River beach guide · Updated 11 October 2026
River beaches in Portugal
Mountain rivers, reservoirs and lagoons: 153 river beaches on one map, each with its official 2025 water rating, 2026 Blue Flag status and access notes. Filter by region and open each beach page.
- 92 rated Excellent (2025)
- 45 with a 2026 Blue Flag
- 159 inland bathing waters in 2026
At a glance
Water quality in 2025
- 92 Excellent
- 37 Good
- 9 Sufficient
- 9 Poor
- 6 Not yet rated
Official classification for the 2025 bathing season (European Environment Agency / APA), for the 153 beaches in this guide.
The 2026 bathing season
At river beaches the season is shorter than on the coast and changes from beach to beach. The most common windows in 2026, across the 159 inland bathing waters:
- 1 July to 31 August57
- 13 June to 13 September29
- 15 June to 15 September14
- 27 June to 30 August10
- 6 June to 13 September4
- 1 July to 6 September4
Other windows: 41 bathing waters. Source: Portaria 204-A/2026/1, annex II (inland bathing waters, mainland Portugal).
Every river beach
North to south within each region. Tap a dot on the map to jump to a beach, or search by name or municipality.
Showing 153 of 153 beaches
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North 32
Regional mapVitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Lenta
Vila Nova de Cerveira · Lovelhe
Excellent water in 2025On the bank of the River Minho, in the parish of Lovelhe next to the INATEL site, the Lenta river beach has a small strip of sand surrounded by…
tiago186703274 · CC BY-SA 3.0 Praia Fluvial das Azenhas (Vilar de Mouros)
Caminha · Vilar de Mouros
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the River Coura at Vilar de Mouros, next to the village's old bridge and the former watermills (azenhas) that give it its name.
Ponte Frades (Vinhais)
Vinhais · Frades
Excellent water in 2025A rural bathing area on the River Rabaçal near the hamlet of Frades, in the municipality of Vinhais, with a wide lawn and woodland.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Ponte de Soeira
Vinhais · Soeira
Excellent water in 2025A rural river beach on the River Tuela by the Soeira bridge, on the EN103 road between Vinhais and Bragança.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Valeta
Arcos de Valdevez · Giela
Sufficient water in 2025An urban beach on the left bank of the River Vez, part of the Arcos de Valdevez riverside leisure and recreation area, in the parish of Giela.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Ponte da Barca
Ponte da Barca
Poor water in 2025An urban beach on the River Lima in Ponte da Barca, with sand, a wide lawn and woodland on the right bank; a weir creates a natural pool.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial do Alqueirão
Terras de Bouro · Gerês
Excellent water in 2025A rural beach with a long stretch of sand on the shore of the Caniçada reservoir, just past the bridge linking Rio Caldo to the village of Gerês…
Joseolgon · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial de Verim
Póvoa de Lanhoso · Verim
Excellent water in 2025A rural river beach on the banks of the River Cávado at Verim, surrounded by oak woodland and other native vegetation.
Praia Fluvial do Rabaçal (Valpaços)
Valpaços · Possacos
Excellent water in 2025On the right bank of the River Rabaçal at Possacos, about 8 km from Valpaços, this river beach has a long stretch of sand and wooden boardwalks down…
Praia Fluvial do Cavadinho
Braga · Crespos
Excellent water in 2025A rural river beach on the River Cávado at Crespos, set in dense woodland, with a lawn and shade in the picnic area.
Joseolgon · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial de Adaúfe
Braga · Adaúfe
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the left bank of the River Cávado, close to the centre of Braga, with sand, a wide lawn and shade trees, plus an old hydraulic…
Joseolgon · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial da Ponte do Bico
Braga · Palmeira
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A rural river beach on the River Cávado at Palmeira, about 10 minutes by car from Braga's historic centre, with a wide sandy area, lawns and clusters…
Joseolgon · CC BY 4.0 Praia Fluvial do Faial (Vila Verde)
Vila Verde · Vila de Prado
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026On the right bank of the River Cávado at Vila de Prado, Faial river beach has a wide lawn with shade trees, a bar, toilets, changing rooms, a picnic…
Praia Fluvial de Quintas
Mirandela · Quintas (Vale de Gouvinhas)
Good water in 2025A rural river beach on the right bank of the River Tuela by the village of Quintas, in the parish of Vale de Gouvinhas.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia da Ribeira (Albufeira do Azibo)
Macedo de Cavaleiros · Azibeiro (Podence)
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A beach on the Azibo reservoir, with strips of sand broken up by lawn, rounded pebbles at the water's edge and shaded areas.
