where they used to shout 'ó da barca!', now you can swim
The history of the beach explains what you see when you arrive. It was once a crossing point on the Zêzere between the two banks of the Fundão pine forest. People, animals and goods crossed by boat, and whoever wanted to call the ferryman would shout 'ó da barca!'. The phrase stuck. Today a footbridge with a pedestrian crossing links the two banks, and where you crossed, you now dive in.
The Praia Fluvial de Janeiro de Cima is also known as Parque Fluvial da Lavandeira. It's in the schist village of Janeiro de Cima and has the full set: bar with terrace, children's playground, first aid post, sports court. It includes free camping, which is rare in Portugal.
In the warm months you can still take a trip upstream in one of the traditional boats moored right there. The restored water wheel (the Roda de Janeiro) is visible from the bank. Cross to the other side and you're in Janeiro de Baixo, the twin village. Two banks, two municipalities, and the Zêzere as the border.
good to know
- the beach is also known as parque fluvial da lavandeira
- full facilities: bar, children's playground, sports court, first aid
- includes free camping, which is rare in portugal
- in the warm months there are traditional boats for trips upstream
- janeiro de baixo, the twin village, is on the other side of the zêzere
