In the heart of Alentejo, there is a river beach that escapes the obvious and conquers for tranquility. Far from the crowds of the coast, the Santa Clara river beach in Odemira stands out for the two floating pools that make any dive a different experience, in the middle of the best that was the largest in Portugal.
According to the municipality of Odemira, this is the only non -Atlantic beach in the county, in contrast to the well -known Zambujeira do Mar, Lunch or Malhão. The scenario is marked by the Santa Clara Dam, inaugurated in 1969, and remains one of the largest in Europe, with about 1,986 hectares.
For those looking for milder waters and a serene environment, this is one of the well -kept secrets of the interior.
Floating pools for kids and big
The beach has a sand of about 100 meters and straw umbrellas, but the highlight is the two pools based on a floating platform. The smallest, intended for children, is 40 centimeters deep, while the largest, designed for adults, reaches 1.6 meters. The Bass Catch tourist site also underlines the water temperature, considered warmer and pleasant than the Atlantic.
The History of the Dam
The Santa Clara Dam was built under the Alentejo irrigation plan, launched in 1957. Fueled by the Mira River, it was inaugurated in May 1969 and baptized in honor of the neighboring village, Santa Clara-a-Velha. For decades, it was considered the largest in the country, until it was exceeded by Alqueva in 2004.
What can you do beyond swimming
Santa Clara river beach has parking leisure zone, picnic and resort area. During the bathing season, between June and September, it always has salvator swimmers.
In the pier, there are several activities for the most adventurous: sports fishing, canoeing, stand-up paddle, windsurfing and even boat tours, with prices ranging from 100 to 150 euros, according to Bass Catch.
Rails and visits in the surroundings
In the surroundings, it can explore the pedestrian path “from Santa Clara to the Dam”, with 10 kilometers, integrated on the Vicentina Route, as explained by. If you prefer something lighter, you can visit the Santa Clara Church, the D. Maria Bridge or enjoy the Fonte do Azinhal lunch park.
Access is by N263 towards Beja/Ourique and then by N123, in a winding way but full of natural landscapes.
Santa Clara river beach is a perfect destination for those looking for a different dive, in a scenario of calm and nature.
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