This European Nation Has A number of the Most Beautiful River Seashores on Earth

Portugal is quite well-known for its seashores. It has greater than 1,000 miles of shoreline to discover, with the whole lot from white sand stretches lapped by azure waters within the Algarve to the craggy cliffs that dip into the navy waters north of Porto, with the sky-high waves of Nazaré and the beginner-friendly surf breaks at Ericeira, the A-list seashores of Comporta, and the local-only vibes alongside coastal Alentejo in between. Nonetheless, Portugal‘s finest waterside locations may be hiding miles and miles away from the coast. 

“Portugal’s rivers and river seashores supply a singular mix of pure magnificence and journey that is arduous to seek out elsewhere,” Luís Lacerda, the chief advertising officer of Indie Campers, a Portuguese-founded van rental firm that now has outposts everywhere in the globe, informed Journey + Leisure. “For those who’re in search of breathtaking views and the possibility to get lively with water sports activities or just to unwind, you’ll discover very good locations throughout the Portuguese rivers.” 

In July, my husband and I (and our canine) took one of many firm’s vans — its Nomad Pop High — to set out and discover these dreamy-sounding locations for ourselves. Solely once we acquired to our first cease we realized Lacerda’s description was improper. This place was, in reality, even higher.  

For our first swim in Portuguese rivers we made our method to Praia Fluvial Alqueidão, a seaside alongside the Albufeira da Barragem do Castelo de Bode, a dam system that flows via the city of Tomar, positioned within the very coronary heart of the nation. On this Friday afternoon, throughout one of many hottest days of the summer season, we had the place nearly completely to ourselves. 

The rocky shore gently led into the calm and clear waters, which felt extra just like the temperature of the Caribbean than the standard cooler Atlantic temperatures off the coast of Portugal. We performed with the pup till the solar went down, then headed off with our van to the close by campsite, Tenting Pelinos, which added a wholly new degree of enjoyable to the journey due to its energetic tiki bar and even livelier crowd, all having fun with the nice open air identical to us. 

Within the morning, we awoke with the birds and the solar and determined to go to our subsequent riverside vacation spot: Praia Fluvial do Agroal. 

The river seaside is maybe probably the most photogenic river seashores within the nation, due to the man-made pool that sits alongside the River Nabão. The canine wasn’t allowed on this specific seaside, so my husband set off to discover additional down the water whereas I examined the temperature right here. And let me let you know, it is chilly. However refreshingly so. It is also a spot that is brimming with fellow water revelers, however in one of the simplest ways potential, as they, too, wish to merely benefit from the day and funky off in type. This seaside can be a perfect one for households as there is a concession stand, bogs, inexperienced areas, and even lifeguards on responsibility. 

However in case you do need slightly extra privateness, head simply across the nook and discover a teeny, tiny, patch of soppy white sand that leads into the identical chilly waters. The water right here is tremendous shallow, good for dipping in simply your toes. And in case you stroll up the riverbed only a bit you may be rewarded with the sight of tiny, white flowers blooming straight out of the water, wanting like one thing proper out of Narnia. 

“Infinite landscapes of inexperienced and crystal-clear waters make every river an thrilling vacation spot,”  Lacerda stated. “Whether or not you are kayaking down the Douro, swimming within the pristine waters of the Alentejo, or just enjoyable on a sandy riverbank, there’s one thing for everybody.” 

River Seashores to Discover in Portugal

Among the best methods to expertise the complete great thing about Portugal’s inland locations, Lacerda added, is by touring alongside the Nationwide 2 street. 

“Beginning within the north, you possibly can benefit from the terraced vineyards and charming villages that create a magical ambiance in Douro,” Lacerda stated. Alongside the Douro River, try seashores like Praia Fluvial da Lomba and Praia Fluvial de Crestuma for a quiet getaway.  

As you journey south, do not miss the hidden gem river seashores alongside the River Zêzere. Lacerda says he is significantly keen on Fraga da Pena and Penedo Furado, “which boast stunning cascades and astonishing surrounding forests.” 

After that, make your method to Alqueva, residence to the most important synthetic lake in Europe. “Right here, you possibly can get pleasure from breathtaking lake views and discover the wealthy historical past of medieval Portuguese castles,” Lacerda stated. If you need, you possibly can preserve going all the way in which to the Algarve to discover river seashores like Pego do Fundo River Seashore, which sits alongside the Spanish border. Or, simply reserve it for subsequent time. As a result of when you expertise the nation’s river seashores, you may need to return over and over.