River tourism continues to grow in Portugal, with new projects to value rivers and reservoirs across the country. A plan of requalification of a well -known Albufeira is now underway, which aims to transform the surrounding landscape and attract more visitors to the region with the creation of two new river beaches.
Two million euros project bets on river tourism
The quiet landscape of the Damgil Dam, located in the municipality of Ponte de Sor, district of Portalegre, will soon know a new dynamism. Among the main measures planned, we highlight the creation of two river beaches, with a global investment that surrounds the two million euros. The municipality believes that these infrastructures will be an added value not only for the local population, but also for those who visit the Alto Alentejo in search of tranquility and nature.
First beach advances this month
According to, and according to the vice-mayor, Rogério Alves, the work of the first beach, which will be called Praia dos Tesos, is already awarded and only awaits the visa of the Court of Auditors. The work is expected to begin during May.
This new beach will feature several leisure structures, including restaurant, floating pool, gaming field, playground, lunch park and pedestrian circulation zones. A permanent sand bank is also planned to provide better bathing conditions during the warmer months.
Conclusion expected in 2026
The House expects Tesoso beach to be completed and fully operational in the 2026 bathing season. “We hope it is working in the middle of 2026,” the mayor told Lusa agency.
Second Beach will be in Broadroes
According to the same source, and in parallel, the municipality is developing a second project, also with tourist approach, which will give rise to another river beach. This time, the location chosen is the cornfront zone, also next to the Mountain reservoir.
According to Rogério Alves, “we are already in negotiations with owners in the cornfront zone to execute the second river beach”. The project is finalized and has already been approved by the competent authorities.
Similar investment, calendar for defining
Although the investment planned for this second beach is similar to that of Praia dos Tesos, a concrete date has not yet been set for the beginning of the works, as they depend on the completion of ongoing negotiations with landowners.
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Complementary leisure zones along the dam
In addition to the river beaches, the Chamber also foresees the creation of leisure parks on the banks of the Albufeira. These spaces are intended for moments of rest and picnics, but they will not be considered beaches or will have surveillance by salvator swimmers.
Spaces without concession or surveillance
Because they are not concessioned or guarded, these places will only serve as a complement to the official bathing zones, reinforcing the region’s leisure supply without implying permanent safety structures.
Plan approved in 2024
This action plan was approved at a House meeting on November 27, 2024, and also received green light from the Municipal Assembly on December 12 of the same year.
The strategy ultimately aims to set up a more attractive destination for tourists and investors, enhancing the sustainable use of the reservoir and promoting the economic development of the surrounding area.
The municipality of Ponte de Sor thus reinforces its bet on nature tourism and the use of local resources as a way to combat desertification and streamline the interior of the country.
Mountain wants to assert itself as a destination of excellence
With the realization of these two river beaches and leisure spaces, the Mountain region may position itself as a reference in Alentejo river tourism, in a balance between environmental preservation and territory appreciation.
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