Hugo Cadavez · CC BY 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Fraga da Pegada
Macedo de Cavaleiros · Azibeiro (Podence)
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026On the Azibo reservoir, inside the Albufeira do Azibo Protected Landscape, the Fraga da Pegada river beach mixes strips of sand with lawns, with…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial do Ermal
Vieira do Minho · Guilhofrei
Excellent water in 2025A very rural beach with a wide lawn on the reservoir formed by the Ermal dam on the River Ave, at Guilhofrei.
Praia Fluvial de Vale de Juncal
Mirandela · Vale Juncal (Cabanelas)
Sufficient water in 2025A rural river beach on the right bank of the River Tuela, at Vale Juncal in the parish of Cabanelas, Mirandela municipality.
Joseolgon · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial de Cavez
Cabeceiras de Basto · Cavez
Excellent water in 2025A rural river beach on the banks of the Ribeira de Moimenta at Cavez, about 100 metres from where the stream flows into the River Tâmega.
Praia Fluvial da Albufeira da Queimadela
Fafe · Queimadela
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A beach on the reservoir of the Queimadela dam, fed by the River Vizela, in Fafe municipality, set in rural countryside with rocky outcrops and…
Praia Fluvial da Maravilha (Mirandela)
Mirandela · Maravilha
Excellent water in 2025A rural river beach on the left bank of the River Tua at Maravilha, next to the Três Rios campsite on the outskirts of Mirandela.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial Arquiteto Albino Mendo
Mirandela
Good water in 2025An urban river beach on the right bank of the River Tua in Parque Dr.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Congida
Freixo de Espada à Cinta
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the right bank of the Douro, on the reservoir of the Saucelle dam by the Spanish border, within the Douro International Natural Park.
Praia Fluvial de Bitetos
Marco de Canaveses · Bitetos
Poor water in 2025A river beach on the Douro in Marco de Canaveses municipality, at a spot once used as a landing stage by rabelo boats.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Lomba (Gondomar)
Gondomar · Lomba
Excellent water in 2025A rural river beach on the Douro in the parish of Lomba, Gondomar, with a long stretch of sand surrounded by trees.
Zona Balnear da Barragem de Vilar (Moimenta da Beira)
Moimenta da Beira · Vilar
Excellent water in 2025A bathing area on the reservoir of the Vilar dam on the River Távora, with sand and woodland around it.
Praia Fluvial da Mâmoa
Santa Maria da Feira · Milheirós de Poiares
Good water in 2025A river beach on both banks of the River Ul, a tributary of the Antuã, at Milheirós de Poiares in Santa Maria da Feira municipality.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Vila da Ponte
Sernancelhe · Vila da Ponte
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the banks of the River Távora, a tributary of the Douro, at Vila da Ponte in Sernancelhe municipality, on a stretch of the valley…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Segões
Moimenta da Beira · Segões
Excellent water in 2025A rural river beach on the River Paiva near Segões, the most remote village in Moimenta da Beira municipality, though easy to reach by road.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Paço de Mato
Vale de Cambra · Paço de Mato (Rôge)
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the River Caima in the village of Paço de Mato, parish of Rôge, on the way up to the Serra da Freita, among farming terraces and…
Praia Fluvial de Burgães
Vale de Cambra · Burgães (São Pedro de Castelões)
Good water in 2025A river beach on the River Caima at São Pedro de Castelões, five minutes from the centre of Vale de Cambra, with a lawn and a sandy area beside old…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Pontemieiro
Vale de Cambra · Pontemieiro (Junqueira)
Good water in 2025A river beach on the River Arões, also known as the Amarela, in the village of Pontemieiro, parish of Junqueira, at the foot of the Serra da Freita.
