The Portodemouros Reservoir, located between the municipalities of Vila de Cruces (Pontevedra) and Arzúa (A Coruña), is one of the largest reservoirs in Galicia and forms part of the Ulla River basin. Built in 1964 and inaugurated in 1968, its creation involved the flooding of hundreds of hectares of land and the transformation of the river landscape into a large artificial lake that today blends harmoniously into the natural environment. The dam, which is 469 metres long and 93 metres high, was designed exclusively for hydroelectric purposes, although over time it has also become a site of tourist and environmental interest.
The reservoir collects the waters of the Ulla and its main tributaries, creating an ecosystem of great scenic and ecological richness. The shores of the reservoir are home to a diversity of plant and animal species, making it an ideal place for hiking or simply resting by the water. At several points in the surrounding area, it is possible to enjoy recreational areas and natural viewpoints offering panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains.
In addition to its energy function, Portodemouros is now a benchmark for rural and nature tourism in the region, offering the possibility of engaging in sporting and recreational activities. Its combination of engineering, landscape and biodiversity makes it a representative example of the balance between human use and the natural environment in inland Galicia.
