Hydrography

River Tormes

In an enclave known as Tormejón meadow, in the Sierra de Gredos, the Tormes River is born.

After flowing for 284 km and crossing the provinces of Ávila, Salamanca and Zamora, its waters join the Duero River at Ambasaguas, where this great river acts as a border between Spain and Portugal.

Due to supply problems, especially in the hottest months, but also for flood control in winter, a series of reservoirs were built: Santa Teresa, San Fernando, Villagonzalo and Almendra, where the highest dam in the country is located. With a capacity of 2649 hm3, it is the third largest reservoir in Spain. All of them supply hydroelectric power.

The Santa Teresa and the Almendra reservoirs are also used for recreational purposes. In the upper part of the river, upstream from El Barco de Ávila, whitewater canoeing is enjoyed. In the middle course of the river, there are riverside beaches such as Villagonzalo de Tormes or Huerta.

It is worth mentioning that, as it passes through Salamanca, the river is traversed by a 1st century Roman bridge. Half of this construction is still preserved; the other half was lost after a flood. The bridge is one of the great symbols of the city, as evidenced by the fact that it is represented on the city's coat of arms.