Our favorite river beaches of Central Portugal
Summer holidays don’t have to be by the coast. Between nature and the mountains, there’s small hidden paradises that only prove there’s still a lot to discover withing Portugal’s interior.
Have you imagined a beach free of traffic, noisy crowds and stubborn sand that insists on sticking itself to your feet?
Portugal's interior regions have some of the best bathing areas of the country, where it's possible to dive in the clear water of a river, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, while breathing the countryside's fresh air.
Most of the fluvial beaches in these areas are located in protected zones and have great infrastructures, receiving several awards every year.
These are some of our favorites to spend a great day outside:
1. Praia Fluvial
da BogueiraClose to the village of Casal de Ermio, Bogueira is one of the quietest beaches in the area and (perhaps for this reason) also a small piece of paradise. On this beach surrounded by the Ceira River, visitors feel an atmosphere of total immersion with nature. Here you can go for a walk along the river banks, while the more adventurous can have fun with the diving board.
Infrastructures
Blue Flag • Lifeguard surveillance • Terrace bar • Public toilets • Many shaded areas • Showers • Rowing boats and other activities • Picnic space • Lawn • River Pool • Playground • Parking • Park and swimming pool • Ramps, Special Chair and WC for people with reduced mobility
2. Praia Fluvial
da Senhora da PiedadeIn the heart of the Serra da Lousã, is one of the best known river beaches in the region and rightly so: Senhora da Piedade beach has a unique beauty. You can really feel the influence of the shist in the region, with all its surroundings built with this type of rock. There is a terrace bar that promises to give you incredible views of the hills and over the Nossa Senhora da Piedade Chapels. Take the opportunity to visit Arouce Castle (better known as Lousã Castle), a fortress built in the 11th century, hidden among the trees.
Infrastructures
Blue Flag • Accessible Beach • Gold Quality Beach award • Lifeguard surveillance • Changing Rooms with Showers • Toilets • Access and parking conditions for people with reduced mobility • Child Pool • First Aid Desk • Terrace Bar • Diving Zone • Picnic Zone
3. Praia Fluvial
do PessegueiroThe riverside beach Pessegueiro in Pampilhosa da Serra is the ideal destination for those seeking peace and tranquility among family. With beach surveillance, a swimming pool and playground and a large lawn, this beach is ideal for those who want to spend the day with the kids having fun safely.
Infrastructures
Lifeguard surveillance • Blue Flag • Accessible beach • WiFi network • Kids swimming pool (50 to 70cm deep) • Playground with swings and slides • Terrace bar • Access and parking conditions for people with reduced mobility • Lawn area • Shadow Zone • Picnic Zone • Toilets with showers
4. Praia Fluvial
da Senhora da GraçaLocated on the banks of the Ceira River, the Senhora da Graça river beach is perhaps the most extensive in terms of services and infrastructures for visitors. Barbecues can be used here to prepare a family lunch, play a football match on the sports field and have fun on the boats and canoes available for rent.
Infrastructures
Blue Flag • Accessible Beach • Camping • Surveillance with Lifeguards • Childrens Pool (60 cm deep) • White sandy area • Shaded Picnic Park • Barbecue • Lawn Zone • Football Field • Diving zone • Cafe with Terrace • Free Parking and for people with reduced mobility
5. Praia Fluvial
do ReconquinhoNas margens do rio Mondego, por entre montanhas e vales, situa-se a bela Praia Fluvial do Reconquinho. Ao descer a colina, atravessa-se uma ponte de madeira para aceder à outra margem do rio (há até quem a use para saltar e dar mergulhos para a água). Aqui existem muitas diversões para os miúdos, como um parque infantil, um campo de futebol e até uma “fluvioteca”, uma biblioteca de verão na praia fluvial. Com uma bonita vista sobre Penacova, também é possível aproveitar a zona para fazer um percurso pedestre cheio de paisagens naturais onde o verde é a cor que domina.
Infraestruturas
Bandeira Azul • Vigilância e segurança • Parque de estacionamento • Bar • Restaurante • WC • Parque Infantil • Zona de Piquenique • Biblioteca • Campo de futebol
On the banks of the Mondego River, between mountains and valleys, lies the beautiful Fluvial Beach of Reconquinho. Down the hill, you cross a wooden bridge to access the other bank of the river (there’s even those who use it to jump and dive into the water). There’s lots of fun for kids here, such as a playground, a soccer field and even a “Rivrary”, a summer library on the beach. With a beautiful view over Penacova, it’s also possible to take the opportunity to go on a walking path full of natural landscapes where green is the color that prevails.
Infrastructures
Blue Flag • Surveillance and Security • Parking • Bar • Restaurant • Toilet • Children's Playground • Picnic Area • Library • Football Field
6. Praia Fluvial
da LouçainhaLocated in the municipality of Penela, Louçainha’s fluvial beach is one of the most popular in the region. Despite being visited by many families in the warmer months, it keeps its charm with the crystal clear waters, good environmental conditions and stunning natural landscape. You can go hiking or cycling and it’s worth visiting the bar that has a panoramic view over the mountains.
Infrastructures
Blue Flag • Accessible Beach • Lifeguard surveillance • Toilets and Changing Rooms (adapted for people with reduced mobility) • Showers • Panoramic restaurant with terrace • Lawn Area • Picnic Zone • Jumping Zone • Access for people with reduced mobility • Child Pool • Library • Free Parking
7. Praia Fluvial
de Poço CorgaA few minutes from Castanheira de Pêra, Poço Corga River Beach is the ideal destination for those seeking the tranquility of a green corner in the middle of Serra da Lousã. Between the melody of the birds and the sound of people jumping to the water, here you can make picnics in the shades from the huge oak trees that have been there for hundreds of years. It is also possible to visit the “Lagar do Corga” Museum, where olive oil was formerly produced in the region.
Infrastructures
Lifeguard surveillance • Ramps for people with reduced mobility • Changing rooms and showers • Toilet for people with reduced mobility • Restaurant / Bar with terrace • Lawn Area • Parking