Praia das Furnas (river side)

Most of the Alentejo coast faces the open Atlantic, with big waves and strong currents. Praia das Furnas has two sides, and this listing is for the river side, on the south bank of the Mira estuary just across from Vila Nova de Milfontes. Here the water is river and tide rather than open surf, usually a gentler place for toddlers to dig at the edge and for new swimmers to splash about. It was voted Best River Beach in Portugal’s 7 Wonders beach competition in 2012.

Part of the fun is getting there. In the summer months a boat runs across the river from the town, a short crossing that small children tend to count as the best bit of the day. The rest of the year you drive round over the bridge.

Older children can try the water sports that the river is known for. Canoe hire is available, and the estuary is used for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The beach has lifeguards during the bathing season, which in 2026 ran from 30 May to 30 September. It holds a Blue Flag and a Quercus gold quality award for its water. Outside that season there are no lifeguards, so be extra careful.

An estuary has tides and currents of its own, even without surf. Keep small children close, check the lifeguard flags and ask where it is safest to swim, especially near the river mouth.

There is parking, toilets, a restaurant and accessible access, according to the municipality. Bring a sunshade and hats in summer. The beach on the sea side, Furnas Mar, is a separate beach with ocean conditions.

For parents who need to work through the summer, Skateboard School Alentejo runs day camps at Furnas beach for children aged 6 to 16, together with Surfschool Vagabond and the caterer Yabalulu. The school says it is a general outdoor camp rather than a surf or skate camp, and that children who aren’t keen on the water can still join in.

A typical day on the 2026 timetable started with drop-off at Furnas beach between 09:30 and 10:00 and a water-safety lesson, then a team game and fruit, a morning activity, lunch, free time and two afternoon activities, with pick-up at the beach between 16:00 and 16:30. Activities listed included surfing, bodyboarding, skimboarding and stand-up paddleboarding in the water; rock climbing, skateboarding, surfskating, treasure hunts and metal-detector hunts on land; and building rafts, catapults and sand sculptures. Each week has its own theme.

In 2026 the camps ran on selected weeks from 22 June to 9 September, roughly every other week, with a short closing week in September. Families could book 2, 3 or 5 days from Monday to Friday. The full week cost €40 a day and the 2 or 3-day option €45 a day, including equipment, a surf lesson, lunch, snacks and water. Booking is through a form on the school’s website, and the summer 2027 dates had not been published when we checked.

Is Praia das Furnas good for toddlers?

The river side has no ocean surf, so it’s usually gentler for small children at the water’s edge. It’s still an estuary with tides and currents, so stay close and check the lifeguard flags.

How do you get to Praia das Furnas from Vila Nova de Milfontes?

In the summer months a boat crosses the river from the town. The rest of the year you drive round over the bridge.

Are there lifeguards at Praia das Furnas?

Yes, during the bathing season, which ran from 30 May to 30 September in 2026. There are none outside those dates.

Is there a kids’ camp at Praia das Furnas?

Yes. Skateboard School Alentejo runs summer day camps for ages 6 to 16, with drop-off at the beach at 09:30 and pick-up at 16:30, lunch included.