The much more pleasant temperature and tranquillity, in contrast to the bustling beaches of the coast, are the main features that lead holidaymakers to the river beaches of southern Portugal. As with the generality of the country, Nature was very generous with the area that encompasses these freshwater paradises. Embrace this itinerary that All About Portugal has prepared and meet 9 charming and invigorating places.
River Beach of the Maranhão Reservoir - Avis
This leisure area is peculiar, as it can be submerged depending on the dam's water height, something that usually happens in winter and spring. Despite this, it has excellent conditions to spend a perfect day and rest in good company. Also known as Fluvial Beach of the Clube Náutico, it has a pier, a picnic area and a children's playground, in addition to a restaurant. The reservoir is also ideal for the practice of water sports.
Gameiro River Beach - Mora
It is not officially a river beach, but it is a very popular area in this municipality, also famous for the Mora Fluviarium. The place is very pleasant and invites to some invigorating dips in the pleasant waters of the River Raia, where you can relax in a wide grassed area or under one of the parasols that the enclosure offers. In addition to the Fluviarium and the leisure area, the Gameiro Ecological Park also has an adventure park, a walkway, a picnic area and a campsite.
River Beach of Monsaraz - Reguengos de Monsaraz
Looking for calm and warm waters? Look no further. Go to the first river beach to appear in the reservoir of the Alqueva Dam. Open since 2017, the River Beach of Monsaraz is one of the most sought-after by bathers in Alentejo, and beyond. The landscape is very pleasant, and its straw parasols and the vastness of the water mirror, with 120 metres of beachfront, transport you to a calming environment. It has earned the "Blue Flag" and "Accessible Beach" awards.
Amieira River Beach - Portel
Inaugurated in 2019, this beach offers excellent conditions to spend a pleasant day in the Alqueva area. The mild water temperature is only one of its strengths, when compared to the bustling beaches of the coast. It is located in the vicinity of the village that gives it its name and boasts a 600-metre sandy area, as well as a lawn area and water as far as the eye can see. Among other infrastructures, it has a picnic area, changing rooms, a harbour and a restaurant. Fun is guaranteed with the rental of canoes and pedal boats.
Mourão River Beach - Mourão
It's another river beach created in the Alqueva Reservoir and, like the other two, be prepared to find torrid temperatures, both in and out of the water. It offers about 50 parasols spread over a grassed area, while the sandy area is over 300 metres long. Children have a floating pool and the adults can spend their energies on the jumping tower or the slide. This beach, inaugurated in 2017, also has a good parking area.
River Beach of the Santa Clara Reservoir - Odemira
It stands out for the landscape in which it is framed, where, on the hottest days, the ample mantle of water from one of the largest reservoirs in all of Europe seems to blend in with the sun on the horizon. It has a floating swimming pool, much sought-after by children and grown-ups alike, and a well-equipped leisure area. Boat trips are available, and there are also those who look for this beach to fish for a species that is often found in its waters, the largemouth bass.
Pego das Pias River Beach - Odemira
It is not an official river beach and getting there requires physical preparation, but you will see the effort rewarded by the magnificent natural scenery you will find. The most fearless can dive from the rocks to the lake, which is fed with water from the Torgal stream. The accesses, from the bridge over the river, are on unpaved land and the two-kilometre route can be done on foot or by car. Enjoy this wonder of nature with caution, as it is an area where there is no surveillance.
Tapada Grande River Beach - Mértola
It is another much sought-after place on the banks of the Guadiana River and anyone who sees its straw parasols and the vastness of water can imagine themselves in any paradisical destination. It is part of the São Domingos Mine and has the curiosity of being located in a reservoir created by a mining company in the 19th century. The "Blue Flag" and the title of "Accessible Beach" are a given, in a leisure area that offers facilities such as amphibious wheelchairs or an outdoor amphitheatre.
Pego Fundo River Beach – Alcoutim
It is the only official river beach in the Algarve, immensely popular for those who want to escape from the crowded Algarve beaches. Another factor appreciated by many holidaymakers is the water temperature, which can reach 28 degrees. In full communion with Nature, it is located near the Guadiana River and half a kilometre from Alcoutim. It has a considerable area of sand and shade, with good infrastructure, and holds the titles of "Blue Flag" and "Accessible Beach".
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