Do you know where the best Portuguese river beaches are? We have gathered a top 10 of guarded beaches to meet you this summer. The hundreds of kilometers of sand on the Portuguese coast attract most tourists. But the interior of the country holds unexpected secrets for visitors seeking to escape the confusion of the coastline – river beaches yet to be discovered.Portugal has hundreds of river beaches, many of them with Blue Flag recognition that guarantees the quality of water, sand and infrastructure to bathers. In addition, there are several beaches, that besides the excellent conditions they offer, are supervised by teams of lifeguards.

1. Loriga – Seia

Exactly in the Natural Park of the Serra da Estrela, there is a sanctuary for nature lovers. A place of impressive beauty, the Loriga River Beach is located in the Loriga Glacier Valley.With the promise of offering pure and crystalline waters in a preserved environment, it has good support infrastructures and enables the practice of various adventure activities and walks.

2. Estorãos – Lima Bridge

Next to the Roman bridge over the river Estorãos, in the heart of a charming village of Minho, thereis the Estorãos River Beach. Watched by the Serra de Arga, this beach invites you to enjoy a romantic place, in the middle of nature, on a bank of clear waters.

3. Adaúfe

On the banks of the Rio Cávado, the Adaúfe River Beach has an extension of about 200 meters, which includes a sandy area and a wide ridge, with accessible pedestrian paths.On the beach there are excellent conditions for the practice of activities such as volleyball, canoeingor extreme sports. It has support infrastructure that includes jumping board, fitness park and snack park, with tables and barbecues.In Adaúfe it is also possible to rent seagulls, which will help to create unforgettable memories.

4. Alamal Beach – Gavião

Situated in a stunning setting on the banks of the Tejo River, there is the River Beach of Quinta do Alamal. The beach is part of a leisure complex that, in addition to the infrastructures to support the bathing area, also includes an Adventure Center.The Center offers activities such as rappel, slide, boat trips and canoe. There is also a wooden walkway that runs along the river, between the beach and the Belver bridge, with excellent points for observing flora and fauna.From Belver Castle, at the top of the hill, you can observe Alamal beach and, who is enjoying sunbathing, can also indulge in the charms of the green hill, which contrasts perfectly with the waters of the Tagus.

5. Vimieiro – Penacova

In the middle of the River Alva, there is the Fluvial Beach of Vimieiro, which provides tranquility and rest for those looking for it.It is located in the complex of the schist villages and it is possible, on the hillside, to observe the schist houses, a water mill and a river wheel, offering a picturesque touch to the surrounding area.In addition to having surveillance, it is a river beach of the Blue Flag. It also allows you to rent sunbeds, awnings and boats without a motor, for a walk on the river.

6. Fraga da Pena – Arganil

Inserted in the Protected Area of Serra do Açor, in the heart of Mata da Margaraça, there is an idyllic panorama, where the water makes its way through the vegetation, up to a magnificent waterfall over 20 meters high.The River Beach of Fraga da Pena comes from a geological accident, which is noted by the sound of water falling. It is the portrait of an encounter with nature, which remains untouched by man.

7. Ribeira da Venda – Gavião

Located about 1 kilometer from the village of Comenda, 70 kilometers from Spain, the Ribeira da Venda River Beach surprises with the freshness and green spaces, both of grass and trees.There are several bridges that cross the site, such as an old Roman arch bridge, overlapping its spring waters.The beach offers several infrastructures, such as the picnic area with barbecue grills, the snack bar and restaurant with terrace, the children’s playground, a children’s pool, a fitness circuit, a skate park and changing rooms.

8. Pego das Pias

Between S. Luís and Odemira, the Pego de Pias River Beach is located to the north of the parish of S. Salvador, between S. Luís and Odemira. This place invites nature lovers in, attracting them to a place of extreme beauty, untouchable by the hand of man.Located in isolation between rocks, it finds the origin of its name in the circular cavities of these. The cavities were formed by swirls that existed when the water level was higher than the current one. This force gave rise to cavities called sinks.It promises tranquility and calm to anyone looking for this nook, which seems lost among the beauties of Portugal.

9. Portagem – Marvão

Within the Leisure Center is the Fluvial Beach of Portagem, with its swimming pools that attract notonly Portuguese, but Spanish, especially on hot summer days.It offers several outdoor pools, one of which is for children and the other is fluvial, on the River Sever. This offers unqualified views of Castelo do Marvão, one of the region’s ex-libris.The river beach has recently been refurbished and offers, on one of its banks, a lawn and an area with tables and benches.The Portagem Leisure Center also has an amphitheater, a sports center, a playground, a restaurant / bar, space for exercising, among others.

10. Fragas de São Simão – Figueiró dos Vinhos

A 15-minute walk from the Village of Casal de São Simão, lies the River Beach Fragas de São Simão. Bathed by the water of the Alge stream, on the way to Zêzere, it offers an unforgettable fragrance thanks to the presence of laurels and cork oaks around.The water is so clear that you can see the rocks at the bottom and the landscapes of the area take anyone to a magnificent setting, of undeniable beauty.The river beach is between two imposing fragas where climbing, abseiling and slide are practiced. The smaller stones are used as a place for sunbathing or as diving boards.

From August 1 to 31, there is, as a rule, a free transport that takes the route from Figueiró dos Vinhos to the river beach, inthe afternoon.

Come and visit these beautiful places, you will definitely fall in love with them!