Jutting into the Atlantic on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is rightly famous for its gorgeous coastal beaches. But while tourists pack the sandy ocean strands, many savvy locals make a beeline for the gorgeous river beaches of the interior. Head inland to find beaches set amid wild nature and picture-perfect stone villages, where it's possible to swim for distances without worrying about crashing waves or dangerous tides. Best of all, these family-friendly locales remain refreshingly under the radar.
Interest piqued? Then dive into this gallery to discover some of Portugal's loveliest river beaches.