The best river beaches in Central Portugal

If you are one of those people who still thinks that Serra da Estrela is only worth a visit for the snow, think again. There is a lot to explore throughout the year and this beach is one of its best examples. The water is usually cold, but also pure and crystalline. The feeling of tranquility and intense contact with Nature is unparalleled for anyone who visits the only Portuguese beach in a Glacial Valley. The stunning landscape and the award of "Praia de Ouro" (Gold Beach) are other reasons that justify a visit.

Also inserted in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, it is the highest river beach in Portugal, at 1437 meters of altitude. Much sought after for the serenity it provides, "Praia do Vale do Rossim" offers a wide natural pool. There is also plenty of space along the banks for those who want to lie down on a towel to enjoy the sun. The environmental context is of excellence in this lagoon, which has excellent leisure conditions, and water sports are common.

It is one of the most sought after river beaches in the Guarda area. The excelent waters of the Zêzere River, which bathe the village of Valhelhas, is widely recognized, as well as its surroundings full of natural beauty. The titles of "Blue Flag" and "Accessible Beach" are no longer new for this leisure area, which offers a range of infrastructures such as an amphibious chair, a submerged water access ramp, walkways and a grassy area. Shades and parking are also available.

Serra da Estrela appears in a magnificent background to this beach located near the center of this village in the Covilhã municipality. The pleasant space, much sought after on the hottest days, was recently refurbished, offering excellent conditions for bathers. You can choose between the two mirrors of clear water coming from the Serra da Estrela slopes and enjoy eight thousand square meters of grass, straw umbrellas, children's playground, parking and diving board.

It offers a stunning scenery. It is located nearby the picturesque Historic Village of Piódão and often those who visit it for the first time feel like they are in front of an illustrated postcard, given the natural framing. It results from two streams and a dam the "crossing" that causes the creation of the appealing water mirror. Don't miss this opportunity and also visit the shale houses of Piódão, nicknamed by the North American website "Huffington Post" as "Flinstones Village".

If you are looking for a vast and quiet space, this beach is perfect for you. The natural framing is remarkable and the requalification details of the surroundings, with the use of materials such as wood or shale, also stands out. The large water mirror, the floating pool, the Fluvifun, considered the first river water park in the region, or the kayak rental will provide you fun times. Fishing enthusiasts also come here regularly, due to the abundance of some species.

You will be amazed with the landscape of this beach, where the mountains mix with the vast water from the Santa Luzia Dam. Enjoy the generously sized floating pool and relax on the sand or in the shade of the straw umbrellas. If you don't want to lie on your towel, there's also plenty to do in this beautiful spot, namely canoeing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing and climbing. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Vidual viewpoint.

It is located on the left bank of the Mondego River and stands out for its magnificent natural setting and extensive sandy beach. Green is the predominant color in the surrounding area to the beach, which offers adequate support infrastructure. It received the distinction of "Blue Flag" for the first time in 2013 and has, among other things, a Fluvioteca, picnic area or campsite. The more daring can dive from the wooden pedestrian bridge that serves to access the other side of the river.

It has a beautiful, peaceful and refreshing environment. With the Serra da Lousã very present, the clean waters of "Ribeira de Pera" are a privilege for those who want to regain energy. Next to the beach, bathers can enjoy the beautiful shadows provided by a century-old oak. Nearby you will find a picnic area and the "Lagar do Corga", a small museum that shows how olive oil was produced in the past.

It is a masterpiece made by the magic of Nature. It is embedded between two cliffs, which give it its name, and which form another splendid setting, like so many others on this list. It is a great place for refreshing the body and soul, given the purity of the water and the unique beauty. Go to the viewpoint from where you can have an excellent view of the surroundings, especially the Schist Village of Casal de São Simão.

This is another beautiful place where Nature was very generous. But it's not just the amazing landscape that justifies a visit to this beach in Ribatejo, which invites you to take a refreshing dip. The "Blue Flag" and "Accessible Beach" distinctions assure you quality and the floating pool is much sought after by locals and visitors. The beach has excellent conditions for water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing, rowing or sailing. The surroundings call for walking.

It is a place for those who want an environment of calm, crystalline waters and fresh air. The landscape in which this Northern Alentejo beach is located is a source of joy for those who visit it and bathe in the Tagus River. It is also a must to enjoy the wide sand and vegetation area that surrounds it. It has the accessible beach flag and the pedestrian access is good, as is the parking area. It has adapted sanitary facilities, in addition to a first-aid station.