For those who are not close to the ocean, river beaches are the best option! He we have put together a list some of the best river beaches in Central and Northern Portugal, where the mountains meet the river, offering good times to those who live in the area.

Lomba River Beach, Gondomar

On the left side of the Douro Riverbend, next to Lomba, in Gondomar, this beach promises to refresh all those who visit during hot summer days. With a picnic area, it is a great option for a sunny Sunday with family or friends. With a vast ‘shore’, this river beach can be a great place for walks along the river, as well as exploring the various green areas that surround Praia Fluvial da Lomba.

Loriga River Beach, Seia

In the north of the country, very close to Serra da Estrela, is Praia Fluvial da Loriga, which was a finalist in the “7 Maravilhas – Praias de Portugal” competition, in the category of beaches bathed by rivers. This beach runs along the Ribeira de Loriga and is probably one of the most emblematic river beaches in Portugal. Located between valleys, bathers can refresh themselves in waters surrounded by the breath taking landscape of Serra da Estrela. Between large rocks and strategic places to lie down, whoever passes by can enjoy an excellent day at the beach.

River Beach of Castanheira, Ferreira do Zêzere

Most known by the locals as Lago Azul (Blue Lake), this beach is located on the Castelo de Bode Dam and offers visitors two swimming pools on a floating platform, where adults and children can bathe in the waters of the Zêzere River. It is the ideal beach for those who enjoy wakeboarding or for those who enjoy walking along pedestrian trails, which in this case surround the dam.

In dam areas, it is advisable that bathers only use the pools provided by the competent authorities, as it is never known what may have been submerged by the water, thus avoiding possible accidents.

Fragas de São Simão River Beach, Figueiró dos Vinhos

To reach the Fragas de São Simão River Beach, access must be made on foot, to appreciate all the beauty that is part of the Schist Villages Network Program ( https://aldeiasdoxisto.pt/content/rede ). Located in a steep area, between rocks, the clean waters, together with the landscape will certainly be the delight of those who pass by and want to relax, after a long walk through the Serra da Lousã in the middle of summer.

River Beach of Cardigos, Mação

In the municipality of Santarém you can find a heavily landscaped river beach,when compared to all the others mentioned. With grass spaces and a swimming area like a swimming pool, this river beach resembles a small water park. In addition to barbecues and other facilities such as sun loungers and umbrellas, this beach earns points when it comes to the level of safety thanks to the presence of a lifeguard.

Despite the stronger currents and the slightly cooler waters, river beaches are the ideal option for those who do not find it so easy to get to the sea, sunbathe and refresh themselves in clean waters in a pleasant environment.

Please remember that these beaches are part of nature and deserve the respect of all those who visit them so that they can be preserved and enjoyed by generations to come.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos