Fornelos River Beach

The Praia Fluvial de Fornelos lies beside the waters of the Aguilhão river, in the União de Freguesias de Louredo e Fornelos, in the municipality of Santa Marta de Penaguião. The municipality's official page describes it as an idyllic and pleasant spot with clear water.

In 2012 the beach took part in the initial phase of the "7 Maravilhas – Praias de Portugal" contest, and the parish union presents it as a must-stop on summer days.

The site

A weir on the river creates a natural swimming pool, surrounded by grassy areas for sunbathing and by support facilities including toilets and a bar. According to Wikipedia, there are separate changing rooms for men and women, picnic tables, four access points to the river (three stairways and a ramp) and two pedestrian bridges, one of them linking the two banks. According to Aquapolis, there are two picnic areas with tables and grills, one on each bank, and about half of the space is fenced.

The beach was inaugurated on 12 July 1998. From 2012, expansion works began on the opposite bank of the river, enlarging the grassy area and adding more picnic tables and a children's playground.

Practical information

• The support bar, with terrace, operates only during the bathing season.
• According to Wikipedia, access is public and free, and parking is free.
• The Aquapolis portal states that it is not a lifeguarded beach.
• For current conditions and services, check with the municipality (+351 254 810 130).

From the same municipality, see also the Caves Santa Marta.