Albufeira da Barragem do Alqueva

Albufeira do Cabril (Zêzere)

Lagoa Azul (Sintra)

Pedra do Sal (Sines, Alentejo)

Poço Azul (Gerês)

Alentejo inland cooking favours lamb stews, migas bread and sheep cheeses, a hearty contrast to the coast. Local ingredients and simple coastal preparation let the pure Portuguese flavours shine through in every seafood meal. Local ingredients and simple coastal preparation let the pure Portuguese flavours shine through in every seafood meal. Local ingredients and simple coastal preparation let the pure Portuguese flavours shine through in every seafood meal.

Hotel Aparticário do Alqueva

Tivoli Sintra

Hotel Milanos

Águas do Gerês Hotel

Portugal’s inland dive spots are flooded quarries and reservoirs used mainly for training and exploration. Pedra do Sal near Sines and Lagoa Azul in Sintra are classic learner lakes, while the Alqueva and Cabril reservoirs hide submerged villages and forests. Poço Azul in Gerês is a crystal-clear mountain pool. These sites extend the season for cold, clear freshwater diving. This region rewards careful planning and respects marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Atlantic experience levels. This region rewards careful planning and respects Portuguese marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Atlantic experience levels. This region rewards careful planning and respects Portuguese marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Atlantic experience levels.

Mainland – Inland Freshwater Sites

Most sites are within a 1-2 hour drive of Lisbon or Évora; Pedra do Sal is near Sines, Lagoa Azul near Sintra, Alqueva in Alentejo and Cabril/Poço Azul inland central Portugal.

Where to Stay in Mainland – Inland Freshwater Sites

Accommodation Overview

Recommended Areas

Sines

Sintra

Évora

Gerês

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Aparticário do Alqueva

Tivoli Sintra

Hotel Milanos

Águas do Gerês Hotel