Centre 105
Regional mapVitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Folgosa (Castro Daire)
Castro Daire · Folgosa
Excellent water in 2025A rural river beach on the River Paiva in Castro Daire municipality, with calm water surrounded by greenery.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Zona de Lazer da Ucha
São Pedro do Sul · Ucha (Figueiredo de Alva)
Good water in 2025A bathing area upstream of the village of Ucha, parish of Figueiredo de Alva (São Pedro do Sul), where the River Degarcia becomes the River Água…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Carriça
Oliveira de Frades · Carriça (São João da Serra)
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the River Teixeira, a tributary of the Vouga, on the waters of the Ribeiradio reservoir, about 3 km from São João da Serra in…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Trabulo
Sátão · Trabulo
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the River Vouga at Trabulo, among pine woods between the parishes of Ferreira de Aves and Romãs, Decermilo e Vila Longa, in Sátão…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Quinta do Barco
Sever do Vouga · Paradela do Vouga
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the left bank of the Vouga, in a green valley, where the swimming area is formed by the Grela weir at the start of the 'Rio Vouga'…
Praia Fluvial do Açude de Vais
Penalva do Castelo · Castelo de Penalva
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the Dão, between the Vais weir and the Roman bridge, in the parish of Castelo de Penalva, Penalva do Castelo municipality.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Ponte de Juncais
Fornos de Algodres · Juncais
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the right bank of the Mondego, by the Juncais bridge in Fornos de Algodres, with calm water and tree shade.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Vale do Mondego
Guarda · Porto da Carne
Good water in 2025A river beach on the Mondego in the village of Porto da Carne, near Vila Cortez do Mondego, in Guarda municipality, in a rural setting.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de São João do Monte
Tondela · São João do Monte
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the Águeda in the centre of the village of São João do Monte, on the western slope of the Caramulo range, Tondela municipality.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Aldeia Viçosa
Guarda · Aldeia Viçosa
Good water in 2025A river beach on the right bank of the Mondego, downstream of the Caldeirão dam, in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, in a rural setting with trees…
Praia Fluvial da Barragem do Caldeirão
Guarda · Barragem do Caldeirão
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the Caldeirão dam reservoir, fed by the Caldeirão stream, in Guarda municipality.
Hipersyl · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial da Quinta da Taberna
Guarda · Videmonte
Excellent water in 2025A bathing area on the Mondego next to the Quinta da Taberna picnic park, on the bank of a weir in Videmonte, within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
Praia Fluvial de Badamalos
Sabugal · Badamalos
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the Côa at Badamalos, with lawn and sand surrounded by shade trees, in a valley of gentle slopes and rural surroundings.
Praia Fluvial de Vale das Éguas (Ínsua)
Sabugal · Vale das Éguas
Good water in 2025A leisure area on the Côa, known as the Vale das Éguas river beach or the Ínsua leisure area, surrounded by alders and ash trees.
Praia Fluvial de Rapoula do Côa
Sabugal · Rapoula do Côa
Sufficient water in 2025A river beach on the bank of the Côa, about 500 metres from the village of Rapoula do Côa, with a sandy area and shade trees.
DiogoBaptista · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial da Relva da Reboleira
Manteigas · Sameiro
Poor water in 2025A river beach on the Zêzere in the Relva da Reboleira recreation complex at Sameiro (Manteigas), with a campsite and picnic area alongside.
Sararg04 · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial de Valhelhas
Guarda · Valhelhas
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Zêzere at Valhelhas, in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, with wide lawns and natural shade on both banks, linked by a…
Praia Fluvial do Sabugueiro
Seia · Sabugueiro
Excellent water in 2025A bathing area on the Alva river by the village of Sabugueiro, in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Seia municipality.
Hipersyl · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial Dr. Pedro
Seia · São Romão
Good water in 2025A bathing area on the Alva river in the Desterro woods, upstream of the Nossa Senhora do Desterro reservoir, in the parish of São Romão, Seia…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Vale do Rossim
Gouveia · Mangualde da Serra
Excellent water in 2025A beach on the Vale do Rossim reservoir, at around 1,437 metres, on the upper plateau of the Serra da Estrela, Gouveia municipality, near Penhas…
DiogoBaptista · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial da Lapa dos Dinheiros
Seia · Lapa dos Dinheiros
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Caniça stream, a tributary of the Alva, at about 700 metres on the south-western slope of the Serra da Estrela, inside the…
Praia Fluvial da Albufeira de Alfaiates
Sabugal · Alfaiates
Excellent water in 2025A beach on the Alfaiates reservoir, fed by the Alfaiates stream, a tributary of the Côa, with a wide expanse of water surrounded by wooded slopes and…
Hipersyl · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial de Vila Cova à Coelheira
Seia · Vila Cova à Coelheira
Good water in 2025Bathing area on the left bank of the River Alva, by the village of Vila Cova à Coelheira, on the edge of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
Praia Fluvial das Sete Fontes (Cantanhede)
Cantanhede · Sete Fontes (Ourentã)
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026Oval natural pool, up to about 1.2 m deep, set within the Sete Fontes leisure park in the parish of Ourentã.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Sandomil
Seia · Sandomil
Poor water in 2025River beach on the River Alva in the village of Sandomil, on the south-western slope of the Serra da Estrela.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial dos Olhos da Fervença
Cantanhede · Olhos da Fervença (Cadima)
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026Bathing pool in the village of Olhos da Fervença, in the parish of Cadima, fed largely by the springs that supply water to the municipality of…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Devesa (Sabugal)
Sabugal
Water not yet ratedUrban river beach a short walk from the historic centre of Sabugal and its castle.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de São Gião
Oliveira do Hospital · São Gião
Good water in 2025River beach on the River Alva, within the Albino Mendes da Silva Foundation complex, which occupies the buildings of an old estate with a mill and a…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Senhora da Ribeira (Santa Comba Dão)
Santa Comba Dão · Pinheiro de Ázere
Excellent water in 2025Bathing area on the Aguieira reservoir on the River Mondego, about 2 km downstream of the mouth of the River Dão, in the parish of Pinheiro de Ázere.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Loriga
Seia · Loriga
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the Loriga stream, a tributary of the Alva, at about 800 m altitude in a glacial valley of the Serra da Estrela, inside the Natural…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de São Sebastião da Feira
Oliveira do Hospital · São Sebastião da Feira
Good water in 2025River beach on the River Alva, which makes an S-shaped bend here, with a wide stretch of sand on the right bank and straw parasols for shade.
