Spain is rich in historical monuments and amazing natural attractions, a special place among which is the Tagus River. If you are lucky enough to spend your vacation in this country, be sure to visit the places where the beautiful mountain river flows.
Where is the Tahoe River located?
Spaniards and Portuguese consider this river their main asset. Residents of Spain are especially proud of it, which is not surprising, because almost the majority of its route the Tagus River passes through the territory of this country.
Basically, it flows through the mountainous regions and does not differ in large full-flow. It originates in the mountains at an altitude of more than one thousand six hundred meters and at the end of its journey flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Tagus River: Description
There is no longer river on 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 Tagus River has a fairly vast basin area - eighty thousand square kilometers. This makes it as important as possible for the economies of Spain and Portugal, which have managed to turn a shallow river into a public domain.
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 into the reservoirs that feed the most arid regions of Spain.
Tagus or Tagus: which of the names is correct?
On geographical maps the river has different names, they vary depending on the territory through which the river water flows. This is surprising, but the Tagus River in Spain is turning into the Tagus River, crossing the border with Portugal.
Experts still can not provide significant evidence of which of the names was primary. Some believe that in Spanish, "tahoe" means "deep wound." This ideally corresponds to the river itself, turbulent and fast, making its way through narrow gorges. Other scholars argue that back in the days of the Roman Empire, the river was called Tagus.
In any case, at present both names of the river are used, they are indicated on the maps and official papers of Portugal and Spain.
Are there tributaries at Tahoe?
The longest river on the Iberian Peninsula does not differ in depth and fullness, from January to March, water from melting snow in the mountains gets into it. In the summer months, it becomes calmer and noticeably shallow, the main tributary of the Tahoe Zezere River almost completely dries up.
It is worth noting that Tahoe has many tributaries. They have a total length of about ten thousand kilometers. The right tributaries of the river are:
- Zezer;
- Harama;
- Alagon;
- Guadarrama
- Alberche.
From the left bank of the Tahoe feed:
- Salor;
- Algodor;
- Ibor;
- Almonte;
- Guadiel.
Due to such a large number of tributaries, Tahoe maintains a certain level, which allows it to feed numerous reservoirs.
Neighborhood of the Tagus River: 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 species of animals. Here you can meet:
- black neck
- Iberian lynx;
- black stork;
- imperial eagle.
River banks are also rich in predatory animals and rare plants. In the lower reaches of the river, a nature 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 centuries and managed to leave many traces of their stay. In later times, monasteries and temples were built on the river, and to this day the air sciences have survived, which now represent the cultural heritage of Spain and Portugal. They look very picturesque against the background of the river, so quite often short excursions for tourists are often carried out along it.
If you happen to visit the river, then be sure to try to make your trip as long as possible. The pleasure of this walk will be one of your most vivid impressions of your trip to Spain.