With the arrival of summer all you want to think about is walks, right? Or, for the more ‘brave’, take a dip , even in cold water, right? So here’s a brief list of some of the most beautiful river beaches in Portugal.
Our suggestions range from the north to the south of the country and are great tips for a getaway. Of the many river beaches that make up our landscape, these are perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoying with family or friends.
Table Of Contents
1 – Praia Fluvial da Lomba, in Gondomar
In the municipality of Gondomar, Praia Fluvial da Lomba is located on the left bank of the douro river near Lomba. It has an extensive sandy beach, plenty of green areas and support for all the vacationers who take advantage of the northern waters to bathe at this time of year.
Next to the beach you’ll find a small picnic area and everything you need to spend a whole day here, from morning until night.
2 – Rabaçal, in Valpaços
It is one of the most secret places in Trás-os-Montes in the north of the country and, in summer, it is sought after by those who like canoeing, fishing or having a good time away from the cities.
The sand is considerably large, considering this type of beach, and it is perfectly framed by nature, with lots of trees and small spots to capture the most fun photos this summer.
3 – Loriga, in Seia
Still in the north of the country, near Serra da Estrela, you’ll find one of our favorite river beaches: Loriga, one of the finalists for the “7 Wonders – Beaches of Portugal”, in the category of river beaches.
The setting, as you can imagine, is idyllic, with breathtaking landscapes. As for the water, well, get ready to freeze, or this beach wouldn’t be in a glacial valley.
4 – Lago Azul, in Ferreira do Zêzere
Officially it’s called Praia Fluvial da Castanheira, but everyone knows it as Lago Azul, thanks to the inn of the same name next door. In the middle of Castelo de Bode Dam, has a floating platform with two pools (one for adults and one for children) that invites you to take a dip in the waters of the River Zêzere.
This area is also popular with wakeboarding enthusiasts, but if you’re looking for something quieter you can always take a seagull ride or go hiking on the trails that surround the dam.
5 – Foz d’Égua
Located near the Historical Village of Piódão the Praia Fluvial de Foz d’Égua is truly one of the most beautiful in Portugal.
The place has a unique charm, with the typical schist and slate houses that characterize the area.
What’s more, the water is crystal clear and is concentrated in a small dam, which takes the form of a swimming pool. Although the temperature is no warmer, the idyllic scenery and the summer heat call for a dip.
6 – Olhos de Água, in Alcanena
This river beach owes its name to the source of the Alviela river, which rises to the surface a few meters higher up with clear, fresh waters. Although it’s a delight for kids and adults alike, is particularly popular with youngsters because here they can stand up and see the bottom.
It is part of a pleasant leisure area, with picnic areas, a children’s playground and even a campsite. Other must-see attractions nearby are the Centro de Ciência Viva do Alviela and the Gruta da Canada, inhabited by thousands and thousands of bats.
7 – Fraga da Pegada River Beach, in Macedo de Cavaleiros
Far from the capital, in Bragança, you’ll find one of the river beaches with the most Blue Flags in Europe and, amazingly, with an average water temperature of 22ºC.
Water sports such as windsurfing are very common for those who choose this place to spend their summer vacation.
8 – Fragas de São Simão, in Figueiró dos Vinhos
As part of the Schist Villages Network Program, pedestrian access to this beach – via walkways – is one of the most exciting and beautiful on this list.
The waters are clear and the Serra da Lousã does the rest, dazzling you with a magnificent, breathtaking landscape, which you can also admire from one of the nearby viewpoints.
9 – Cardigos, in Mação
In this list of river beaches, it’s the one with the most human hands, but that doesn’t mean it’s also very beautiful. It has a shaded lawn area and a small sandy area where you’ll find beach facilities with straw hats and other facilities such as barbecues and a picnic area.
If you’re visiting with family or friends, there’s also a lifeguard, which ensures greater safety on this type of beach.
Note from the Editor: before you go bathing anywhere, we recommend checking the water quality ratings on the portuguese Environment Agency website.