Praia Fluvial de Quadrazais
Sabugal · Quadrazais
Excellent water in 2025River beach on the left bank of the River Côa, about 1 km from the village of Quadrazais, at the foot of the Serra da Malcata and upstream of the…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Alvoco das Várzeas
Oliveira do Hospital · Alvoco das Várzeas
Good water in 2025River beach on the right bank of the Alvoco stream, next to a medieval bridge and with views of the Serra da Estrela.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Zona Balnear do Urtigal
Arganil · Barril de Alva
Excellent water in 2025Bathing area on the right bank of the River Alva at Barril de Alva.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Avô
Oliveira do Hospital · Avô
Good water in 2025River beach where the River Alva meets the Pomares stream, beside the village of Avô; the two watercourses surround the Ilha do Picoto island, which…
Praia Fluvial do Cornicovo
Penacova · Laborins
Water not yet ratedRiver beach on the River Alva, a tributary of the Mondego, between the villages of Hombres and Laborins.
Praia Fluvial do Poço do Lagar
Seia · Vasco Esteves de Baixo
Poor water in 2025Bathing area on the right bank of the Alvoco stream, a tributary of the Alva, at Vasco Esteves de Baixo, inside the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
Praia Fluvial do Vimieiro (Penacova)
Penacova · Vimieiro (São Pedro de Alva)
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the right bank of the River Alva, near its mouth and the village of São Pedro de Alva, in a wooded area with walking trails; a water…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Piscina Natural de Ançã
Cantanhede · Ançã
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026Natural pool in the centre of the village of Ançã, fed by the cold flow of the Ançã spring and stream, surrounded by greenery, village houses and a…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Pomares (Arganil)
Arganil · Pomares
Sufficient water in 2025River beach in the village of Pomares, next to an 18th-century bridge and with views of the Serra do Açor.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Côja
Arganil · Côja
Good water in 2025River beach on the River Alva in the village of Côja, near its confluence with the Mata stream.
Zona Balnear do Meimão (Albufeira da Meimoa)
Penamacor · Meimão
Excellent water in 2025Bathing area on the Meimoa reservoir, a dam built in the late 1970s on the Meimoa stream, on land in the parish of Meimão.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Reconquinho
Penacova
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the left bank of the River Mondego, about 1.5 km from Penacova, in a green setting next to a campsite.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Unhais da Serra
Covilhã · Unhais da Serra
Good water in 2025River beach right in the village of Unhais da Serra, on the Paul stream, with large lawns and bathing facilities including a bar, a restaurant and…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Ronqueira
Tábua · Mouronho
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the right bank of the River Alva, in the parish of Mouronho, upgraded to improve accessibility: it has reserved parking, a lifting…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Cascalheira
Arganil · Secarias
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the left bank of the River Alva, beside a weir, about 500 m from the village of Secarias and 3.5 km from Arganil.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Zona Balnear de Foz d'Égua
Arganil · Foz d'Égua (Piódão)
Sufficient water in 2025Bathing area where the Piódão and Chãs d'Égua streams meet, in the Serra do Açor, near the village of Chãs d'Égua and close to Piódão.
