Set within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, in the parish of Cortes do Meio, the Cortes stream feeds a weir that offers the perfect spot for swimming and relaxing summer days. The Cortes do Meio river beach welcomes swimmers, mountain bikers and walkers. The site includes a bar with a terrace and light meals, a picnic area, a large grassy lawn and a slide for children. There is no lifeguard on duty.
The Ourondo river beach, around 30km from Covilhã, is centred around the Caia stream, a tributary of the Zêzere River. The stream flows just a few metres from the leisure area, surrounded by natural beauty. A bridge links both banks, where you’ll find a sandy area and a weir with a swimming spot. Facilities include parking, picnic tables, barbecues, and a bar offering snacks. There is access to the water for people with reduced mobility.
Photo: João Pedro Jesus
Waterfalls and natural pools created by the Paul stream, shaded by trees, define this small paradise known as “Poço do Zé Azinho”. A gently sloping sandy area meets a rock platform, perfect for adventurous swimmers who enjoy diving. There is no lifeguard. Nearby, an old building houses a bar with a terrace, and the area is equipped with toilets, exercise machines, and a multi-purpose sports field.
Este espaço de lazer não só tem uma nova via de acesso pedestre ao centro da cidade, como é possível aceder à zona baixa da Covilhã através da sua ligação urbana entre a Universidade da Beira Interior e o Anfiteatro Mártir-in-Colo. O Parque da Goldra constitui-se como um espaço de lazer ao ar livre, capaz de acolher acontecimentos urbanos, nomeadamente de caráter lúdico e de promoção, bem como o convívio da população.
Sobral de São Miguel’s river beach is a peaceful retreat in the mountains. The village, known as the “heart of the schist”, is one of the largest clusters of schist buildings in Portugal. The houses stretch downhill along narrow streets to the left bank of the Porsim stream, which forms the bathing area with varying depths. An old bridge marks the spot, and nearby, a mill, a water wheel and a noria recall the traditional use of water power.
Located in a valley with views of the Serra da Estrela foothills and the village, the river beach of Unhais da Serra makes use of the waters of the Unhais stream, a tributary of the Zêzere. It is the best-equipped beach in the municipality of Covilhã. Facilities include a playground, games areas and sports structures, as well as barbecue facilities and a bar, often with live music.
The Verdelhos river beach is a cosy hideaway between two slopes in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Surrounded by nature, it invites moments of peace along the Beijames stream, though the water is not supervised. The beach area features poplar and willow-lined banks, a sandy sunbathing area, a new lawn, barbecues, picnic tables, and a bar. Toilets are located about 100 metres away.
Photo: Gonçalo Poço
Set on the slopes of Serra da Estrela, just 6km north of Covilhã, the Union of Parishes of Cantar-Galo and Vila do Carvalho offers a quiet river beach framed by large rocks, lush greenery, and the clear waters of the Lapa stream, held in pools and a small dam. Grassy terraces complement the setting. Accessible from the health centre, the beach has a car park, and toilets, barbecues and showers are located 100 metres away, near the parish council.
