Rich in natural landscapes and traditions, northern Portugal offers exceptional beaches, including some of the country’s best river beaches. Some are widely known, while others are true hidden gems, offering a refreshing and peaceful experience for nature lovers. All stand out for their beauty and excellent facilities.
Discover these natural wonders with us and explore a lesser-known but equally charming side of our region. River beaches are an excellent alternative for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity and natural beauty that northern Portugal has to offer.
Besides offering stunning scenery, with crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings, many of these beaches are equipped with picnic areas, parking lots, restaurants, and rental services. They’re perfect for a relaxing day with family or friends.
To make your visit easier, we’ve included a detailed map of the best river beaches in northern Portugal.
Best River Beaches in Northern Portugal
Boelhe Beach, Penafiel
Boelhe River Beach is one of the best beaches for families in northern Portugal, offering something for everyone. It offers shaded areas, grassy spots, barbecue facilities, sandy areas, calm and pleasantly warm water—what more could you want?
Located in Boelhe, on the banks of the Tâmega River, it’s also an outstanding beach for water activities like inflatables, kayaking, or Stand Up Paddle. There’s even a giant swing, perfect for snapping some fun photos.
The downside is the steep access with limited space. There are parking spots, but they’re very few considering the beach’s popularity during the summer season. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy to solve because there isn’t much available space.
- ???? Location: Tâmega River – Boelhe, Penafiel. View on Google Maps
- ???? Blue Flag: No
- ???? Shade: Some
- ????️ Beach type: Part grass, part dirt
- ???? Lifeguard: During the bathing season
- ????️ Bar/Restaurant: Yes, during the bathing season
- ???? Water activities: Yes, everything is possible. The river is large and calm
- ???? Restrooms: Yes
- ????️ Water temperature: Not very warm. The river is large, so the water doesn’t heat up easily
- ♿ Accessibility: N/A
- ????️ Parking: Some available, but insufficient for the beach’s size and popularity
Lomba Beach, Gondomar
Lomba Beach is one of those surprises that show up when the Douro River decides to reveal its calm and inviting side.
The sandy area is quite generous (for a river beach, of course), so there’s usually plenty of space to spread out your towel, take a nap in the shade (if you’re lucky or quick enough), and even enjoy a family picnic. The water is pleasantly warm—yes, warm!—which is always a pleasant surprise when we’re talking about rivers. For those who like to stay active, you can paddleboard, kayak, or try out other water sports.
But it’s not all perfect. Interestingly, this is one of our favorite river beaches in the North, but also one of the ones we least enjoy visiting. Access is tricky, and on busy days, traffic and parking can be a nightmare.
On weekends, it gets crowded, which takes away some of the peaceful vibe you can feel on weekdays. The sand could also be kept a bit cleaner, but nothing that ruins the essentials—that balance between nature, river, and summer that makes this beach worth visiting.
If you go during the week or on a quieter day, you can easily enjoy one of the best summer days by the river here.
- ???? Location: Lomba, Valongo – View on Google Maps
- ???? Blue Flag: No
- ???? Shade: Some (mainly in the picnic area)
- ????️ Beach type: Wide, flat sandy area
- ???? Lifeguard: Yes
- ???? Bar/Restaurant: Yes, there’s a small snack bar with an outdoor terrace. It was under renovation the last time we visited.
- ???? Water activities: Yes, with rentals available on site
- ???? Restrooms: Yes
- ????️ Water temperature: Warm in the summer
- ♿ Accessibility: Reasonably accessible
- ????️ Parking: Yes, paid (€3), but scarce on busy days. There are a few free spots, but far too few for the beach’s popularity.
Melres Beach, Gondomar
Melres River Beach is one of the most accessible river beaches near Porto, which also makes it one of the most popular.
Located in the parish of Melres, Gondomar, this beach sits on the Douro River, meaning the water is calm and there’s a large area for swimming. It’s also great for practicing all kinds of water sports. We enjoy taking the SUP board out for a paddle here.
The water is quite warm in the summer, which makes swimming and playing in the river even more inviting. The downside is that the sandy area is pretty small, and with the beach’s popularity, it gets crowded on hot weekends. On top of that, it wasn’t very clean the last time we visited, which was disappointing.
Melres Beach has a lifeguard, picnic area, and a few shaded spots (mainly outside the sandy area). There’s also a small bar just outside the beach, but within walking distance.