RuiCiencia · CC BY-SA 4.0 Zona Balnear da Peneda Talhada
Arganil · Secarias
Good water in 2025Bathing area on the River Alva, at the edge of Secarias, in a natural setting with banks lined with poplars and alders.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Piódão
Arganil · Piódão
Good water in 2025River beach in the heart of the historic village of Piódão, on a slope of the Serra do Açor, formed by a small dam on the Piódão stream, among schist…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Benfeita
Arganil · Benfeita
Poor water in 2025River beach in the centre of the schist village of Benfeita, where the Mata and Carcavão streams meet, near Fraga da Pena and the Mata da Margaraça…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Zona Balnear de Folques
Arganil · Folques
Sufficient water in 2025Bathing area in the village of Folques, about 5 km from Arganil, on a pool created by a weir on the Aveleira stream.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Palheiros e Zorro
Coimbra · Palheiros (Torres do Mondego)
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the left bank of the River Mondego, in Torres do Mondego, about 15 km from Coimbra, among forested slopes.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial das Canaveias
Góis · Vila Nova do Ceira
Good water in 2025River beach on the banks of the River Ceira, in Vila Nova do Ceira, with a large lawn.
Praia Fluvial do Rebolim
Coimbra · Portela
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the sandy right bank of the River Mondego, at Portela, between the Rainha Santa Isabel and Portela bridges, and busy because it is so…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Senhora da Graça (Lousã)
Lousã · Serpins
Good water in 2025River beach at the entrance to Serpins, on the River Ceira, with a large lawn and bathing either in the river or in a children's pool.
Pedro · CC BY 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Peneda/Pêgo Escuro
Góis
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach in the town of Góis, on the banks of the River Ceira between the Açor and Lousã ranges, with a large lawn and small sand islands in the…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Bogueira
Lousã · Casal de Ermio
Good water in 2025River beach on the River Ceira, by Casal de Ermio, about six kilometres from Lousã, in a rural landscape.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Ereira
Montemor-o-Velho · Ereira
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026Bathing area on the Ereira creek (esteiro), linked to the River Mondego, beside the village of the same name, in a rural setting with some visitor…
Zona Balnear da Ponte Velha (Cabreira, Góis)
Góis · Cabreira
Good water in 2025Bathing area by the old bridge in the village of Cabreira, on the River Ceira, a mountain river that rises in the Serra do Açor and flows into the…
Praia Fluvial da Ponte do Sótão
Góis · Ponte do Sótão
Poor water in 2025River beach on the left bank of the River Sótão, a narrow mid-mountain river formed by the Pena and Mouro streams, with a bed of rounded pebbles and…
Zona Balnear da Ponte (Colmeal, Góis)
Góis · Colmeal
Good water in 2025Bathing area by the bridge in the village of Colmeal, on the River Ceira, a mountain river that rises in the Serra do Açor and joins the Mondego just…
Praia Fluvial da Senhora da Piedade (Lousã)
Lousã
Good water in 2025River beach on the São João stream in the Serra da Lousã, at the spot known as 'Burgo', two kilometres from the town along a mountain road, beside…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Santa Luzia (Pampilhosa da Serra)
Pampilhosa da Serra · Barragem de Santa Luzia
Excellent water in 2025Bathing area on the Santa Luzia dam reservoir, between large rock outcrops near the dam wall, with a floating pool.
Praia Fluvial de Castelo Novo
Fundão · Castelo Novo
Sufficient water in 2025River beach at the entrance to the historic village of Castelo Novo, on the Alpreade stream, which gave the village its first name.
Praia Fluvial do Pessegueiro (Pampilhosa da Serra)
Pampilhosa da Serra · Pessegueiro
Excellent water in 2025River beach in the centre of the mountain village of Pessegueiro, on the Pessegueiro stream and surrounded by forest.
Praia Fluvial de Pampilhosa da Serra
Pampilhosa da Serra
Excellent water in 2025River beach in the centre of the town of Pampilhosa da Serra, on the river Unhais, formed by a weir by the bridge and opened in 2010.
SartagoSternitSartagineHostes · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial de Janeiro de Baixo
Pampilhosa da Serra · Janeiro de Baixo
Sufficient water in 2025River beach on the banks of the river Zêzere, next to the schist village of Janeiro de Baixo, with a long stretch of white sand.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Louçainha
Penela · Louçainha
Good water in 2025River beach in the Serra do Espinhal at Louçainha, created from dammed pools on the river Dueça, in a valley of steep wooded slopes.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Poço Corga
Castanheira de Pêra · Poço Corga
Good water in 2025River beach on the bank of the Pera stream, in a forested area of the Serra da Lousã.
