The high temperatures are already inviting a dip, in a sort of early celebration of summer. In Lisbon, there is no shortage of idyllic spots to take a swim. However, if you’re looking for a destination outside the city for a quick weekendgetaway, there’s something new: the Bairrada/Bairradinha River Beach.
Located about a 1.5-hour drive from the capital, on the banks of the Castelo de Bode reservoir in the municipality of Ferreira do Zêzere (Santarém district), this river beach was inaugurated on June 13, marking the start of the swimming season. Here, the natural sandy beach, the calm waters of the Zêzere River, and the natural surroundings promise to make this a must-visit destination.
An ‘oasis’ of over half a million
According to information from the Ferreira do Zêzere City Council, the Bairrada/Bairradinha River Beach project involved:
What will you find?
This project by the municipality of Ferreira do Zêzere aims to enhance the area’s nature-based leisure and tourism offerings, adding the Bairrada/Bairradinha River Beach to a network that already includes, for example, the famous Castanheira River Beach, known as the “Blue Lake.”
To attract locals and tourists to this new river beach, the project included all the necessary infrastructure to support those who wish to spend a full day by the river, such as: restrooms; changing rooms; a first-aid station; a bar; an outdoor seating area; and a parking lot.
However, the improvements didn’t stop there; they also benefited the surrounding outdoor area with accessible walkways, a picnic area, a panoramic viewpoint, and improved access. Everything to ensure that vacationers have everything they need.
Points of interest in the surrounding area
The Bairrada/Bairradinha River Beach is located in a privileged area, where the beauty of nature lends unique characteristics to the landscape. Furthermore, the mystique of the Templar past is felt with particular intensity in this region.
Nearby, you can combine beach tourism with heritage tourism, diving into an immersive journey through time. To do so, simply take a trip to the Templar city of Tomar —one of Europe’s “hidden treasures” —or to the picturesque setting of Abrantes.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to continue exploring rural gems , we recommend a visit to the village of Dornes, a small riverside Templar settlement that is now one of the most photogenic spots in Ferreira do Zêzere. Surrounded by water and wooded hillsides, with simple white houses, it’s no wonder it’s known as the Enchanted Peninsula.
Useful Information
Location: Bairrada/Bairradinha River Beach, Castelo de Bode reservoir, municipality of Ferreira do Zêzere
Date: June 13 to September 15
Admission: free
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