The Tagus River is the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula

Spain is rich in historical monuments and amazing natural attractions, a special place among which is the River Tagus. If you are lucky enough to spend your holiday in this country, then be sure to visit the places where a beautiful mountain river flows.

Where is the Tagus River?

The Spanish and the Portuguese consider this river their main asset. Especially proud of it are the inhabitants of Spain, which is no wonder, because almost the most part of its way the river Tajo passes through the territory of this country.

Basically, it flows through mountainous areas and does not differ greatly in fullness. It originates in the mountains at an altitude of more than one thousand six hundred meters and at the end of its journey it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Tagus River: a description

On the Iberian Peninsula, there is no longer a river than the Tahoe. Its length is one thousand thirty-eight kilometers, and more than seven hundred kilometers pass through the territory of Spain. In addition to the length, the river Tajo has a fairly large area of the pool - eighty thousand square kilometers. This makes it the most important for the economies of Spain and Portugal, who managed to turn a shallow river into the public domain.

The authorities of both countries built several hydroelectric power stations on the whole length of the river, which formed more than sixty reservoirs. A large number of thresholds ensure a constant inflow of water into reservoirs that feed the most arid regions of Spain.

Tahoe or Tejo: which of the names is right?

On the geographical maps the river has different names, they vary depending on the territory over which the river water flows. This is surprising, but the river Tagus in Spain turns into the river Tagus, crossing the border with Portugal.

Specialists still can not provide solid evidence of which of the names was primary. Some believe that in the translation from Spanish "tahoe" means "deep wound." It perfectly corresponds to the river itself, rapid and fast, making its way through narrow gorges. Other scientists argue that even in the time 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 maps and official papers of Portugal and Spain.

Are there tributaries of the Tahoe?

The longest river in the Iberian Peninsula is not deep and full of water, from January to March it receives water from melting snow in the mountains. In the summer months, it becomes more calm and noticeably shallow, the main tributary of the Tagus River Zoeser almost completely dry up.

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:

• Zezere;
• Haram;
• Alagon;
• Gwadarram;
• Alberche.

From the left bank of the Tagus feed:

• Salor;
• Algodor;
• Ibor;
• Almonte;
• Guadiel.

Thanks to such a large number of tributaries, the Tahoe maintains a certain level, allowing the supply of numerous reservoirs.

The surroundings of the Tagus River: a refuge for people and animals

At all times the banks of the river were inhabited not only by man, but also by various kinds of animals. Today, the Tagus River is the last refuge for endangered species of animals. Here you can find:

• Black neck;
• Iberian lynx;
• Black stork;
• The imperial eagle.

Predatory animals and rare plants are also rich in river banks. 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 gathered.

Even in ancient times, the Tahoe River attracted people who settled in large numbers 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, until now air guns have survived, which now represent the cultural heritage of Spain and Portugal. They are very picturesque looking against the background of the river, so it is often quite short excursions for tourists.

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 impressions of your trip to Spain.