Portugal is world-renowned for its stunning coastline and magnificent beaches that attract tourists from all over the world. However, for those looking for a different experience, the river beaches in central Portugal offer a charming and often less crowded alternative.
Set in beautiful natural surroundings and wrapped in tranquility, these river beaches are the perfect getaway for nature and peace lovers. They’re known for their clean, refreshing water, providing an ideal setting for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities.
Many of these beaches have supporting infrastructure such as picnic areas, barbecue grills, playgrounds, and cafés, making them great for a family day or romantic escape. In addition, the natural shade and abundant vegetation make them comfortable, even on the hottest summer days.
In this article, we’ll explore and review some of the best river beaches in central Portugal, based on criteria like natural beauty, accessibility, facilities, safety, and available activities. With this detailed evaluation, we hope to inspire readers to discover these hidden gems and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer in Portugal.
Map of the Best River Beaches in Central Portugal
Mâmoa River Beach – Santa Maria da Feira
Praia Fluvial da Mâmoa, located about 8 km (5 miles) from Santa Maria da Feira, is a great spot to escape the summer heat. This spacious river beach features grassy and sandy areas, providing plenty of relaxing space. Some trees offer natural shade, but you can also bring a sun umbrella.
The lagoon, formed by a small dam on the Uíma River, creates a shallow natural pool perfect for kids. There are several safe areas for children to play. The facilities include a bar, restrooms, a shower, and a lifeguard. The beach is also accessible for people with reduced mobility.
The only downside is that summer tends to get very busy, especially in August. Still, the parking area is large, making access easier. Near the lagoon, a small tree-lined path runs along the river—perfect for a relaxing stroll.
- Location: Santa Maria da Feira
- Blue Flag: Yes
- Shade: Yes, plenty of natural shade throughout the beach
- Beach type: Mixed – grass, sand, stone, and earth
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Bar/restaurant: Yes
- Water activities: Yes, suitable for kayaking and SUP, but caution is needed due to crowding
- Restrooms: Yes
- Water temperature: Quite pleasant
- Accessibility: Yes, with access for people with reduced mobility
Picoto Island River Beach – Oliveira do Hospital
Picoto Island River Beach, also known as Avô River Beach due to its location in this village in Oliveira do Hospital, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on this list. Set on Picoto Island and along the banks of the Alva River, it’s formed by several small dams that create a fairly large lagoon.
We love this beach because it ticks all our boxes. You can enjoy SUP or kayaking; plenty of shaded areas, sand, and grassy spots are truly beautiful. Since the beach is in the village, you can see the old bridge and take in the surrounding scenery.
It has an island and river beaches on both banks, connected by pedestrian bridges, giving it a unique charm and special atmosphere. The infrastructure is excellent, with a lifeguard on duty and two bars—one serving meals.
As a very popular beach, it always attracts hundreds of people. However, its large size allows it to accommodate many visitors. Still, if you’re looking for somewhere more peaceful, this may not be the best option on the list.
One of the main drawbacks is the limited parking near the beach, which can cause traffic and parking issues, especially in the summer and on weekends.
- Location: Avô, Oliveira do Hospital
- Blue Flag: No
- Shade: Yes, plenty, in several parts of the beach
- Beach type: Mixed—grassy, sandy, rocky, and dirt areas
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Bar/restaurant: Yes, two—one on the island and one on the riverbank
- Water activities: Yes, there’s space for kayaking and SUP, but it can get crowded
- Restrooms: Yes
- Water temperature: Very pleasant—easy to stay in the water for a long time without getting cold
- Accessibility: Accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Foz d’Égua River Beach – Arganil
Located at the confluence of the Piódão and Chãs d’Égua streams, this is one of the most beautiful river beaches in Portugal. It’s a relatively small beach, created by a dam that forms a natural pool of crystal-clear water, surrounded by a picturesque setting with stone bridges and traditional schist houses.
Foz d’Égua is located in the municipality of Arganil, in the Serra do Açor mountains, very close to Piódão—one of the most beautiful historic villages in Portugal. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and fans of river beaches.
Although there’s some space to lay out a towel, the beach isn’t very large. Due to its stunning beauty, it’s extremely popular and tends to get very crowded on hot days, especially on weekends.
