We've said it before and we'll say it again. The first half of July saw a great deal of variability in weather conditions in mainland Portugal. Instead of the usual weather pattern of several consecutive days of sun, heat and great stability, The time has been marked by changing factors and also by great regional contradictions.
However, in the coming days, the panorama will change (to the delight of those who have just started their vacation). In fact, The North African mountain range will be placed vertically above our lands, Carrying with it a mass of very hot and dry air, causing a near-widespread and noticeable rise in temperatures.
What does it mean ? We could experience a short episode of very high temperatures, Which will also coincide with the start of the heat wave that started last Monday, July 15.
What is the heat wave in Portugal?
This is the hottest and driest period of the year statistically throughout the Portuguese territory, occurring from July 15 to August 15.
If you still don't know where you can take advantage of the high temperatures, don't worry: Portugal has no shortage of suggestions, and river beaches can be ideal options to avoid the more obvious options.
Yes, because by combining clear waters and green landscapes (not to mention unparalleled tranquility), These destinations offer a quiet, natural retreat away from the coastal crowds. Moreover, many prestigious blue flag, Ensure quality water and amenities, and are often surrounded by picturesque villages and historic buildings. However, We know it can be difficult to choose which beach you want to visit first.
To address this problem, the magazine “Guia das Praias Fluviais” challenges the Portuguese every year To choose their favourite river beach from more than 200 bathing areas classified by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).
In 2023, the choice was clear, With 7,357 votes: Praia Fluvial do Vimeiro.
Located in the municipality PenacovaNear the confluence of the Alva and Mondego rivers, this is a “true paradise”. It stands out above all for its “rural environment”, according to the Penacova City Council website.
This award comes as a result of voting on a selection of more than 200 sites from the north to the south of the country. Praia Fluvial do Vimieiro was not only awarded the Blue Flag, but was also considered an accessible beach and a gold quality beach by the environmental association QUERCUS.
This year's river beach is located on the banks of the Alpha River and received over 7,000 votes.
“We are very proud and honored by this distinction. The beach underwent intervention in 2018, when demand for it began to increase, “It makes it a more enjoyable place,” Magda Rodriguez, the deputy mayor, told NiT magazine.
Six years ago, The entrances, parking lot and entertainment area have been completely renovated, Transforming this beach on the Alva River into one of the most enjoyable recreational spots in the area.
“We created a boardwalk along the water, a small dock and a playground to enhance the overall environment. She emphasizes that it also draws on our traditions. With the water mill wheel and the iron wheel, Praia Fluvial do Vimieiro also respects the traditions of the past year.
It has been an ongoing investment. The Blue Flag river beaches are the anchor of our very nature-oriented tourism. “We also have hundreds of kilometres of trails surrounding our swimming areas, and we plan to continue innovating and investing in this aspect,” she concludes.
this year, The municipality of Penacova has seen the renewal of the Blue Flag for the beaches of the Reconquinho and Vimeiro rivers confirmed.
In total, the Bandeira Azul Association for Environment and Education (ABAAE) has awarded 440 Blue Flags, including 398 to beaches, 19 to marinas and 23 to ecotourism boats. The Blue Flag is a symbol of quality, involving the 30 entities that make up the National Jury, from the public sector to civil society, whose contribution to the evaluation of the different applications is essential for the smooth running of the program.
Magda Rodriguez, deputy mayor of Penacova, considered that The award was given to the city’s river beaches as a result of the municipality’s efforts to preserve and invest in these two natural spaces.
Vimieiro River Beach also has a supporting restaurant, But it's this little trick that's causing a stir on social media. With its clear waters (about 15 degrees) and green surroundings, it has become a favourite spot for many families.
Convinced? The best thing is that Vimieiro Beach is not the only one that has stood out in this area. In fact, during the same elections, The Reconquinho River Beach, also in Penacova, came in second place with 6,850 votes, representing a “double victory” for the municipality.
Reconquinho, the calling card for those going to Penacova, won second place.
From the middle of the village We can take a beautiful postcard, the tranquility and harmony of the picturesque landscape, “A magnificent view located on the left bank of the Mondego River,” we read on the municipality’s Facebook page.
You can discover the beach of the Reconquinho River, Which has also raised the blue flag since 2013 and is known for its golden quality, On the left bank of the Mondego River, opposite the village of Penacova.
“It is a recognition of the undeniable quality of our beaches and the care we have taken with this type of equipment. “We have no doubt that Vimeiro and Reconquinho are two tourist places that are increasingly asserting themselves in the national context,” said Magda Rodrigues, quoted by Expresso.
Here, in addition to support facilities, ranging from the bar to the river library, You will find a designated area for picnics and walking trails, As well as the camp.
Nearby, the river provides a quality fishing route, Where you can find, among others, species such as trout, barbel, chub or eel. “On the quartzite cliffs that form the banks, we can observe indigenous flora and fauna, including laurel, holly, crows, jays, blackbirds and robins,” adds the municipality of Penacova.