Praia Fluvial de Alvares
Góis · Alvares
Good water in 2025River beach in the village of Alvares, with a large lawn on the right bank of the Sinhel stream, a tributary of the river Unhais.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Cambas
Oleiros · Cambas
Good water in 2025River beach near the village of Cambas, on the river Zêzere in the Cabril reservoir area, with a large, densely wooded area and little human…
Praia Fluvial de Almaceda
Castelo Branco · Almaceda
Poor water in 2025River beach on the stream that runs through the village of Almaceda, also known as Poço do Lagar, where the water keeps its natural course.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Mega Fundeira
Pedrógão Grande · Mega Fundeira
Good water in 2025Small river beach on the Mega stream, next to the village of Mega Fundeira, with a bathing area and sunbathing lawn.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Álvaro
Oleiros · Álvaro
Excellent water in 2025River beach on the river Zêzere, below the schist village of Álvaro, with a wide expanse of water in a secluded spot.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Mosteiro (Pedrógão Grande)
Pedrógão Grande · Mosteiro
Good water in 2025River beach on the Pera stream at the entrance to the schist village of Mosteiro, opened in 2005, with large green spaces and a wide stretch of water.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Lagoa da Ervedeira
Leiria · Ervedeira (Coimbrão)
Excellent water in 2025Bathing area on a freshwater lagoon about 500 metres long, between the Mata do Urso and Mata do Pedrógão forests, north of the Pinhal de Leiria…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Açude do Pinto
Oleiros
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the banks of the Sertã stream, near Oleiros, in a green setting with lawns and plenty of shade.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Cabril (Pedrógão Grande)
Pedrógão Grande
Excellent water in 2025WebcamBathing area on the Cabril reservoir, an artificial lake fed by the Zêzere and Unhais rivers, next to a campsite.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Ana de Aviz
Figueiró dos Vinhos · Ana de Aviz
Good water in 2025River beach at Ana de Aviz, near Figueiró dos Vinhos, on the grassy banks of the river Boleo.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial das Fragas de São Simão
Figueiró dos Vinhos · Casal de São Simão
Poor water in 2025River beach on the Alge stream, between two tall rock cliffs, about a 15-minute walk from the schist village of Casal de São Simão.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Troviscal
Sertã · Troviscal
Good water in 2025River beach on the Sertã stream, by the Troviscal bridge, about 1.5 km from the village and away from built-up areas, a quiet spot in contact with…
Praia Fluvial do Sesmo
Castelo Branco · Sesmo
Good water in 2025River beach in the village of Sesmo, near Sarzedas, formed by a weir on the left bank of the Alvito stream, a tributary of the river Ocreza, among…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Ribeira Grande (Sertã)
Sertã
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach in the centre of the town of Sertã, on the Sertã stream, part of a large leisure and sports area next to the municipal swimming pools.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Zona Balnear do Boiçô
Sertã · Várzea dos Cavaleiros
Water not yet ratedBathing area created on the Tamolha stream, about 2 km from Várzea dos Cavaleiros, using a weir and restored schist walls.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Malhadal
Proença-a-Nova · Malhadal
Excellent water in 2025River beach at the foot of the Serra de Alvéolos, where the Isna stream winds to form a long stretch of water (about 1 km) surrounded by vegetation…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Fróia
Proença-a-Nova · Sobreira Formosa
Excellent water in 2025River beach in a small valley on the Fróia stream, near Sobreira Formosa.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Aldeia Ruiva
Proença-a-Nova · Aldeia Ruiva
Good water in 2025River beach next to the village of the same name, on the Isna stream, with a weir built in several tiers of different heights and two large grass and…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Pego das Cancelas
Vila de Rei · São João do Peso
Excellent water in 2025River beach on the Isna stream, away from any village, about 13 km from Vila de Rei in the parish of São João do Peso.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Fernandaires
Vila de Rei · Fernandaires
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026Beach on the Castelo de Bode reservoir, in a bay surrounded by hills covered in maritime pine and strawberry trees, next to the small village of…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Marmeleiro (Sertã)
Sertã · Marmeleiro
Water not yet ratedRiver beach created by restoring an irrigation weir on the Isna stream, next to the village of Marmeleiro, surrounded by alders, poplars and fig…
Panegyrics of Granovetter · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial da Foz do Cobrão
Vila Velha de Ródão · Foz do Cobrão
Sufficient water in 2025Bathing area in the village of Foz do Cobrão, in the Ocreza valley, where a stretch of about 120 metres of the Cobrão stream was turned into a river…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Bostelim
Vila de Rei · Fundada
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the Isna stream, by the bridge over the Bostelim stream and near the hamlet of Cabeça do Poço, between the parishes of Fundada and São…
Ze Caetano · CC BY 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Cardigos
Mação · Cardigos
Excellent water in 2025River beach in a small valley on the Isna stream, about five minutes from Cardigos, next to the Vergancinho weir.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Zaboeira
Vila de Rei · Zaboeira
Excellent water in 2025River beach on the shores of the Castelo de Bode reservoir, next to the village of Zaboeira, surrounded by pine-covered slopes.
