Hidden in the valleys of the Açor mountains in Central Portugal is a magical landscape where shimmering rivers flow. There, you will also find some exquisite wild swimming opportunities.

Crystal clear rivers are shaded by cork oaks and chestnuts in a beautiful rural idyll – if you are lucky you may even see an otter.

Swim in lakes

Many lakes in central Portugal are suitable for swimming. However, most of these lakes are small. Therefore, you should expect to spend some time in the lake.

Most of these lakes are located in the countryside. If you want to visit one of these lakes, you should plan ahead. It may take you hours to drive to the location of the lake.

When visiting these lakes, remember to bring a life jacket, a towel, and a change of clothes. In case you need to use the toilet, you should bring a portable toilet.

Visit water parks

Water parks in central Portugal are becoming increasingly popular. There are many water parks in central Portugal.

These water parks are designed for people who love water sports. They offer different types of water slides, pools, and other attractions.

The water parks in central Portugal are usually open during the summer season. The opening days vary depending on the park.

Remember to bring a towel, a change of clothes, and a life jacket. In case you need the toilet, you should pack a portable toilet.

Swim in the sea

There are several beaches in central Portugal where you can swim in the sea. Most of these beaches are located near cities such as Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, and Leiria. Some of these beaches are very popular among tourists. They offer facilities such as showers, toilets, food stands, and sometimes even bars.

However, there are also some beaches that are not visited much by tourists. These beaches are usually located in rural areas. Some of these beaches are surrounded by cliffs and rocks.

In addition, some of these beaches are located far away from towns. This means that you will have to travel a long distance to reach them.

If you decide to go to one of these beaches, remember to bring a towel, sunscreen, and maybe a change of clothes.

Enjoy wild swimming in central Portugal!

Wild Swimming in Central Portugal

A trip through waterparks and lakes in central Portugal

Central Portugal has a large number of water parks and lakes. These lakes are perfect places to enjoy wild swimming.

Here are some tips to enjoy this activity.

Go to the seaside

Seasides in central Portugal are ideal locations for wild swimming. Many of these beaches are located in urban areas.

They offer facilities such as showers and toilets. In addition, they often have restaurants and bars.

However, some of these beaches do not have any facilities. For example, you may find yourself alone at the beach.

Therefore, it’s important to prepare before going to the beach. Bring a towel, sunscreen, a change of clothes and a life jacket.

Plan ahead

Before planning to visit a beach, make sure that you know which beach is closest to your destination.

You should also check whether the beach offers facilities such as showers, bathrooms, and restaurants.

This way, you will save time and money.

Have fun

After arriving at the beach, you should relax. Enjoy the view and listen to music.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.

In case you feel tired, you can rest on the sand.

Take pictures

Once you finish swimming, take photos of the scenery. There should be great memories from such landscapes and you’ll never forget them.