Tajo / Tagus

The Tagus, known as Tajo in Spanish and Tejo in Portuguese, rises as the longest river of the Iberian Peninsula in the Sierra de Albarracín mountains of eastern Spain and flows roughly one thousand kilometres westward through deep gorges, broad plains and fertile valleys before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean via a wide estuary near Lisbon. Its course shapes diverse landscapes from the high plateaus of Castile to the gentle hills of Portugal and briefly forms the border between the two countries. Along its banks a rich array of leisure activities awaits: the upper canyons offer thrilling white-water stretches for canoeists and kayakers, while large reservoirs invite sailing, swimming and relaxed boating. Downstream, calmer sections and the expansive estuary provide perfect settings for paddling tours, traditional boat trips, riverside cycling and walking paths as well as birdwatching in the wetlands. Around Lisbon the river becomes a vibrant playground for sailing excursions, stand-up paddleboarding and sunny waterfront promenades.