The beaches alongside Portugal’s coastline are just stunning, no question about it.
But, did you know that Portugal also offers many stunning river beaches (praias fluviais), that are a great idea to visit, especially in the heat of the Summer?
These beaches originated in the rivers and are located more inland.
So here are the 15 most stunning River beaches from the north to the south of Portugal:
Valeta, Arcos de Valdevez
Located in Arcos de Valdevez, Viana do Castelo, this River Beach offers clean and calm waters, in a place of easy access with parking and a children’s playground, as well as a green area around it.
Loriga, Seia
Quercus awarded this river beach with the Golden Quality Award in 2020.
With clear waters this river beach offers you tranquility and also lots of adventure at the heart of Serra da Estrela.
It has two pools for children, with very little depth and one with rocks.
The river turns to it large pool, which at the bottom looks like an infinity pool.
Offers parking, toilet facilities, restaurant and a children’s playground.
Azenhas, Vilar de Mouros
This River beach is located in Vilar de Mouros, Caminha, surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape.
The river beach is watched by lifeguards and it’s excellent for water sports.
Valhelhas, Guarda
This is another stunning river beach located in the Serra da Estrela, between Covilhã, Manteigas e Guarda.
This river beach is surrounded by a natural paradise, and it has its own blue flag award for over 13 years.
Vale do Rossim, Guarda
This is another stunning river beach in Serra da Estrela.
It’s very large and ideal for water sports, as well as rappel, slide, kayaking, hiking and bycicle.
Unhais da Serra, Castelo Branco
This river beach is like a real swimming pool, with stairs to enter, a diving board, a green area to lay down, and many facilities like parking and restaurant.
The water is clear and you can see the bottom.
Foz d’ Égua, Arganil
Located next to the Piodão Village, this idilic place looks like it came out of a fairy tale.
With fresh and clean waters, this river beach offers a very calm and relaxing day.
The access to the river beach is a bit rocky, but all the surrounding área is perfect to lay down and enjoy your stay.
Olhos da Fervença, Cantanhede
This natural pool was created using the waters of Ribeira da Corujeira.
It offers a playground, and several facilities like parking and restaurant.
Carvoeiro, Mação
This river beach is considered one of the most beautiful ones in Portugal, with its own blue flag award for over 11 years.
Surrounded by an idilic scenery of pine trees, it’s a very relaxing place to spend the day away from any cities or villages.
It offers parking and a restaurant.
Agroal, Ourém
Close to Tomar, this river beach is surrounded by a stunning green scenery.
It offers parking, restaurant and is also a Great place for going on walks!
Quinta do Alamal, Portalegre
Located in an amazing scenery of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo), this river beach offers a picnic park, toilet facilities, a children’s playground and a sand area to lay down and play.
It overlooks the Belver Castle, and also offers an Adventure center where you can do rappel, slide, and kayaking.
Mina de São Domingos, Mértola
This stunning oasis in the Alentejo is located in the Ribeira do Geraldo and has stunning natural views and is great for a Family day out.
The water is very calm, which makes it perfect for children to play and sim.
Pego Fundo, Alcoutim
This river beach in Alcoutim is one of the most popular spots between the Alentejo and the Algarve, and near Spain.
Located in the Ribeira de Cadavais near the Guadiana river, it has golden sand and offers many facilities such as parking, restaurant, a picnic park, a beach volley court and toilet facilities.
Odeceixe, Aljezur
If you can’t decide between a sea beach or a river beach, in Odeceixe you can have both!
This is one of the most popular beaches of the Costa Vicentina, between the Alentejo and the Algarve.
There’s a long stretch of river beach that flows to the sea, offering more warm waters than the sea.
It offers parking and a restaurants.
Cascata do Pego do Inferno, Tavira
This river beach (more like a lagoon), is one of the most stunning locations in the Algarve.
There is calcium carbonate that stays at the bottom, giving the water a beautiful blue/green mirror.
It has a stunning waterfall and is just perfect for some swimming.
There aren’t many places around to lay down though, so we recommend getting there early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
