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Tagus River

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description Tagus River Overview

The Tagus River is the longest waterway on the Iberian Peninsula, measuring approximately 1,007 kilometers as it flows west across central Spain and Portugal. It originates in the Sierra de Albarracín in eastern Spain and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon, forming a vast, sheltered estuary known as the Mar da Palha. The river serves as a critical source of hydroelectric power and water supply for both nations, supported by major infrastructure like the Alcántara Dam.

help Tagus River FAQ

How long is the Tagus River and where does it begin and end?

The Tagus runs approximately 1,007 kilometers, making it the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula. It rises in the Sierra de Albarracín in eastern Spain and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon, Portugal.

What is the Tagus River called in Spain and Portugal?

In Spanish it is known as the Tajo, and in Portuguese as the Tejo. Both names refer to the same 1,007-kilometer river that crosses central Spain before reaching the Atlantic at Lisbon.

Which major cities does the Tagus River flow through?

In Spain it flows through Toledo and past Aranjuez before entering Portugal. It reaches the sea at Lisbon, where its broad estuary separates parts of the Portuguese capital from the southern bank.

Is there a famous bridge across the Tagus at Lisbon?

Yes, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, opened in 1998, spans the Tagus estuary and is one of the longest bridges in Europe at over 17 kilometers. The suspension-style 25 de Abril Bridge of 1966 also crosses the river at Lisbon.

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