The Tâmega () or Támega (; ) is a river in the Iberian Peninsula and a tributary of the Douro River. It originates near Verín in Galicia, Spain, and flows southwards into Northern Portugal, passing through the districts of Vila Real, Braga and Porto before joining the Douro near Entre-os-Rios.
From Verín, it flows to Portuguese city of Chaves and thereafter to the Veiga de Chaves, an extensive structural valley, now seismically inactive, with . Then it winds through narrow mountain gorges and valleys as it flows past Ribeira de Pena and the cities of Amarante and Marco de Canaveses. Along its course, it receives tributaries such as the and rivers.
With the exception of the water reservoir of the , the Tâmega is not navigable, owing to its variable flow and a series of small dams. In Marco de Canaveses, riverside parks such as the Parque Fluvial do Tâmega and the Parque de Lazer de Alpendorada e Matos provide facilities for water sports and recreation, including canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, and river cruises.
The Tâmega is also prone to seasonal flooding, particularly in the city of Amarante, which spans both banks of the river. Hydrological studies and national water management plans have identified Amarante as a flood risk area, with major flood events recorded in 1909, 1939, 1962, and 2001.
Transport
The Tâmega line, which closed in 2009, was a narrow gauge railway line which closely followed the river.
See also
- List of rivers of Portugal
- List of rivers of Spain
- Rivers of Galicia