where the transmontano goes to the lake
There's an ancient rock wedged into the bank. It's called Fraga da Pegada and it gave its name to everything else: to the beach, to the place, to the reason for coming here. They're metavolcanics, rock of volcanic origin millions of years old, marked with wooden stakes so you don't walk past without noticing.
Praia Fluvial da Fraga da Pegada sits on the Albufeira do Azibo, one of the larger reservoirs of the northern interior. What you have in front of you isn't a stream: it's a lake big enough for rowing lanes, boat trips and water that warms up to nearly 24 degrees in summer. The Nordeste Transmontano in beach form.
The beach splits into two stretches of sand with different logics. The one on the right gets more direct sun, the one on the left has more shade and trees. In between is the car park and a grassy area. You choose according to the day and your mood. There's also a glass restaurant with a terrace facing the reservoir, the Casa do Lago, which exists and serves something more than cheese sandwiches.
Access is easy, the facilities are complete and the surroundings have walking trails along the bank. When the sun drops, the lake changes colour and Macedo de Cavaleiros appears in the distance as a backdrop that no other place in this country can replicate.
what you'll find
- two stretches of sand with different sun exposure
- the Fraga da Pegada marked on the bank, worth ten minutes of attention
- a floating platform with a jumping area
