Portugal has paradisiacal beaches, but if the sea is not your thing, we have excellent options for you. Guerin presents you an itinerary through the best river beaches in Portugal. From the north to the south of the country, discover the most beautiful freshwater beaches and dive into a new destination, whether on your vacation or even on your next weekend!
The best river beaches in the North of Portugal:
1. River beach of Azenhas - Vilar de Mouros
River beach of Azenhas is soaked by the river Coura, in the parish of Vilar de Mouros. In 2016, it was designated by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) as a river bathing area. The natural landscape, with vast vegetation, allows direct contact with nature, while bathing. Close by, there is a leisure area, with a picnic area, all prepared for the best socializing. Hit the road, at Guerin station in Braga you can rent your car and visit this beautiful river beach in the north.
2. Fraga da Pegada River Beach – Bragança
Located in Bragança, Fraga da Pegada river beach is one of the beaches with the most blue flags in Europe. The water temperature is, on average, 22º. Here we relax with the wind, where windsurfing is one of the most common water sports. Let yourself go and rent a car at Guerin de Bragança station to have easy access to this unique beach!
3. River beach of Azibo – Macedo de Cavaleiros
The river beach of Ribeira do Azibo is located on the banks of the Azibo dam, in the municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros. It is one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal and is equipped with all the support infrastructure you need to spend some incredible days with your family. Rent a car at Guerin de Bragança station and make the most of this wonderful beach to practice water sports.
4. River beach of Loriga – Seia
The river beach of Loriga is in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, which is in the middle of the glacial valley of Loriga, where traces are still visible today. With rugged reliefs, this beach has breathtaking views. Take the opportunity to do different activities, such as hiking and sports in the middle of nature. To get there, rent a car at the Guerin station in Covilhã. It is very natural, and you’ll love it!
5. Rabaçal River Beach – Valpaços
Located in Valpaços, Rabaçal river beach is a well-kept secret from Trás-os-Montes. Perfect for a time away from the city, this river beach is great for canoeing and capturing unique landscapes. Head to our Guerin station in Bragança and visit this special beach by nature.
6. River beach of Alqueirão – Terras de Bouro
The river beach of Alqueirão is in the reservoir of the Caniçada dam, the hydrographic basin of the Cávado river. It has several places for outdoor socializing, as well as for the practice of extreme sports, in addition to a large space for diving. Take advantage of the Guerin station in Braga to go to this river beach and venture out with everything it has to offer. Let’s go?
7. River beach of Adaúfe – Braga
The river beach of Adaúfe is known for its large grassy area, where you can also practice various sports. In addition, you can enjoy memorable waterfalls and admire an old mill. On this beach you can relax by the river or venture out on the rocks to look for the best spot to take a dip. Go to Guerin station in Braga, to be able to explore the best of this river beach.
8. Fisgas de Ermelo – Mondim de Basto
The waterfalls of Rio Olo are in Fisgas de Ermelo and form two natural lagoons, with an ideal summer panorama. Piocas de Cima and Piocas de Baixo are two wonderful wild river beaches in Portugal, in the heart of Serra do Alvão. To reach this place, you need to go through a part of the Fisgas de Ermelo Trail. Through Guerin de Vila Real you can rent a car and get closer to this river beach.
9. Congida Fluvial Beach – Freixo de Espada à Cinta
Located on the banks of the Douro and on the border with Spain, Praia Fluvial da Congida is in the Douro International Natural Park. You can enjoy a riverside bar, the floating swimming pool, the children's playground, and the pier for sightseeing along the Douro River. Head to our Guerin station in Bragança and visit this beach!
10. River Beach of Lomba – Gondomar
Along the banks of the Douro River, in the municipality of Gondomar, you will find Praia da Lomba. With a good balance between sand and green spaces, take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and delicious day, because it also has access to a good picnic area. Rent your car in Porto and enjoy a sunny day, very close to the city center!
The best river beaches in the Center of Portugal:
1. Fragas de São Simão River Beach – Figueiró dos Vinhos
As part of the Schist Villages Network Program, access to the Fragas de São Simão River Beach that is via walkways with breathtaking landscapes. Rent a car at the Guerin station in Coimbra and visit this beach in peace!
2. River beach of Lago Azul – Ferreira do Zêzere
In the municipality of Ferreira do Zêzere, you can discover several beaches on the reservoir of the Castelo de Bode Dam: Castanheira river beach or Lago Azul river beach. Have fun with family or friends with the various water sports, from kayaking, pedal boating, jet skiing to windsurfing. Visit the Guerin de Leiria station and get closer to this area, to explore all these activities.
3. River Beach of Olhos de Água – Alcanena
The name of the River Beach of Olhos de Água has its origin in the characteristics of its clear and fresh waters. It is part of a pleasant leisure area, with a picnic area, a playground and even a campsite. Go to our Guerin station in Caldas da Rainha and surrender to this famous beach.
4.River beach of Agroal – Ourém
Located in the municipality of Ourém is the river beach of Agroal, one of the best river beaches in Portugal. Next to the largest source of the Nabão River, you will find a river pool where you will want to relax. It is known to have therapeutic and beneficial properties for the digestive system and skin. Visit the Guerin de Leiria or Caldas da Rainha station and discover this iconic beach.
5. River beach of Gameiro – Mora
Located in the Parque Ecológico do Gameiro, the river beach of Gameiro has a wide variety of attractions and infrastructures, such as the camping and picnic park, the Fluviário de Mora for sports activities and a children's park with a terrace. You can also stroll along the Gameiro Ecological Park Walkway, which is 1.5 kilometers long. Go to the Guerin station in Évora and visit this river beach!
6. Alamal River Beach – Santarém
With a challenging path, Praia Fluvial do Alamal is filled with vegetation and views of the Tejo river and Belver Castle. It is very popular in the warmer months and promises an extensive sandy beach, as well as promising lawn areas. From Guerin de Leiria station, you can take a short trip to this beach.
7. River Beach of Cardigos – Mação
With an extensive lawn area, Praia Fluvial de Cardigos also has a small beach with straw umbrellas. You can also enjoy barbecue facilities and a picnic area for an unforgettable day. Go to Guerin das Caldas da Rainha station and discover everything this beach has to offer.
The best river beaches in the South of Portugal:
1. Pego do Fundo River Beach – Algarve
In addition to the iconic beaches, we have in the Algarve, river beaches are also present. Fed by the Cadavais stream, Praia Fluvial Pego do Fundo has a picnic area to hang out with family and friends, bar, garden, and space for sports activities. At our Guerin station in Portimão, you can rent a car to spend a fun day on this beach!
2. River beach of Tapada Grande – São Domingos – Mértola
In Albufeira da Tapada Grande you will find the river beach of Mina de São Domingos. With a unique natural beauty, you can observe different species of vegetation, with spaces to relax. For socializing with family or friends, there is an area with picnic tables and grills. At the Guerin station in Évora you can rent your car to visit this place.
3. River Beach of Albufeira de Santa Clara – Odemira
On the Costa Vicentina there is also the river beach of Albufeira de Santa Clara. This river beach has a blue flag, free parasols, bathroom, floating swimming pool and a scenic setting that you will love to see. It is possible to practice canoeing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Rent your car at Guerin de Sines station and explore the treasure behind this beach!
Rent a car at Guerin and explore the river beaches in Portugal!
Visit the river beaches in Portugal by renting a car at Guerin! Choose the most suitable vehicle for your trip and let yourself be carried away by the exploration of idyllic places from north to south.
