Praia fluvial de Vila Cova à Coelheira

Vila Cova à Coelheira, Portugal, Portugal

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Praia Fluvial de Vila Cova à Coelheira is a river beach on the left bank of the Rio Alva at the limits of the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, near the village of Vila Cova à Coelheira in the municipality of Seia, Guarda, Portugal, known for its exceptional landscape quality, crystal-clear and very cold fresh water (typical of the upper Alva), and a sandy riverbed bottom that creates an ideal setting for swimming, relaxation, and outdoor recreation.

The beach is one of the closest to the river’s source, so its waters are especially transparent and inviting, and it offers easy, accessible bathing via a ramp that serves people with reduced mobility, while during the bathing season the area is supervised by lifeguards for safety. Facilities include a bar and restaurant, a shaded picnic area with picnic tables and urban furniture, a small children’s playground, nearby soccer field, first-aid post, restrooms, changing rooms, and a campsite, making it a perfect family destination for day trips and longer stays.

Access is via a picturesque medieval stone bridge that crosses the river, which provides beautiful photo opportunities and leads to the beach, and the area is also known for the nearby Casas da Ribeira river houses, offering cozy accommodation in a natural setting. The beach’s water quality is excellent, with clear, limpid waters, and it was requalified, with work completed on 27 July 2013, enhancing its natural beauty and visitor experience.