Praia Fluvial de Loriga, River beach in Loriga, Portugal.
Praia Fluvial de Loriga is a river swimming area located within a glacial valley with natural pools carved into the mountain rocks over thousands of years. Steep cliff faces rise around the water, while thick forest and shrubby plants grow densely across the sloped terrain, creating an enclosed natural basin.
The valley was carved by a massive glacier roughly ten thousand years ago during the last ice age, leaving behind its distinctive U-shaped form. Human settlement arrived after the ice retreated, with people establishing communities that relied on these newly exposed water sources and sheltered locations.
The village name derives from a local legend about the crystal waters and springs flowing through this mountain region, reflecting how deeply the river connects to community identity. You can see families gathering here across generations, treating the waters as part of their daily landscape and seasonal rhythm.
The site has parking, restrooms, and picnic areas set up for visitors who want to spend time in an organized setting. Lifeguards are stationed during summer months to watch over swimmers and ensure safety around the water.
This river beach sits within a glacial valley, making it one of the few river swimming spots in Portugal shaped entirely by ancient ice movement rather than by human design. The location gained attention when it competed in national competitions recognizing Portugal's finest river bathing areas.
Location: Loriga
Operator: https://cm-seia.pt/ultimas-noticias/lapa-dos-dinheiros-loriga-e-sandomil-com-bandeira-azul/
Address: N231, 6270 Loriga, Portugal
Website: http://aquapolis.com.pt/praia-fluvial-de-loriga-seia-praia-selvagem-rainha-da-serra-da-estrela
GPS coordinates: 40.32733,-7.67843
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:00
Portugal offers a variety of freshwater places for swimming, ranging from natural lakes to artificial reservoirs and lagoons. These waters are spread across the country - from the mountains in the north to the regions of Alentejo - and also exist on the Azores islands. Visitors can swim, enjoy water sports, and watch birds at these locations. The northern regions feature river beaches and lakes set in mountainous terrain, such as waters in Serra da Estrela and Peneda-Gerês National Park. In Alentejo, larger lakes and reservoirs like Montargil Lake and Alqueva Lake offer calm waters for swimming. Coastal lagoons such as those near Óbidos and Aveiro provide gentle waters for swimmers of all levels. The Azores present a special experience with volcanic lakes and lagoons, including the notable waters of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. Each place has its own character - some river beaches sit in narrow valleys, while others open to expansive water surfaces under open sky.
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