the zêzere just before the dam
Above the Caldeirão reservoir, in the stretch of the Zêzere that still runs as a river, Belmonte's river beach settles into a wide bankside area with organised access. It's a municipal facility, with the standard setup of these Beira beaches: sand or grass, steps to get into the water, a few parasols, minimal support in summer.
The swimming area benefits from Zêzere water coming straight off the Estrela mountains. In July and August it fills up, especially at weekends, with people from Belmonte and Covilhã. In June and September you get the place with far less movement and the temperature still works for a swim. Outside those months, it's just a riverside walk.
It's outside the village, in an open valley. Don't expect anything around you beyond the river: that's the point, there are no noisy terraces or traffic. You come to the beach to be at the beach, and getting back to the village takes a few minutes by car.
the whole scene
- Zêzere before it becomes a reservoir, water with a light current
- organised access, steps and a delimited swimming area
- grass and trees on the bank for shade
- fills up at weekends in July and August, otherwise calm
- good to combine with a visit to the village of Belmonte at the end of the day
