Nestled next to some of the most iconic Portuguese rivers, or dams, these places are ideal for making memories with family and friends who want to do something different.


Praia Fluvial de Palheiros e Zorro

In the district of Coimbra, there is the river beach Palheiros e Zorro, commonly called Praia do Zorro. If driving, the road is different, as the parking lot is located in a different area of the river. After a 25-minute trip, from the centre of Coimbra, people may park the car and go along to a beach, that has no sand. If people are sensitive to tiny rocks, walking barefoot at this beach might not be an option. However, while entering the water the rocks disappear and people may feel soft sand on their feet. It is also possible to visit the beach by bus, which stops on a bank, with no sand, that has a bridge that people, bicycles and motorcycles may cross, arriving at the beach faster.


The beach has a picnic area, with barbecue spots for people to enjoy a great time. Besides the lifeguards at the beach, it is also possible to take a shower in the restrooms for free, only paying for the hygiene products, if necessary. The beach is part of the seven-kilometre walkway “Trilho Ribeirinho”.


Praia Fluvial do Pego do Fundo

People may think that in the Algarve there are only beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, but Alcoutim has a beautiful river beach, for those who want to experience Algarve sweet water.


Driving along the A22 highway, it will take more than an hour to reach the destination, from Faro. The beach is located very close to the centre of Alcoutim and has a covered picnic area, which is great for the hot and sunny summer days. Bathed by the Ribeira de Cadavais, the water sometimes may reach high temperatures of 28ºC, on a good day. The beach is short but has many resources that may enhance the experience of visitors that decide to visit Pego do Fundo River beach.

Praia Fluvial do Reconquinho

Also, in the district of Coimbra, but this time in Penacova, there is the Reconquinho beach. 28 kilometres away from the centre of Coimbra, but the trip will amaze everyone, due to the amazing landscapes you can take in along the way.

The beach was once mentioned by National Geographic, given its natural beauty, and the beach has an extensive shore and plenty of space to lay on a towel and get the perfect tan surrounded by nature.


Reconquinho Beach is located in a valley, to get to the beach there is a steep hill to go down, but to leave it is required to go up. So, if your driver is not experienced, it is important to watch out for the clutch and use the handbrake, if necessary!


Praia Fluvial das Azenha

Viana do Castelo is also known for its beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, however, in Vilar de Mouros, there is the Azenha River beach, which is perfect for everyone.


People tend to visit the beach bathed by Rio Coura, in Caminha municipality, to evade the windy and foggy beaches of Viana do Castelo, 29 kilometres away from the Azenha beach. The beach is surrounded by an area classified as Natura Network 2000, meaning that Nature is still the main character of this place, in the North of Portugal.


Praia Fluvial de Mourão

In the Alentejo, where temperatures are usually really high during summer there is also a chance of going to the beach, in the Évora district.

This beach is 63 kilometres away from Évora centre and has 320 metres of sand, 100 of them surveyed by lifeguards. There are 45 umbrellas spread throughout the beach and a floating pool, making bathing safer, especially when bringing children to the beach.


There is also a wooden walkway to access the beach, next to the picnic area, guaranteeing great experiences for visitors.

River beaches in Portugal are beautiful and worth visiting. It is important to respect the biodiversity of the place and keep it clean. It is also important to be safe, making sure to visit monitored beaches.

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