Threeohsix · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial do Agroal (Ourém)
Ourém · Agroal
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach on the River Nabão, next to the large spring that feeds it, in the parish of Formigais, where the municipalities of Ourém, Tomar and…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Lago Azul (Ferreira do Zêzere)
Ferreira do Zêzere · Castanheira
Excellent water in 2025Beach on the Castelo de Bode reservoir, also known as Praia Fluvial da Castanheira, set in woodland.
Praia Fluvial da Bairrada/Bairradinha
Ferreira do Zêzere · Bairrada
Excellent water in 2025Beach on the Castelo de Bode reservoir, near the border with the municipality of Tomar, one of the few on the reservoir with a sandy shore.
Hipersyl · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial do Carvoeiro (Mação)
Mação · Carvoeiro
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach in the village of Carvoeiro itself, about 25 minutes from Mação, on a broad stretch of water surrounded by tall pine trees.
Praia Fluvial de Montes (Tomar)
Tomar · Montes
Excellent water in 2025Beach on the Castelo de Bode reservoir, near the village of Montes, in woodland away from built-up areas.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Penedo Furado
Sardoal · Vila de Rei
Excellent water in 2025River beach on the Codes stream, which cuts through a rocky massif via a natural passage in the rock, forming small waterfalls and natural pools.
Praia Fluvial de Fontes (Abrantes)
Abrantes · Cabeça Ruiva
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026River beach next to the village of Cabeça Ruiva, in the parish of Fontes, on the Castelo de Bode reservoir.
Praia Fluvial de Vila Nova da Serra (Tomar)
Tomar · Vila Nova
Excellent water in 2025Bathing spot on the Castelo de Bode reservoir, about 15 km from Tomar, in the parish of Serra, in woodland with shade along the shore.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Aldeia do Mato
Abrantes · Aldeia do Mato
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Castelo de Bode reservoir, next to the village of Aldeia do Mato, set among pine woods.
Praia Fluvial de Constância
Constância
Excellent water in 2025A river beach on the left bank of the River Zêzere, beside the town of Constância, with more than 3,500 m² of sand.
José Carlos Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial dos Olhos d'Água do Alviela
Alcanena · Louriceira
Water not yet ratedBlue Flag 2026A bathing area beside the Olhos d'Água spring of the River Alviela, at Louriceira, one of the most important karst springs in Portugal, which…
Alentejo 14
Regional mapPraia Fluvial de Montalvo/Tesos
Ponte de Sor · Montargil
Water not yet ratedA new bathing area on the Montargil reservoir, designated as a bathing water for the first time for the 2026 season.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Clube Náutico de Avis
Avis
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Maranhão reservoir, part of the Avis Nautical Club complex, in a spot sheltered from the wind with a gentle slope.
Praia Fluvial do Sorraia
Coruche
Good water in 2025A river beach on the right bank of the River Sorraia in Coruche, next to the Sorraia Park, opened in 2021.
Praia Fluvial de Azenhas d'El Rei
Alandroal · Montes Juntos
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026The river beach of the Azenhas d'El Rei Recreation and Leisure Area, on the shore of the Alqueva reservoir near Montes Juntos, opened in 2021.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz
Reguengos de Monsaraz · Monsaraz
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach at the Monsaraz Nautical Centre on the Alqueva reservoir, about four kilometres from the medieval village of Monsaraz; it was the first…
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Mourão
Mourão
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Alqueva reservoir, about one kilometre from the town of Mourão, with around 320 metres of shoreline, 100 of them watched by…
Praia Fluvial de Oriola
Portel · Oriola
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Alvito reservoir, in the parish of Oriola, opened in August 2025, with about 100 metres of sand.
Praia Fluvial da Amieira (Portel)
Portel · Amieira
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Alqueva reservoir, near Amieira, with a wide stretch of sand and a grassy area with awnings.
DiogoBaptista · CC BY-SA 4.0 Praia Fluvial da Albergaria dos Fusos
Cuba · Vila Ruiva
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Albergaria dos Fusos dam reservoir, near Vila Ruiva, with about 80 metres of sandy shoreline.
Praia Fluvial de Alqueva
Portel · Alqueva
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Alqueva reservoir, about one kilometre from the village of Alqueva, which gave the dam its name.
