Loriga River Beach

Category: Nature > River Beach

District: Guarda > Seia > Loriga

Location:

Loriga River Beach is nestled in the locality of Loriga, belonging to the municipality of Seia, in the heart of the majestic Serra da Estrela. Situated at approximately 800 meters of altitude, this bathing area is immersed in an impressive glacial valley, a setting that defines its uniqueness.

Its position in the mountain landscape offers a natural setting of imposing mountains, which embrace the location and contribute to its serene and picturesque atmosphere.

A Unique Glacial Valley:

One of the most remarkable aspects of this river beach is its geological origin. Loriga River Beach stands out as the only river beach in Portugal to be integrated into a glacial formation valley. This particularity shapes the surrounding landscape, giving it a singular beauty and a structure that is the result of millennia-old natural processes.

The waters that flow here are a reflection of the mountains' purity, characteristics that translate into clear and fresh streams, distinctive elements of this type of formation.

The Waters and the Landscape:

The waters of the Nave stream, which feed this beach, are notably transparent and refreshing, an expected characteristic at the altitude of Serra da Estrela. Their clarity is an invitation to swim and enjoy a pure natural environment.

The site features several natural pools of varying depths and small waterfalls, formed by the dynamics of the watercourse. This particularity makes the experience of contact with water diverse. The Blue Flag distinction awarded to this space underlines the commitment to water quality and rigorous environmental management of the location.

Aquatic Wildlife:

The purity of Loriga River Beach's waters and its preserved natural environment are a habitat for various species adapted to mountain aquatic environments. Attentive observers can identify river trout swimming in the crystal-clear waters, an indicator of the local ecosystem's good health.

In addition to fish, it is possible to spot birds such as the dipper, which searches for food at the bottom of the stream, and with some luck, detect the presence of the otter, an elusive mammal that thrives in rivers and streams with clean waters and riparian vegetation, revealing the valley's biological richness.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt