Riverbeach of Verdelhos

Riverbeach of Verdelhos

Verdelhos is home to two charming river beaches; one in the heart of the village and another a little upstream, near the dam. Both are nestled in the stunning Beijames Valley, offering peaceful spots to swim and connect with the pure nature of the Serra da Estrela.

Situated within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park at over a thousand meters in altitude, Verdelhos is crossed by the Beijames River, a short and gentle watercourse less than 20 kilometers long. It rises just before reaching the village and flows into the Zêzere River, bringing life to the green fields and beauty to every corner it touches. In summer, the calm rhythm of the village blends with the joy of outdoor life. Choosing between the two river beaches becomes the first pleasant dilemma of the day, the one beside the village for convenience, or the one by the dam for its quiet charm. As local visitor Mariana Tavares explains, “The beach by the dam is more appealing, more peaceful. You don’t hear as much noise because there are fewer people. It’s visually more beautiful, you don’t see houses, it feels very natural.”

There, small waterfalls flow over sets of stone blocks, blending seamlessly into the landscape. Mosses and grasses cling to the rocks, and trees line the banks, creating a soothing, authentic atmosphere. With its crystal-clear waters, natural scenery, and tranquil setting, Verdelhos offers one of the most picturesque river beaches in the Serra da Estrela mountains, a place featured on Antena1’s program *Vou Ali e Já Venho* (“I’ll Be Right Back”).