Praia do Rio Alto

Estela, Portugal, Portugal

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Praia do Rio Alto (also called Praia da Estela) is a wide, sandy Atlantic beach on the outskirts of Póvoa de Varzim in the civil parish of Estela, known primarily as the main naturist beach in northern Portugal even though it has no official naturist designation.

The beach is reached mainly on foot via other beaches or by crossing dunes and fields, giving it a secluded feel and privacy that attracts naturists and visitors seeking a quieter, less crowded spot. It has cold Atlantic water and strong northern winds, few nearby services, and sits next to the southern half of the Estela Golf Club with dunes rising up to the golf course’s fence.

While a car park is available near Rua Campo de Futebol and the beach is accessible via Estrada Nacional 13 and Rua da Fontaínha. The Rio Alto river, which rises on the slopes of Monte de São Félix, flows into the sea here, completing a natural, rural setting in contrast to the more developed beaches of Póvoa de Varzim.