River Beach of penedo furado
The river beach of Penedo Furado is heavily wooded and offers a set of small waterfalls, visible just a few meters away, which can be appreciated along a path carved into the rocks.
This is the most popular seaside resort in the municipality of Vila de Rei, for its clear and crystalline waters, but also for its infrastructure. Place suitable for family programs, since the water is shallow, but also ideal for campers.
Allowing for various sports activities, such as hiking, climbing, abseiling, slide or canoeing, it is a multipurpose space for recreation and leisure. The water on this beach is classified as good or excellent.
In the highest area there is a giant rock with an opening, where the Penedo Furado Viewpoint was created and which gives the beach its name. It is possible to admire the magnificent landscape of mountains and hills covered with pine forests, the Codes stream and the reservoir of the Castelo de Bode dam.
Very close to the Penedo Furado Viewpoint is the Fragas do Rabadão Viewpoint, where there is a cross and a small sanctuary. From here you can enjoy the landscape to the Castelo de Bode reservoir.
There is also the Bufareiras trail, a linear pedestrian path that culminates in the river beach of Penedo Furado and then leads along ancient and mysterious paths to the Bufareiras area.
Penedo Furado is one of the most mystical places in the region. Myths and legends passed from generation to generation allow the popular imagination to ally itself with all the beauty of the surrounding space.
Today it is possible to walk along the section of the Penedo Furado Walkways between the River Beach of the same name and the Fragas do Rabadão viewpoint, in the municipality of Vila de Rei.
Thus, the beach and waterfall of Penedo Furado are two of the best kept treasures in Portugal.
It was not by chance that this beach was a finalist in the 7 Wonders of Portugal contest. The combination of its clear and crystalline waters with the natural surroundings is the perfect formula for an incredible day in nature.
From the beach to the Penedo Furado waterfall, it is only 700 meters and therefore it takes no more than 20 minutes. From the Penedo Furado viewpoint you can enjoy a magnificent view over the mountains and hills covered with pine trees. You can also contemplate the reservoir of the Castelo de Bode dam.
On the right side of the viewpoint, pass the image of Nossa Senhora dos Caminhos and take the side path. This trail allows access to the lowest area of the cliff where it descends to the river beach passing by “Bicha Pintada”. It is a fossil that many researchers think is more than 480 million years old.