Algarve’s first inland Blue Flag river beach opens this week

The Algarve’s first inland river beach to receive Blue Flag status is set to open this week, marking a significant milestone for tourism and leisure facilities in the region’s interior.

The new Praia Fluvial de Odeleite, in the municipality of Castro Marim, will be officially inaugurated on Friday, June 26, after years of delays caused by drought conditions that left water levels in the Odeleite reservoir too low for the project to proceed.

This year’s wetter winter has transformed the situation. With the Odeleite dam now close to full capacity, local authorities have confirmed that all conditions are in place for the beach to welcome visitors throughout the summer.

The new bathing area, located on the shores of the Odeleite reservoir, will become the only inland beach in the Algarve flying the Blue Flag in 2026. The internationally recognised environmental award will be formally raised on July 1.

One of the beach’s main attractions is a floating bathing platform measuring 20 metres by 10 metres, featuring two enclosed swimming pools, including one designed specifically for children.

Castro Marim mayor Filomena Sintra said the pools had been designed with safety in mind. In addition, two lifeguards will be permanently on duty to guarantee safety at the beach, confirmed the mayor.

The floating structure is connected to the shore by two floating walkways and a bridge, providing easy access while blending into the surrounding landscape.

Facilities also include a terraced sunbathing area, changing rooms, a beach bar and a car park. Earlier this year, the council opened a concession for the beach bar, which includes a covered area and a wooden-deck terrace overlooking the reservoir.

The site also incorporates a Centre for Non-Polluting Nautical Activities, which local authorities hope will attract canoeing and sailing federations outside the traditional summer season.

According to the mayor, discussions are already under way to bring training camps to Odeleite between November 2026 and March 2027.

The bathing season will run until September 30.

The reservoir is fed by the Odeleite stream, known locally as the “Blue Dragon River” due to an aerial photograph that famously captured its winding, dragon-like shape through the Algarve hills.

Source: NiT/Expresso

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident