pools in the river, with the white village up above
The beach is set inside the Zêzere river, on the Cabril reservoir. It has two floating pools anchored to the bank, one for adults and one for children, and a sand play area for small children. It's not a riverside beach -- it's a structure on the water mirror.
The distinctive angle is up above. The village of Álvaro stretches along the crest of the slope, whitewashed houses silhouetted against the green of the pine forest. You're in the water looking up at one of the 'white villages' of the Aldeias do Xisto network, with its history as a commandery of the Order of Malta. The view works both ways: the village sees the river, and the river sees the village.
It has a children's play area, picnic tables and a support bar. The Alvelos stream passes through here before joining the Zêzere, under two stone bridges, one of which is possibly Roman. You come for the beach and stay for the landscape.
good to know
- floating pools inside the zêzere (adults and children) and children's sand area
- view of the white village of álvaro up above, on the ridge
- alvelos stream passes nearby, with a stone bridge possibly roman
- children's playground, picnic area and support bar
- road bridge allows quick connections to oleiros, pampilhosa da serra and pedrógão grande
