Praia Fluvial do Malhadal

The Praia Fluvial do Malhadal is on the Ribeira da Isna, a tributary of the Zêzere, at the foot of the hills about 7 km from Proença-a-Nova. Proença-a-Nova council describes it as a beach set on a reservoir held back on the stream, suited to people who like wide, calm spaces. The Aldeias do Xisto network, which promotes the schist villages of central Portugal, says the water stretches for about a kilometre, surrounded by thick vegetation and rugged hills, well away from any village.

What makes Malhadal stand out for families is the Fluvifun, which Aldeias do Xisto calls the first river water park in the Centro region. It’s an inflatable park floating on the water, with slides, trampolines and climbing structures.

The council describes the Fluvifun as a set of inflatables on the water, and Aldeias do Xisto lists slides, trampolines and climbing. When we checked, Aldeias do Xisto gave the opening hours as 10:00 to 20:00 and prices from €1 to €10, depending on age and how long you stay. A TV report in August 2026 quoted slightly different hours, 11:00 to 20:00, so check at the beach.

Inflatable parks on open water are best for children who can swim confidently. Ask the staff about minimum ages and whether life jackets are provided before you pay.

Younger children aren’t left out. The council lists a floating pool with a space for children, and Aldeias do Xisto mentions a children’s pool. A floating pool gives an enclosed area in the reservoir, which is easier to supervise than open water. Stay beside toddlers in the water all the same.

The official 2026 bathing season at Malhadal ran from 22 June to 15 September, with lifeguards. There’s a first-aid post on site.

The APA (Portuguese Environment Agency) classes the water as Excellent, and its official profile says there are no significant sources of pollution nearby. In May 2026 Quercus gave Malhadal its Gold Quality award, which goes to bathing waters with excellent results over the previous seasons.

The council notes that the stream keeps flowing all summer.

The council lists kayaks and pedal boats (gaivotas) for hire, and Aldeias do Xisto adds rowing boats. The APA’s profile also mentions canoeing. For older children, a kayak on a kilometre of calm water is a good first taste of paddling.

The council says the water holds plenty of carp, barbel and nase (a small river fish), so it’s popular with anglers too.

According to Aldeias do Xisto and the regional news site Notícias de Coimbra, the beach has a bar with a terrace, toilets and changing rooms, a barbecue, picnic areas, a first-aid post, sunshades, parking and bike parking. The APA’s 2026 data also lists showers. It doesn’t list the beach as accessible, so wheelchair users should phone ahead.

If children need a break from the water, the council has marked the Trilho da Praia do Malhadal, a circular walk of 1.9 km that takes about 30 minutes and is rated easy. According to Notícias de Coimbra, it follows old irrigation channels (levadas) and passes the Cabrieira and a Philippine bridge, built in the period when Portugal and Spain shared a king. The council also mentions several water mills (azenhas) nearby.

Malhadal is about 7 km from Proença-a-Nova by road, and Notícias de Coimbra puts it at around 100 km and an hour and a half by car from Coimbra. There’s a car park. We couldn’t find public transport to recommend.

• The Fluvifun costs extra and suits confident swimmers, so non-swimmers may watch their siblings enviously.
• It’s remote, with no village shops next to the beach.
• We couldn’t confirm Fluvifun age limits or life-jacket rules, so ask before buying tickets.

Proença-a-Nova has other river beaches: the council lists Aldeia Ruiva, which has an amphibious chair and the accessible-beach flag, Alvito, Cerejeira and Fróia. Nearby, Penedo Furado in Vila de Rei has waterfalls and trilobite tracks, and Açude do Pinto in Oleiros has a playground and plenty of shade. For another beach with a children’s pool, Carvoeiro in Mação is on the Aldeias do Xisto network too.

How much is the Fluvifun?

Aldeias do Xisto gives prices from €1 to €10, depending on age and time. Check at the beach, since prices can change.

Is Malhadal good for toddlers?

There’s a floating pool with a children’s area and lifeguards in the season, but the inflatable park is for older children. Toddlers need an adult beside them.

Is there a lifeguard?

Yes, in the 2026 season from 22 June to 15 September.

Can you hire boats?

Yes: pedal boats, rowing boats and kayaks.

Is there food?

There’s a bar with a terrace, plus a barbecue and picnic areas.