- ???? Location: Douro River – Melres, Valongo – View on Google Maps
- ???? Blue Flag: No
- ???? Shade: Few, mainly in the picnic area
- ????️ Beach type: Sandy, but small
- ???? Lifeguard: Yes, during the bathing season
- ????️ Bar/Restaurant: Yes, outside the sandy area, but very close
- ???? Water activities: Yes, but we didn’t see rentals available on site
- ???? Restrooms: Yes, near the bar
- ????️ Water temperature: Quite warm in the summer
- ♿ Accessibility: N/A
- ????️ Parking: Yes, but insufficient during peak summer weekends
Alqueirão Beach, Vilar da Veiga – Peneda-Gerês National Park
This is one of the most iconic and popular beaches in northern Portugal. Located at the Caniçada Dam reservoir, it’s often one of the first stops for visitors exploring Peneda-Gerês National Park, thanks to its location, stunning scenery, and excellent leisure facilities.
This beach is perfect for water sports, and you can rent almost anything here—from boats and boards to kayaks. It’s also great for swimming and relaxing in the water, though caution is needed due to uneven depths and slippery access points.
There are parking areas along the N308 road, restrooms, and several cafés and restaurants nearby.
- ???? Location: Vilar da Veiga, Terras de Bouro (Peneda-Gerês National Park) – View on Google Maps
- ???? Blue Flag: No
- ???? Shade: Few, depending on the time of day
- ????️ Beach type: Mostly dirt, where you can lie down and sunbathe
- ???? Lifeguard: No
- ???? Bar/Restaurant: Many options close to the beach
- ???? Water activities: Yes, with rentals for just about everything
- ???? Restrooms: Yes, nearby (some shared with cafés)
- ????️ Water temperature: Quite warm in the summer
- ♿ Accessibility: Limited
- ????️ Parking: Yes, but limited and fills up quickly on summer days
Valeta Beach, Arcos de Valdevez
This is one of the rare urban river beaches on our list, but it’s truly spectacular. Located right by the town of Arcos de Valdevez, it offers the perfect blend of nature and urban convenience.
The water of the Vez River is refreshingly cool, crystal clear, calm, and transparent, making it one of our favorite river beaches. The surroundings—with the beautiful town of Arcos de Valdevez, the bridge, stones, and trees—make this one of the best river beaches in northern Portugal.
In terms of infrastructure, it’s also excellent, with several bars and restaurants nearby. The Ecovia do Vez, one of our favorite hikes, passes right by the beach, so if you enjoy walking, you can also take the opportunity to explore part of the trail.
- ???? Location: Vez River – Arcos de Valdevez – View on Google Maps
- ???? Blue Flag: No
- ???? Shade: Yes, plenty of shaded and sunny areas
- ????️ Beach type: Some sandy areas (with rocks) and grassy areas
- ???? Lifeguard: Yes, in a designated area during bathing season
- ???? Bar/Restaurant: Several options close to the beach
- ???? Water activities: Yes, SUP and kayaking are possible, but other beaches on this list offer more space
- ???? Restrooms: Yes, public facilities nearby
- ????️ Water temperature: Refreshingly cool. The water isn’t very still, and the Vez River never gets too warm
- ♿ Accessibility: Yes
- ????️ Parking: Yes, free parking on both sides of the river
Adaúfe Beach, Braga
Adaúfe River Beach is located just about 6 miles (10 km) from downtown Braga, on the banks of the Cávado River. Known for its crystal-clear waters, lush green surroundings, and historic old mills, it’s a favorite spot for leisure and relaxation in northern Portugal.
One of its strengths is its excellent infrastructure. There’s a large grassy area perfect for relaxing in the shade, picnic areas with tables and barbecue grills, a playground for kids, and a great snack bar.
This is a huge beach with plenty of lawn space and swimming areas. Those looking for sports activities will also find plenty of options, with board rentals, pedal boats, and inflatables available. Adaúfe combines nature, leisure, and safety, making it an excellent choice for a family day out or a fun time with friends.
- ???? Location: Adaúfe, Braga – View on Google Maps
- ???? Blue Flag: No
- ???? Shade: Yes, but not always enough for everyone
- ???? Beach type: Large grassy area by the Cávado River, ideal for swimming and relaxing
- ???? Lifeguard: Yes, during the bathing season
- ???? Bar/Restaurant: Yes
- ???? Water activities: Yes
- ???? Restrooms: Yes
- ????️ Water temperature: Pleasant
- ♿ Accessibility: Good for reduced mobility
- ????️ Parking: Large free parking lot
Faial River Beach, Vila Verde
Just a short distance from the Adaúfe River Beach and even closer to Braga, the Faial River Beach, in Prado (Vila Verde), is another excellent spot for a relaxed day by the river. The best part? It’s easy to reach — only 15 minutes by car from Braga, or even by public transport — making it an obvious choice for many locals and visitors alike.
The area is spacious and comfortable, with a huge car park that costs just €1.50 for the whole day. The beach is mostly grassy, perfect for laying down your towel under the trees and enjoying a peaceful picnic. There’s a small sandy area, but the grass dominates, giving it a fresher and more welcoming atmosphere.
The water is another highlight. The river is wide, calm, and shallow, ideal for those who like to ease into the water or for families with young kids. The riverbed is sandy, making it safe and pleasant to walk in the water. And the temperature? In the hot summer months, the waters of the Cávado are surprisingly warm — perfect for a refreshing swim that makes you forget the outside heat.
If you don’t feel like bringing food or drinks, the large on-site bar has everything you need — from coffee and ice cream to snacks and cold drinks. During the bathing season, lifeguards are on duty, providing extra safety. The beach is large, but it gets crowded on very hot weekends, so arriving early is best to make the most of the day.
- ???? Location: Faial River Beach, Prado, Vila Verde – Check on Google Maps
- ???? Blue Flag: No
- ???? Shade: Plenty, with trees providing natural shade
- ????️ Type of beach: Mostly grass, with a small sandy area
- ???? Lifeguard: Yes, during the bathing season
- ????️ Bar/restaurant: Yes, large bar with coffee, ice cream, snacks, and drinks
- ???? Water activities: Yes – calm water, wide river, sandy bottom, ideal for families
- ???? Toilets: Yes
- ????️ Water temperature: Warm in summer, perfect for relaxing swims
- ♿ Accessibility: Yes, officially certified as an “Accessible Beach – Beach for All”
- ????️ Parking: Large car park, €1.50/day
Ribeira River Beach, Macedo de Cavaleiros
Located at the Azibo Reservoir, this beach is large, with sandy and grassy areas, plenty of natural shade, and everything you need for a perfect summer day.
The water is clean and surprisingly warm for a reservoir, often reaching over 25 °C. You’ll also find sun loungers, cabanas, pedal boats, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent. Lifeguards supervise the beach, which features a bar, toilets, small shops, and a car park right next to it, all of which cost only €1.
???? Tip: The Azibo Reservoir has two excellent river beaches. This list only includes Ribeira, which is the largest and best-known, but the Fraga da Pegada beach is just as good, with exceptional facilities.
It’s a very popular spot, especially on weekends and in August, so arriving early is recommended. But it’s worth it — the atmosphere, the water quality, and the facilities make this river beach truly special.
- ???? Location: Ribeira River Beach, Azibo Reservoir, Macedo de Cavaleiros – Check on Google Maps
- ???? Blue Flag: Yes
- ???? Shade: Plenty of natural shade; sun umbrellas and cabanas for rent
- ???? Type of beach: Sand and grass along the reservoir, great for swimming and relaxing
- ???? Lifeguard: Yes, during the bathing season
- ???? Bar/restaurant: Yes
- ???? Water activities: Yes – pedal boats, kayaks, paddle boards
- ???? Toilets: Yes
- ????️ Water temperature: Warm in summer (up to 25 °C)
- ♿ Accessibility: Good, with prepared access points
- ????️ Parking: Several large car parks near the beach, €1/day
Ponte da Barca River Beach
Located right in the town center, inside the Jardim dos Poetas (the municipal park), this is an urban river beach that’s well-maintained, accessible, and surrounded by plenty of natural shade. A wide grassy area, a small sandy zone, and the stunning view of the medieval bridge of Ponte da Barca make it a charming place to spend a summer day.
There are two distinct areas: one where the Lima River flows, with colder and deeper water, and another, an almost closed-off lagoon, with warmer, shallower water — perfect for children. Access to the lagoon is easy, especially from the sandy part, while the main river area could benefit from better access.
Overall, it’s a pleasant, clean, and well-kept space, though it feels more like a riverside park than a dedicated river beach — unlike Adaúfe or Faial. Still, it has a bar, lifeguards in summer, and a large free car park nearby.
- ???? Location: Ponte da Barca River Beach, Jardim dos Poetas, town center – View on Google Maps
- ???? Blue Flag: No
- ???? Shade: Yes, plenty in the grassy area and park
- ???? Type of beach: Large grassy area with a small sandy zone
- ???? Lifeguard: Yes, during the bathing season
- ???? Bar/restaurant: Yes
- ???? Water activities: Yes (SUP, kayaking), but no rental services available
- ???? Toilets: Not confirmed
- ????️ Water temperature: Cold in the river, warmer in the lagoon
- ♿ Accessibility: Good in the lagoon area, limited by the main river
- ????️ Parking: Large free car park nearby.
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