the beach that's more reservoir than river
The Praia Fluvial do Cabril isn't a river beach. It's the shore of the Barragem do Cabril reservoir, on the Zêzere, and it has a floating pool anchored at the edge. Two, in fact: one for adults at about 1.5 metres deep, one for children at 50 centimetres. You swim inside a structure that floats on the artificial lake.
Next door is the Clube Náutico de Pedrógão Grande, which rents canoes, kayaks, SUP boards, pedal boats and motorboats. The reservoir is protected -- only four-stroke engines are allowed -- so the silence holds. If you want to leave the pool and explore the water, this is where you get equipped.
The spot has Quercus gold quality status. There's a picnic area with barbecues, toilets, a medical post, a lifeguard in the bathing season and a campsite a few minutes away. Come for an afternoon and you can stay three days. If you prefer something more discreet, there's the Praia Fluvial Mega Fundeira in the same municipality, on the opposite scale.
good to know
- the beach is in a dam reservoir (cabril, on the zêzere), not a stream
- two floating anchored pools: one adult (about 1.5m), one children's (about 50cm)
- nautical club next door for renting canoes, kayaks, sup boards, pedal boats and motorboats
- protected reservoir, four-stroke engines only
- quercus gold quality rating, campsite a few minutes away
