“A new space for leisure and well-being”: just a few minutes from Porto, the municipality of Gaia has just inaugurated a new heated swimming pool with completely free admission

Following a municipal investment of 90,000 euros in the Avintes riverfront, the newest facility along the Douro River operates on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring priority access for children, seniors, and people with limited mobility.

Greater Porto gains a new free, heated swimming pool on the Avintes beach in Gaia — Collage: Editorial Credit Pedro Tavares Lopes / Shutterstock.com + photo @cm_gaia (of Areinho River Beach, for context only)

Filipa Santos Sousa

– Senior Staff Writer

· August 10, 2026

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It’s official! There’s yet another new summer attraction to enjoy at the height of the swimming season , just a few minutes from Porto. As Porto Secreto had previously reported, the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia inaugurated a new heated swimming pool with free admission in Avintes on Saturday, August 8 .

Second inauguration in a short span of time

new free swimming pool at Areinho River Beach, in the parish of Oliveira do Douro — Photo: www.cm-gaia.pt/ DR | Areinho de Oliveira do Douro Swimming Pool

By all indications, the operation of the facility on the Avintes riverbank, located next to the Douro River, is expected to be similar to that of the Areinho River Beach pool in the parish of Oliveira do Douro, which was inaugurated on July 23.

Accordingly, admission is expected to be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to children under two years of age, citizens over 65, and people with limited mobility.

+ Forget the freezing sea: less than an hour from Porto, there’s a beach at a former salt flat with water at 25 degrees, no waves, and a saltwater spa

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Second inauguration in a short span of time

Just a stone’s throw from Porto, there’s a medieval fair at an imposing monastery: jousting tournaments, falconry, entertainment, and a royal wedding, with daily tickets priced at €2