Opened in October 1993, the main objectives of the construction of this hydraulic infrastructure were the production of hydroelectric energy and the supply of drinking water to the municipality.

With a reservoir of 11 ha, fed by the Vizela River, it is located downstream from the towns of Pontido and Repulo, two picturesque rural towns with a marked Miño flavour.

Its proximity to the city centre and its location in a region of great natural beauty meant that other services and facilities were quickly added, turning this space into a leisure and sports centre for the city, the objective of an intense investment policy towards the city in recent years.

Today, the surroundings of the Queimadela Dam include a bathing and leisure area, which has a picnic area, barbecues, a shaded rest area, a grab bar, toilets, showers, a first aid post, a car park and a dock. The beach, which is guarded during the summer season, is approximately 3,000 m2 and is a highly sought-after space for tourists and holidaymakers from all over the municipality.

The surrounding natural heritage invites visitors to explore the surroundings, which are home to a remarkable biodiversity, highly sought after by nature tourism.

A stay in this natural paradise is guaranteed by accommodation in the three-star camping and caravanning area, located just 150 metres from the bathing area, or in the Rural Tourism accommodation, available in the village of Pontido.

As for sports, the area offers conditions for running, walking and practising non-polluting water sports (Stand Up Paddle and Canoeing). The existence of the inflatable water park delights all the public who choose the dam as their favourite recreational space.

The municipality has also invested heavily in this area, which over the years has allowed the circular route of the dam to be extended and which is currently complete, with several sections of wooden walkways and dirt areas.

There are 3 marked pedestrian routes, two short routes (PR3 and PR5) and one long route (GR43), which enhance the experience for the more adventurous and those who like to combine sport, tourism and nature.

A connection was also recently created with an ecological corridor, which starts next to the dam and extends for several kilometres, to the parish of Cepães.

The National Open Water Race, the Spring Walk and the Fafe Trail Race “À Conquista do Maroiço” are emblematic sporting events held here annually.

Prioritising accessibility, the bathing area is also equipped with conditions that allow access to the beach for people with reduced mobility, who find easy access and reserved parking next to the water. The route to the bathing area is made through a pedestrian structure adapted for this purpose, which allows access to the sand, where it is possible, in collaboration with the lifeguards, to swim using an amphibious chair, which guarantees all safety conditions. The toilets, showers and grab bars are also adapted, making this space a space for everyone!

All the conditions ensured have made this space consecutively obtain several awards and quality seals, among which the following stand out:

Blue Flag – Raised since 2021, this symbol attests to the quality of the water and distinguishes the effort to allow local development to coexist with respect for the environment.

Accessible beach, beach for all! – Award-winning space since 2016, which demonstrates the municipality’s concern for compliance with the accessibility legislation in force on Portuguese beaches.