- Location: Foz d’Égua, Arganil
- Blue Flag: No
- Shade: Yes, but limited
- Beach type: Mostly rocky areas where you can lie down and sunbathe
- Lifeguard: No
- Bar/restaurant: No
- Water activities: No
- Restrooms: No
- Water temperature: Usually cold, as it comes from the mountains
- Accessibility: Not accessible for people with reduced mobility
Loriga River Beach – Seia
Loriga River Beach is one of the most well-known and popular river beaches in Portugal. Located in Loriga, in the municipality of Seia, this beach is part of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and is one of its main summer attractions.
This beach stands out from the others on this list because, more than a typical river beach, it’s a series of natural pools and small dams formed along the Loriga stream. The water comes directly from the mountains, making it crystal-clear but also very cold, as the beach sits at an altitude of around 800 meters (2,625 feet). Still, it’s considered one of the most beautiful river beaches in Portugal and is featured on virtually every list about them—and rightfully so.
Despite its popularity, the beach doesn’t offer much space, which can lead to overcrowding—especially because it’s easily accessible via the N231 and N338 roads. There’s a small bar and a lifeguard on duty during the summer, offering some basic infrastructure.
- Location: Loriga, Seia
- Blue Flag: Yes
- Shade: Very little
- Beach type: Some grassy patches and stone areas
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Bar/restaurant: Yes
- Water activities: No. It’s not that kind of beach
- Restrooms: Yes
- Water temperature: Cold
- Accessibility: Not suitable for people with limited mobility or wheelchairs due to multiple levels and uneven terrain
- Parking: Very limited for such a popular spot
Vimieiro River Beach – Penacova
Vimieiro River Beach is a great spot to enjoy a day outdoors, offering all the amenities needed for a pleasant and safe experience. Located on the right bank of the Alva River, this beach has good infrastructure, including a café/restaurant and a lifeguard on duty during the summer.
It’s also a beautiful place, with clean and refreshingly cool water from the Alva River. A weir forms a large, shallow lagoon, making it suitable for all ages. The old iron waterwheel and historic mill highlight the local heritage, giving the beach an extra rustic charm.
The grassy lawn is perfect for sunbathing, and while there are some shaded areas, they’re limited—so it’s a good idea to arrive early. There are also a few picnic tables, making it a great option for families.
- Location: S. Pedro de Alva, Penacova
- Blue Flag: Yes
- Shade: Yes
- Beach type: Beautiful grassy area for sunbathing
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Bar/restaurant: Yes
- Water activities: No official rentals, but it’s great for SUP
- Restrooms: Yes
- Water temperature: Cold
- Accessibility: Accessible for people with reduced mobility
Penedo Furado River Beach – Vila de Rei
This is one of our favorite river beaches, thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings and overall atmosphere. It also offers great conditions, with a small bar, restrooms, picnic areas, plenty of shade, and spots to sunbathe. In our experience, the water is cool and not very deep, but still perfect for swimming.
Fed by the Codes stream, the beach is nestled between impressive rocky cliffs and lush vegetation, creating a picturesque and relaxing environment. Despite its peaceful setting, it’s easily accessible from Vila de Rei and the National Road N2.
The Penedo Furado area is much more than just the river beach. It also includes the famous “Bicha Pintada” fossil (over 480 million years old), several viewpoints, the Penedo Furado boardwalks, and even a few waterfalls. Walking along the boardwalks, you’ll discover all this and more.
- Location: Vila de Rei
- Blue Flag: No
- Shade: Yes
- Beach type: Beautiful grassy area for sunbathing
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Bar/restaurant: Yes
- Water activities: No rentals, but perfect for SUP
- Restrooms: Yes
- Water temperature: Cold
- Accessibility: Accessible for people with reduced mobility
Fernandaires River Beach – Vila de Rei
Fernandaires River Beach, located on the Zêzere River in the Castelo de Bode reservoir, offers a vast water basin perfect for enjoying a wide range of water sports. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, and other water equipment.
