The fluvial swimming pools at Loriga


Almost everyone loves to go for a swim. Humans have a natural love for water and for bathing. Most of us turn towards the sea for our holidays, to enjoy those beaches. Nowadays maybe there is a bit too much people for our liking, at least during certain times of the year. The sea is also more polluted than ever before, so where to turn to if you want to have some peace and quiet as well as clean water? The mountains! 

Here we have several mountain ranges to choose from, the one I will recommend to you in this post is the highest mountain range we've got on the mainland called Serra da Estrela (mountain range of the star). It is quite a vast region in the inland, lying some 3 hours northeast of Lisbon, with many beautiful villages and places to visit. Just outside the village of Loriga you can find an awesome fluvial bathing spot. Just for the scenery it is worth a visit. You are really high up, not at the top but almost, and the water comes streaming from the highest peaks. The water is clean and super fresh, no microplastics whatsoever. Just you, the granite rocks, the flowing water and some happy fishes at an altitude of several hundred meters over the sea level. 

Just be prepared for that the water will be cold and chilly most time of the year, even during summer time unless it is a very warm day and you go late in the afternoon. The stones might also be a bit slippery in some places so my best advice for anyone who is going to swim in rivers is to buy those kind of swim shoes which make you able to stand on hard rocks and that also act as a non slip aid. Just jump in, or stride gently, whatever style you opt for is fine. Enjoy the coolness of the water, listen to the sound of the water cascading and take in that view of the peak and the river gorge continuing down below. 

It is quite easy to station your car by the fluvial beach, or at the village of Loriga and walk here if you want to stretch your legs and take in the view slowly. There are public toilets at the beach, maybe bring some paper with you in case of it not being available there during low season.  It is a suitable place to visit for the whole family. Nearest food places are just 5 min away by car at the Loriga village so you can enjoy a whole day of fresh mountain air, exploring and bathing at this gorgeous place. 







Location: 6270 Loriga, Portugal

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