With more than a thousand kilometres of shoreline, Alqueva has plenty of places to get into the water. River beaches that are equipped and supervised are far fewer — and that's the distinction that matters when you're choosing where to go.
Beach versus water access
A licensed river beach has a defined bathing season, lifeguards on part of the sand, regular water-quality testing, changing rooms and usually parking.
A water access is a shoreline where you can swim. It may be beautiful and quiet, but there's no supervision, no facilities, and the bottom can change with the reservoir level.
The distinction matters most with children and with anyone who isn't a strong swimmer.
The biggest: Mourão river beach
The benchmark on the lake. 320 metres of sand, 100 of them lifeguarded, on an island reached by a wooden boardwalk. It holds a Blue Flag.
Besides the sand, it has a lawn with around 45 free parasols, an enclosed floating pool for children, a platform with a diving tower and slide, changing rooms, a picnic area with barbecues, and a ramp into the water with an amphibious chair.
It's the most complete and the easiest for families. Full guide →
The others
There are beaches and bathing areas at several points on the lake — near Monsaraz, at Amieira, at Alqueva, at Campinho, among others. They're generally smaller with fewer facilities, and not all are supervised.
Before going to one you don't know, it's worth checking with the local council whether it's licensed that year and what the bathing season dates are. It changes from year to year, and the reservoir level changes conditions too.
When to go
The bathing season on Alqueva typically runs from mid-June to mid-September. Outside those dates the beaches stay accessible, but with no lifeguards and facilities closed.
The lake water warms up considerably in summer — in August it's comfortable, often above 25°C. September is excellent: the water holds its heat and there are far fewer people.
What to bring
Water shoes help — the bottom isn't always sand. A proper hat and sunscreen, because natural shade is rare. And if you're going to Mourão, you don't need a parasol: the ones on the lawn are free.
