River Beaches and Hidden Spots in Portugal

Portugal’s international image often focuses in on the Algarve’s beaches, Lisbon’s historic architecture, and its distinctive cuisine.

However, inland Portugal offers a lesser-known attraction: river beaches. These freshwater sites, located mainly in the country’s central and northern regions, offer clear water, mountain scenery, and seasonal infrastructure for visitors.

In collaboration with Portugal the Place, we’ve outlined five key river beach destinations, all worth consideration for those looking beyond the coastline.

Cabril Reservoir and Pedrógão Grande

Location: Leiria District

Main features: Large reservoir, water sports, walking trails

Formed by the Cabril Dam on the Zêzere River, this artificial lake near Pedrógão Grande is surrounded by forested hills. The main bathing area, Praia Fluvial do Cabril, includes sandy areas, a floating pool, and designated swimming zones. Lifeguards are present during the summer months.

The site also supports kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Waymarked walking trails, including the “Just You and the River” route, offer views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape.

Additional point of interest: The nearby Ponte Filipina, a 17th-century bridge, is a notable example of early engineering in the region.

Fragas de São Simão

Location: Coimbra District

Main features: Canyon landscape, small beach, walking infrastructure

Fragas de São Simão is a narrow gorge with steep rock faces and a small freshwater beach. Elevated walkways and viewing platforms allow access to the bathing area and provide safe pedestrian routes across the surrounding terrain.

The water source is mountain-fed and particularly cold, especially outside peak summer. Facilities are minimal but include picnic tables and basic sanitary provisions.

Nearby attraction: The Schist Village of Casal de São Simão, with traditional stone houses, small shops, and rural restaurants.

Lago Azul / Praia Fluvial da Castanheira

Location: Santarém District

Main features: Watersports, family-friendly facilities, accessible trails

Located on the Castelo de Bode reservoir, this is one of the most developed river beaches in the region. Facilities at Praia Fluvial da Castanheira include floating swimming pools, picnic areas, and equipment rental for canoeing and wakeboarding. Trails for walking and moderate hiking are accessible from the beach.

Recommendation: Visit Dornes, a small town on a peninsula with a Romanesque-Gothic tower dating from the 12th century.

Praia Fluvial de Loriga

Location: Guarda District, Serra da Estrela Natural Park

Main features: Glacial valley, mountain-fed water, protected environment

Located in Portugal’s highest mountain range, Loriga offers a distinct river beach experience. Set in a former glacial valley, the site includes a natural river channel and a small artificial pool. Water temperatures are consistently low, and water quality is typically high due to environmental protections.

Facilities include a summer café and a maintained picnic area. Hiking trails begin near the site and extend into the Serra da Estrela mountains.

Praia Fluvial do Agroal

Location: Santarém District

Main features: Natural spring, cold water, proximity to cultural sites

This river beach is located near the religious town of Fátima and is supplied by a karst spring known for its cool water and reported therapeutic qualities. The area has been partially developed to accommodate visitors, but the atmosphere remains quiet and suited to those seeking rest or short stays.

Honourable Mention: Penedo Furado

Location: Vila de Rei

Key features: Waterfalls, natural pools, short forest walk

Though smaller in scale, Penedo Furado includes a small waterfall, natural rock pools, and wooden pathways through surrounding woodland. It is well suited for short visits, combining swimming and walking.

Travel Information

• Best time to visit: June to September, when lifeguards and services are available.

• Access: Most sites are best reached by car. A few can be accessed via marked trails with nearby parking.

• Recommended items: Sun protection, suitable footwear, swimwear, food and drink, and rubbish bags for proper waste disposal.

• Accommodation: Local lodges and restored schist villages offer simple but characterful lodging and dining options.

River beaches in Portugal provide a practical and scenic alternative to the coast, especially during peak season.

With a combination of basic infrastructure and access to natural surroundings, these sites support low-impact tourism and are well-suited to individuals and families looking to explore Portugal’s hidden gems.

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Looking to relocate to Portugal? Contact Portugal Pathways for expert support

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About Portugal Pathways

Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.

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About Portugal The Place

Portugal The Place is a relocation service dedicated to assisting individuals in moving to Portugal, offering personalised support in location scouting, rental and home purchasing processes, and post-relocation services such as utility setup and coordination of deliveries. Their team comprises expatriates who have first hand experience in relocating, aiming to provide fair and realistic investment advice tailored to each individual's needs and budget.

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.

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