Water Fun

Discover the most amazing river beaches in this area.

The lovely pool with stunning views at Villa Clementina makes you really not want to go anywhere else during your vacation.

private pool Villa Clementina

Still, I want to give you some examples of the incredibly nice, cozy river beaches in this area.

From the mountains of Serra da Estrela, several rivers come to the valley near Oliveira do Hospital.

One of those rivers is the Alva. Along this winding river that eventually flows into the great river Mondego, popular beaches have emerged, many now with lifeguards/supervisors.

The water is fresh, clean and crystal clear!

I will highlight a few of them:

• Loriga, the first river beach from the Serra da Estrela. It is located in the middle of the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela Natural Park. It is located in a glacial valley where you can still see the traces of it. The water is very cold, but there is also a shallower area and children’s pool where it is a little warmer! Easily accessible, with bar and moorings on grass.

• Sandomil, nice place and lots of shade. Large bar with park, picnic benches and toilet.
• Avõ, with sandy beach, umbrellas, picnic tables, bar, toilet and children’s pool. Easily accessible and very cozy.
• Côja. This river beach consists of a dam, creating a water level in the lower part. On its shores you will find a very inviting beach. In the upper part of the dam, the water table allows not only swimming, but also recreational activities such as canoeing or sport fishing. The banks are wooded, so there is no shortage of shade. There is a bar as well as a restaurant.
• Cascalheira. Our favorite! For 3 consecutive years it has been a “Golden Quality Beach,” attesting to the quality of the water. The location has also already been awarded the Blue Flag, which demonstrates not only the environmental quality, but also the existence of safety thanks to lifeguards and comfort (toilets) for all users of this beautiful beach. Lots of trees, shade, super cozy bar. Across the street (reached by a dam) is also a bar and plateau with pool. There is also a floating diving board.

Praia fluvial Cascalheira/Secarias

Close to Quinta do Moreira is also the Mondego River. A beautiful, wide river. Here, too, you can find beaches, or quiet spots on the shore where you can get right into the water. A very fun activity is canoeing or kayaking in these waters. There is no motorized (boat) traffic allowed so extremely quiet!

Rio Mondego

If this is not enough: at a distance of 1.5 hours by car is the beach on the west coast, the Atlantic Ocean. Also blissful to go there for a day, eat fish in a beach tavern or see the characteristic fishing villages like Praia da Tocha or Praia de Mira. Figueira da Foz’s beach is wide and long, and it is a bigger place than the above two.

Figueira da Foz

Praia de Mira

In short: plenty of choice to spend time by the water.

Come soon to Quinta do Moreira, Villa Clementina and enjoy this beautiful region!