This European Country Has Some of the Most Gorgeous River Beaches on Earth

Portugal may be most well-known for its seaside beaches, but its riverbanks are just as spectacular.

Portugal is rather famous for its beaches. It has more than 1,000 miles of coastline to explore, with everything from white sand stretches lapped by azure waters in 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 beaches of Comporta, and the local-only vibes along coastal Alentejo in between. However, Portugal's best waterside destinations may just be hiding miles and miles away from the coast.

"Portugal's rivers and river beaches offer a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure that's hard to find elsewhere," Luís Lacerda, the chief marketing officer of Indie Campers, a Portuguese-founded van rental company that now has outposts all over the globe, told Travel + Leisure. "If you’re looking for breathtaking views and the chance to get active with water sports or simply to unwind, you’ll find superb destinations across the Portuguese rivers." 

In July, my husband and I (and our dog) took one of the company's vans — its Nomad Pop Top — to set out and explore these dreamy-sounding destinations for ourselves. Only when we got to our first stop we realized Lacerda's description was wrong. This place was, in fact, even better.

For our first swim in Portuguese rivers we made our way to Praia Fluvial Alqueidão, a beach along the Albufeira da Barragem do Castelo de Bode, a dam system that flows through the town of Tomar, located in the very heart of the country. On this Friday afternoon, during one of the hottest days of the summer, we had the place almost entirely to ourselves.

The rocky shore gently led into the calm and clear waters, which felt more like the temperature of the Caribbean than the typical cooler Atlantic temperatures off the coast of Portugal. We played with the pup until the sun went down, then headed off with our van to the nearby campsite, Camping Pelinos, which added an entirely new level of fun to the adventure thanks to its lively tiki bar and even livelier crowd, all enjoying the great outdoors just like us.

In the morning, we woke up with the birds and the sun and decided to head to our next riverside destination: Praia Fluvial do Agroal.

The river beach is perhaps one of the most photogenic river beaches in the nation, thanks to the man-made pool that sits along the River Nabão. The dog wasn't allowed on this particular beach, so my husband set off to explore further down the water while I tested the temperature here. And let me tell you, it's cold. But refreshingly so. It's also a spot that's brimming with fellow water revelers, but in the best way possible, as they, too, are looking to simply enjoy the day and cool off in style. This beach is also an ideal one for families as there's a concession stand, bathrooms, green spaces, and even lifeguards on duty.

But if you do want a little more privacy, head just around the corner and find a teeny, tiny, patch of soft white sand that leads into the same chilly waters. The water here is super shallow, perfect for dipping in just your toes. And if you walk up the riverbed just a bit you'll be rewarded with the sight of tiny, white flowers blooming straight out of the water, looking like something right out of Narnia.

"Endless landscapes of green and crystal-clear waters make each river an exciting destination,"  Lacerda said. "Whether you're kayaking down the Douro, swimming in the pristine waters of the Alentejo, or simply relaxing on a sandy riverbank, there's something for everyone."

River Beaches to Explore in Portugal

One of the best ways to experience the full beauty of Portugal's inland destinations, Lacerda added, is by traveling along the National 2 road. 

"Starting in the north, you can enjoy the terraced vineyards and charming villages that create a magical atmosphere in Douro," Lacerda said. Along the Douro River, check out beaches like Praia Fluvial da Lomba and Praia Fluvial de Crestuma for a quiet getaway.

As you journey south, don't miss the hidden gem river beaches along the River Zêzere. Lacerda says he's particularly fond of Fraga da Pena and Penedo Furado, "which boast beautiful cascades and astonishing surrounding forests."

After that, make your way to Alqueva, home to the largest artificial lake in Europe. "Here, you can enjoy breathtaking lake views and explore the rich history of medieval Portuguese castles," Lacerda said. If you want, you can keep going all the way to the Algarve to explore river beaches like Pego do Fundo River Beach, which sits along the Spanish border. Or, just save it for next time. Because once you experience the country's river beaches, you'll want to return over and over again. 

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