The water here is relatively warm, as the sheltered bay of the reservoir allows the still water to heat up quickly during summer. The beach also features a variety of amenities, including a floating pool, a playground, shaded picnic areas, changing rooms, and a bar with an outdoor terrace.
Since the water becomes deep fairly quickly, there’s also a free inflatable water park, making the spot even more appealing to families and visitors of all ages.
- Location: Fernandaires, Vila de Rei
- Blue Flag: No
- Shade: Very little right on the beach, but there’s a forest and pine grove nearby
- Beach type: Coarse sand and some rocky areas
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Bar/restaurant: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Water activities: Yes – nearly all water sports are available, from wakeboarding and kayaking to jet skiing and paddleboarding
- Water temperature: Among the warmest we’ve experienced
- Accessibility: Accessible for people with reduced mobility
Meimão River Beach – Penamacor
Meimão River Beach in Penamacor is another lovely river beach in Central Portugal, located in a reservoir. As a result, the water gradually warms up during summer, becoming pleasantly refreshing after a few hot days.
It’s a fantastic spot for water sports, thanks to the wide open space and peaceful surroundings, even on busier days. You can rent paddle boards, pedal boats, and kayaks, for example. The beach is well-equipped, with a small bar, restrooms, a pool, and inflatables. There are even some bungalows available for rent right next to the beach. We’ve never stayed there, but they look quite inviting.
Note: Don’t confuse this beach with Meimoa, a few kilometers south, or with Mâmoa, in Santa Maria da Feira (mentioned earlier), both of which are very different.
Meimão River Beach is also a great base for exploring the Malcata Nature Reserve. Check out this article to learn how to explore the area and where to go.
- Location: Meimão, Penamacor
- Blue Flag: No
- Shade: Some, but not much
- Beach type: Reservoir beach, with both sandy and grassy areas
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Bar/restaurant: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Water activities: Yes – you can enjoy a wide range of water sports
- Water temperature: Pleasant, and gets warmer as hot days accumulate
- Accessibility: N/A
- Parking: Yes, parking available
Poço Corga River Beach – Castanheira de Pêra
Located in the Serra da Lousã, in the municipality of Castanheira de Pêra, this river beach is known for its crystal-clear, refreshing waters fed by the Pera stream, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting perfect for relaxing.
The beach features two weirs that form natural pools—one significantly deeper than the other—making it suitable for all kinds of visitors. Along the banks, there’s a beautiful grassy area with plenty of shade, providing a very pleasant environment. This is one of our favorite river beaches, and we always make a point of visiting it whenever we’re in the area.
In addition to being spotlessly clean, it is well-equipped with picnic areas, showers, a bar, restaurant, and restroom facilities accessible to people with reduced mobility. During the bathing season, lifeguards are present, ensuring a safe experience for all swimmers.
- Location: Castanheira de Pêra
- Blue Flag: No
- Shade: Plenty of shade on the grassy area
- Beach type: Grass
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Bar/restaurant: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
- Water activities: No – it’s a small, scenic beach without space for water sports
- Water temperature: Quite cold
- Accessibility: Excellent access for people with reduced mobility
- Parking: Yes, but relatively small.
Fonte do Pego River Beach – Idanha-a-Nova
This is one of the lesser-known, yet undoubtedly one of the most beautiful river beaches on this list. Located in Penha Garcia, in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, this small river beach features a charming and well-maintained artificial waterfall.
When we visited, the water was quite cold despite the hot day. The beach is lined with schist stones, which highlight its rustic beauty. There’s not a lot of space, but you can usually find a spot to relax and soak up the sun.
Although the beach is very well maintained, it lacks major facilities. There’s no lifeguard or bar, but it’s close to the village, where you can find whatever you might need.
The “Fossils Trail” (Rota dos Fósseis) runs through the village and is one of our favorite short hikes in Portugal. It’s small but filled with interesting sights.
- Location: Penha Garcia, Idanha-a-Nova
- Blue Flag: No
- Shade: Not much
- Beach type: Schist stone
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Bar/restaurant: No
- Restrooms: No
- Water activities: No – it’s a small, scenic beach with only space for swimming
- Water temperature: Quite chilly
- Accessibility: Easy access, but not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Parking: No dedicated lot, but you can park near the village entrance.