Praia do Lago (Moura)
Moura
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026The first beach in the municipality of Moura, on the Alqueva reservoir, opened in June 2024.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Cinco Reis
Beja · Cinco Reis
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Cinco Reis dam reservoir, part of the Alqueva scheme, about seven kilometres from Beja, opened in 2020.
Vitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial da Tapada Grande
Mértola · Mina de São Domingos
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Tapada Grande reservoir, next to Mina de São Domingos, within the Guadiana Valley Natural Park.
Monica_Loirinha · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial de Santa Clara
Odemira · Santa Clara-a-Velha
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A river beach on the Santa Clara reservoir, near the dam and the village of Santa Clara-a-Velha.
Algarve 2
Regional mapVitor Oliveira · CC BY-SA 2.0 Praia Fluvial do Pego Fundo
Alcoutim
Good water in 2025A river beach in Alcoutim, in a deep pool of the Cadavais stream near where it meets the Guadiana, surrounded by dense vegetation.
Praia Fluvial de Odeleite
Castro Marim · Odeleite
Excellent water in 2025Blue Flag 2026A bathing area on the Odeleite dam reservoir, in the interior of the municipality of Castro Marim, officially opened in June 2026.
Where there are most
Municipalities with the most river beaches in this guide.
- Arganil9
- Seia7
- Sabugal6
- Góis6
- Guarda5
- Mirandela4
- Oliveira do Hospital4
- Pampilhosa da Serra4
- Sertã4
- Vila de Rei4
Where to stay
Places to stay near the municipalities with the most river beaches.
Before you go
Lifeguards only in season
The 2026 Portaria classed 109 of the 159 inland waters as a "praia de banhos", with lifeguards. Outside the bathing season nobody watches the water, and rivers can have currents and uneven beds.
Water quality changes over the summer
The 2025 rating sums up four seasons of testing. During the season the APA publishes the latest results and any advice against bathing on InfoÁgua, and the information is also posted at the beach.
Poor water in 2025
These 9 river beaches were rated Poor in 2025 but remain designated in 2026: Ponte do Sótão (Góis), Relva da Reboleira (Manteigas), Fragas de São Simão (Figueiró dos Vinhos), Almaceda (Castelo Branco), Benfeita (Arganil), Bitetos (Marco de Canaveses), Ponte da Barca (Ponte da Barca), Sandomil (Seia), Poço do Lagar (Seia). Check the latest results before you go.
Stick to bathing waters
The APA warns that places not identified as bathing waters carry more risk: water quality is not guaranteed and there may be no lifeguard.
Frequently asked questions
How many river beaches are there in Portugal?
In 2026 there are 159 designated inland bathing waters in mainland Portugal — on rivers, streams, reservoirs and lagoons (Portaria 204-A/2026/1, annex II). This guide has 153 river beaches with their own page: 105 in the Centre, 32 in the North, 14 in the Alentejo and 2 in the Algarve.
When is the bathing season at river beaches?
It varies from beach to beach. In 2026 the most common window for inland waters was 1 July to 31 August (57 of 159). The earliest season started on 30 May and the latest ended on 30 September. Outside the season there are no lifeguards.
Do river beaches have lifeguards?
Only during the bathing season, and only at waters classed as a "praia de banhos". When the 2026 Portaria was published, 109 of the 159 inland waters had one, with lifeguard cover assured. Others may gain cover during the season, and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) publishes this on its website.
Is the water at river beaches clean?
Of the 153 river beaches in this guide, 92 were rated Excellent in the official 2025 classification, 37 Good, 9 Sufficient and 9 Poor; 6 are not yet rated. During the bathing season, the APA publishes test results on InfoÁgua.
Which river beaches have a Blue Flag?
In 2026 ABAAE awarded the Blue Flag to 46 inland beaches. In this guide, 45 river beaches have a 2026 Blue Flag: use the “Blue Flag” filter in the list.
Where are most river beaches?
Mostly in the hill and mountain municipalities of Central Portugal. The municipalities with the most river beaches in this guide are Arganil (9), Seia (7), Sabugal (6), Góis (6) and Guarda (5).
Data: Portaria 204-A/2026/1 (2026 inland bathing waters, seasons and lifeguarded beaches); European Environment Agency / APA (water quality, 2025 season); ABAAE (2026 Blue Flag); APA notice of 3 June 2026 and InfoÁgua. Municipality of each beach from CAOP 2025 (DGT). Relief map: Portal Turismo Portugal. The “Stay” links are affiliate links (Stay22): if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Conditions change — before you go, check lifeguards, the flag and the latest test results. Updated 11 October 2026.