Praia Fluvial do Malhadal, River beach in Proença a Nova e Peral, Portugal
Praia Fluvial do Malhadal spreads along a reservoir that is about 1.5 kilometers wide (about 1 mile), surrounded by thick forests and mountains. The water is calm and the banks offer shaded areas where you can sit and rest.
The area once had water mills and old bridges built to support them, remains of which you can still find today. These structures show how people once used the river's power to do work and trade.
The beach sits along a route connecting traditional stone villages where you can see how communities built their settlements. Walking through the area shows how locals have organized their spaces across generations.
The water is best for swimming from June through September when temperatures are warmest. Free shuttle buses run regularly from the Tourist Information Office to the beach, making it easy to get there without a car.
This location once had a water recreation park with slides and trampolines designed for the central region of Portugal. The facility brought organized water activities alongside the natural swimming area.
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