the Tahoe maintains a level that can feed numerous reservoirs.
The Tagus area: a refuge for people and animals
At all times, the banks of the river were inhabited not only by humans, but also by various species of animals. Today, the Tagus River has become the last refuge for endangered animal species. Here you can find:
- black vulture;
- Iberian lynx;
- black stork;
- imperial eagle.
The river banks are also rich in predatory animals and rare plants. In the lower reaches of the river, a natural reserve was organized, where more than five thousand representatives of the flora and fauna of the Iberian Peninsula were collected.
Even in ancient times, the Tagus River attracted people who massively settled on its banks. Here, archaeologists find numerous sites of ancient people. According to scientists, they lived here for many centuries and managed to leave many traces of their stay. In later times, monasteries and temples were built on the river, airducts have survived to this day, which are nowrepresent the cultural heritage of Spain and Portugal. They look very picturesque against the backdrop of the river, so short excursions for tourists are quite often held along it.
If you happen to visit the river, be sure to try to make your trip as long as possible. The pleasure of this walk will be one of the brightest of your trip to Spain.
