Crashing, freezing waves not really your thing? Fed up of salty skin and sand that finds its way into everything? Looking for a cheaper way to cool off this summer? Central Portugal’s network of river beaches could be the perfect solution. Here’s a quick run down on why they beat the seaside hands down:
You can actually swim in them
With calm waters and no nasty undercurrents or danger of anyone accidentally drifting or being swept out to sea, they are safer and easier for both splashing around and serious swimming. And they’re definitely warmer than the Atlantic Ocean. Most river beaches also have a lifeguard on duty and a first aid point during peak periods, just in case.
Cleaner water
The only things likely to be floating around in river beaches are leaves, unlike the detritus that rides the waves of coastal beaches. You might get the odd dragonfly or damselfly hovering around to add to the natural beauty though.
More variety
No two river beaches are the same. Some, like the one in Goís import sand to create an island in the middle of the river. Others, such as Bogueira in Casal de Ermio, and Canaveias build wooden walkways to ease your way across the river to the on site café and bathroom facilities.
More to do
Most river beaches have some kind of rope swing set up in an overhanging tree. Some even have proper jumping platforms and ladders. As well as water that’s deep enough for diving and swimming, there are usually places where you can position yourself to let the cool water gently trickle over your legs or sit and let your feet dangle in the river.
If you’re feeling more energetic, at Casal de Ermio and Praia de Palheiros do Zorro near Coimbra, you can hire a kayak or canoe or do a spot of fishing. There’s usually a grassy area for sunbathing or knocking a football around, although the two don’t necessarily mix well. Walkers will find footpaths leading to castles, convents and schist villages at Lousã.
For the little ones, you should find some kind of children’s play area if not a paddling pool.
Cheap Eats
Reasonably priced cafés are a common feature at these riverside areas. If you want to bring your own food, you’ll usually find picnic tables and possibly outdoor barbecues but if you’re really keen to cook your own meat, it’s best to check the facilities beforehand.
Free shade
At some river beaches, for example Cascalheira, you can sling a hammock up between trees and gently sway the day away in dappled shade. Even without a hammock, those who don’t fancy baking in the sun can easily find respite under a tree, without having to fork out for a beach hut or bring your own brolly although it is possible to hire shades and sunbeds at some places, such as Praia de Palheiros do Zorro near Coimbra.
No beach tat
There are no tacky souvenirs, beach towels, inflatable dolphins or football shirts for sale so the only financial demands your kids are likely to make on you are begging for an ice cream.
Source: www.juliedawnfox.com
Source: Forget Ibiza. Forget the Riviera. In fact, forget the Med altogether. Portugal’s Alentejo region is lined with glorious beaches..
Source: The Praia de Carcavelos beach is the Lisbon's coastlines most popular beach, in part due to the close proximity..
Source: Forget Ibiza. Forget the Riviera. In fact, forget the Med altogether. Portugal’s Alentejo region is lined with glorious beaches..
Praia do Moledo, on the northern end, close to the border to Spain just beside the river Lima is a..
Source: Image source: Water Park of Rhodes – It’s the largest in Europe and the first to arrive on the..
Source: Image source: The ultimate guide to booking a Greek beach holiday How to book the best Greek..
Whether you’re exploring the Alentejo coastline on foot, by bike or in car, at some point during your trip you’re..
Source: Image source: A fairly new concept in Greece, amusement theme parks are fast becoming a popular destination with families..
Source: Image source: Part 1: Overview of Scuba Diving in Greece Once one of the world’s most powerful nations, Greece..
Source: Image source: In the summer the sun is bright, the beaches are packed, the parties are on and..
Source: Image source: Water Park of Rhodes – It’s the largest in Europe and the first to arrive on the..
Source: Image source: The ultimate guide to booking a Greek beach holiday How to book the best Greek..
Source: http://www.greeka.com/ Image source: Although some Greek islands provide great surfing conditions, surfing in Greece is not a much developed..
Source: Northern Portugal has an abundance of beautiful beaches with increasingly more people visiting the region to practice water sports..
Source: On a never-ending coastline like this, it’s the culture of the sun that sets the rules. All beaches are..
Source: Our long coastline is bathed by the Atlantic ocean, which brought Portugal closer to other peoples and cultures. For..
Source: / While it's not exactly in a forgotten corner of Europe, Portugal's Douro River does tend to be off..
Source: Portugal has some of the most beautiful secluded beaches in Europe, particularly in the Algarve region where secluded coves..
Source: Ever thought about diving in Portugal? No?! Think Twice! There are 1230 km of mainland coast, 920 km of..
Source: The Southern European nation of Portugal is a beautiful and fascinating destination on the Iberian Peninsula. Countless visitors..
Source: You're spoilt for choice with watersports in Portugal with everything from powerboat racing in the Algarve to canyoning in..
Source: Used for therapeutic purposes since Roman times, thermal waters are an infinite source of well-being because of their purity..
Crashing, freezing waves not really your thing? Fed up of salty skin and sand that finds its way into everything?..
Whether you’re exploring the Alentejo coastline on foot, by bike or in car, at some point during your trip you’re..