Mourão lake beach is the second-largest on Lake Alqueva and one of the few with a Blue Flag. It’s a few minutes by car from the village, on an island reached by a wooden boardwalk.
If you're staying at Casa de Santa Margarida, it's about five minutes by car. Walking is possible, but it follows the road with no shade — better to drive.
What's there
There are 320 metres of sand, with a lawn behind it. On that lawn are around 45 free parasols, which in practice means you don't need to bring a sunshade or arrive early to claim shade.
In the water there's an enclosed floating pool for children, with netting and a safety rail, and a floating platform with a diving tower, a slide and ladders.
On land: a picnic area at the Parque de Merendas, with tables, benches, shade and barbecues; changing rooms and toilets; and free parking by the entrance.
Accessibility was thought about: there's a ramp into the water and an amphibious chair.
Blue Flag and lifeguards
The beach holds a Blue Flag — the certification covering water quality, safety and environmental standards.
Of the 320 metres of sand, 100 metres are lifeguarded during the bathing season. In 2026 it runs from 13 June to 13 September, with lifeguards from 9am to 7pm. Dates change each year and are published by Mourão town council.
The island and the boardwalk
The beach is on an island. You reach it by a wooden boardwalk, and that crossing is half the pleasure — a good stretch out over the water, with the lake open on both sides.
When the reservoir level drops in summer, part of the land connection reappears. When it's full, the island really is an island.
With children
It's the easiest beach on Alqueva for small children, for three concrete reasons: the floating pool is enclosed with a controlled depth; there's shade on grass, which is more comfortable than hot sand; and there are proper changing rooms and toilets, which on a lake beach is not a given.
Getting there
The beach is next to the Parque de Merendas, on the road linking the village to the lake. Parking is free and sits at the entrance.
From the village it's about five minutes by car. On foot it follows the road, with no shade in summer — better to drive.
Two tips
Bring lunch. The picnic area has shaded tables and barbecues. It's what most local families do at weekends.
Stay for sunset. The sun sets over the water, on the boardwalk side. It's the best hour of the day here, and the beach empties from six.
Common questions
Is the Mourão lake beach lifeguarded?
Yes, during the bathing season. Of the 320 metres of sand, 100 metres are patrolled by lifeguards. In 2026 the season runs from 13 June to 13 September, with cover from 9am to 7pm. The dates change from year to year and are published by Mourão town council.
Do I need to bring a parasol?
No. On the lawn behind the sand there are around 45 free-to-use parasols, so you don't need to bring your own or arrive early to get shade.
Is the beach safe for small children?
It's one of the easiest on the lake: there's a floating pool enclosed by netting and a safety rail, with a controlled bottom, plus the 100 metres of lifeguarded sand. For older children there's a floating platform with a diving tower and slide.
Is there parking and are there changing rooms?
Yes — free parking by the entrance, changing rooms and toilets, and a picnic area with tables, shade and barbecues. There's also a ramp into the water and an amphibious chair.
Is it worth going outside summer?
The beach stays open, but with no lifeguards and the facilities closed. Outside the bathing season it works better as a place for a late-afternoon walk than for swimming.
