Our country is well known for its coastal beaches, but it also has a lot of merit for still preserving a vast network of river beaches in Portugal, which offer a peaceful and even picturesque alternative to hot summer days.
Scattered all over the country, from the north to the south, these river beaches are ideal for those looking for a refuge in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the sea beaches.
And with temperatures beginning to rise with each passing day, the thought of hot summer days is increasingly on your mind, isn’t it?
The suggestions on our list start up there, in the north of the country, and work their way down to the Algarve.
Of the more than 100 river beaches in Portugal, where tranquillity and fresh air reign, we’ve decided to highlight 10 places where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with family, friends or even in solitary mode.
Table Of Contents
- Foz d'Égua River Beach, in Piódão
- Lomba River Beach, in Gondomar
- Rabaçal River Beach, in Valpaços
- Loriga River Beach, in Seia
- Alamal River Beach, in Gavião
- Pego do Fundo River Beach in Alcoutim
- Lago Azul, in Ferreira do Zêzere
- Olhos de Água, in Alcanena
- Fraga da Pegada River Beach, in Macedo de Cavaleiros
- Fragas de São Simão River Beach, in Figueiró dos Vinhos
- Cardigos River Beach, in Mação
- Map of the most beautiful river beaches in Portugal, and a list for your cell phone
Foz d’Égua River Beach, in Piódão
It’s in the Serra do Açor, eight kilometers from the historic village of Piódão, in the municipality of Arganil, in the district of Coimbra.
This small natural nook is located at the confluence of the Piódão and Chãs d’Égua streams, forming this beautiful mirror of water in this schist village, “surrounded” by mills, terraces, bridges and typical houses.
Described as magical, idyllic and bucolic, it stands out for its crystal clear and, of course, fresh waters, and is the result of a small dam that is only built during the summer months.
Lomba River Beach, in Gondomar
In the municipality of Gondomar, Praia Fluvial da Lomba is located on the left bank of the River Douro, near the town of Lomba.
It has a long stretch of sand, plenty of green areas and support for all 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.
Rabaçal River Beach, in Valpaços
This is one of the most secret places in Trás-os-Montes in the north of the country and, in summer, it’s popular with those who like canoeing, fishing or having a good time away from the cities.
The sand is considerably large, considering the type of beach, and it’s perfectly framed by nature, with lots of trees and small spots for capturing this summer’s funniest photos.
Loriga River Beach, 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 scenery, 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.
Alamal River Beach, in Gavião
The scenery alone is worth taking the narrow, winding road that leads there.
The surrounding vegetation, but above all the Belver Castle, on the other side of the Tagus, at the top of the slope, invite you to enjoy the views before taking a dip.
Although very popular in the warmer months, the long sandy beach (compared to other river beaches) and the grassy areas have room for everyone.
If you go there, don’t miss the wooden walkway along the river.
📍Quinta do Alamal Alamal River Club (Ex-Inatel, 6040-060 Gavião)
Pego do Fundo River Beach in Alcoutim
If you’re in the Algarve or plan to go there, this beach is a must. It is fed by the Cadavais stream and has a number of facilities prepared for all vacationers.
It stands out for the vast vegetation around the beach and also for the picnic area, bar, garden and area reserved for recreational and sporting activities.
📍Pego Fundo River Beach, 8970 Alcoutim
Lago Azul, in Ferreira do Zêzere
Officially it’s called Praia Fluvial da Castanheira, but everyone knows it as Lago Azul (Blue Lake ), thanks to the inn of the same name next door. In the middle of the Castelo de Bode Dam, it 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.
📍Cantinho do Colégio Nossa Senhora do Pranto 155A, 2240-332 Ferreira do Zêzere
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, it’s particularly popular with the younger ones 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 in the vicinity are the Alviela Living Science Center and the Gruta da Canada, inhabited by thousands and thousands of bats.
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 vacations.
Fragas de São Simão River Beach, in Figueiró dos Vinhos
Part of the Schist Villages Network Program, the pedestrian access to this beach – via footbridges – 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.
📍Casal de São Simão, 3260 Figueiró dos Vinhos
Cardigos River Beach, in Mação
On 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 grassy 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.
