Deep within the mountainous scenic beauty of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela Natural Park lies a remarkable testament to human engineering – Covão dos Conchos. Not to be mistaken for a natural sinkhole, this awe-inspiring structure is, in fact, a manmade engineering marvel.

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Covão dos Conchos, where nature and human ingenuity meet. Join me as I take you on a visual journey through Covão dos Conchos, sharing photos from my recent trip to this otherworldly destination that feels like a portal through the mountain to another realm!

Location and Access: How to get to Covão dos Conchos

Covão dos Conchos is situated within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal’s highest mountain range. To reach this intriguing site, you’ll journey through winding roads, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and sheer drops to the side of the mountainous roads. Next, you’ll take a hike alongside Lagoa Comprida for 4.2km on foot to reach the marvel that is the waterhole at Covão dos Conchos.

Here’s the location of Covão dos Conchos in the mountains:

Here’s where we parked:

Estacionamento, São Romão, Portugal

Here’s the walk from the car park to Covão dos Conchos:

The Remarkable Creation: What is Covão dos Conchos?

Covão dos Conchos is a mesmerising manmade lake with a strange-looking sinkhole! It’s located in the Serra da Estrela mountain range of Portugal, approximately 1600 metres above sea level.

This tunnel was built in the 1950s as part of a hydroelectric project. It stretches an impressive 1519 metres in length!

The spillway serves as a chute to transport water from the Ribeira das Naves to the Lagoa Comprida reservoir, which is used for electricity generation.

Covão dos Conchos is an artificial lake in the Serra da Estrela mountains in Portugal that is famous for its Bell-mouth spillway.

Wikipedia

What sets Covão dos Conchos apart is the surreal appearance of the tunnel. From above, it looks like a giant, round drain or whirlpool filled with foliage. Water from the Ribeira das Naves flows into the tunnel and disappears into the depths of the mountain, creating a mesmerising and almost otherworldly spectacle.

It’s a testament to human engineering and the harmonious coexistence of man-made structures with the natural beauty of the Serra da Estrela. Covão dos Conchos is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those fascinated by unique geological features.

Exploring the Surroundings: Hiking to the Covão dos Conchos

While you cannot enter the sinkhole itself, Covão dos Conchos offers ample opportunities for exploration in the surrounding area. Hiking trails wind through the natural park, providing panoramic views of the Serra da Estrela mountain range. It’s an ideal location for those who appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors and enjoy long hikes through different terrains.

Visitors can reach the Covão dos Conchos on foot via a 4.2-kilometre hike from a nearby car park (Estacionamento, São Romão, Portugal). We took this route and found it to be particularly beautiful on a sunny December day. The journey was adorned with picturesque mountain scenery, trickling waterfalls, icy puddles, gigantic boulders, clear lakes, and lush greenery all around.

As we strolled along the trail, we were greeted by the sight of small cascading waterfalls, their clear streams adding a pleasant background melody to our hike. The landscape featured striking boulders that appeared as if they were placed by nature’s hand, and serene lakes reflecting the vivid blue sky.

The lush green foliage surrounded us, providing a refreshing contrast to the rugged terrain. Finally, when we arrived at the viewpoint overlooking Covão dos Conchos, we were met with a breathtaking sight. The sinkhole, resembling a swirling vortex, stood in stark contrast to the wild beauty of the surrounding area.

Hiking to Covão dos Conchos offers a chance to connect with the pristine beauty of the Serra da Estrela. It’s a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human engineering and nature, creating a truly captivating experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Can you swim in Covão dos Conchos?

While it’s not recommended to swim near Covão dos Conchos due to safety concerns, the clear lakes nearby can be tempting for both locals and tourists.

There are videos online of people swimming close to the sinkhole, but if you decide to do so, please be extremely cautious. Swimming in natural bodies of water always carries risks, and the presence of the sinkhole and its associated structure adds complexity to the situation. Prioritise safety and follow any posted warnings or guidelines to ensure a safe experience.

If you’re curious, here’s a video I found of someone swimming alongside it:

Here’s another of a daredevil peeping over it:

Man swimming up to edge of what appears to be an spillway, location unknown
byu/samcp12 insubmechanophobia

Perhaps let any curiosity about swimming to the hole stop at these videos, for your own safety!

Final thoughts

The combination of the manmade sinkhole and the natural beauty that has grown within creates a unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere. It’s no wonder that this destination captivates visitors with its blend of engineering and nature’s wonders.

While you cannot enter the sinkhole itself, the waterfall-like feature is a sight to behold and a reminder of the marvels that can be found in Portugal’s wilderness. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature and witness a captivating natural spectacle, Covão dos Conchos should be on your list of must-visit destinations!

Covão dos Conchos Visiting Tips

1. Dress appropriately for the weather, as the climate in the Serra da Estrela can be unpredictable, even in summer. While we were lucky to have clear blue skies and sunshine in mid-December, there were thick ice puddles, so be mindful.
2. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the trails. The route we took involved climbing a rocky/pebble stream uphill, so it may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.
3. Bring essentials such as water, snacks, and a first-aid kit, as facilities may be limited in the remote area. There is a toilet in the gift shop at the nearby car park which is very handy pre and post-hike!
4. Respect the environment by leaving no trace and following the park’s guidelines. Take all rubbish home with you and leave the area as natural and beautiful as you found it for others to enjoy!

Before you go…

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