Alamal is a beach on the Tagus River, located on the south bank of the river, facing Belver Castle http://www.lisbonne-affinités.com/belver-gardien-du-tage/?lang=en
In a curve, the river has left sand that bathers enjoy in summer.
Well designed, Alamal beach offers a delimited space in the water for the safety of swimmers. It is possible to rent deckchairs, pedal boats in the shape of swans, canoes. And you can also take a boat trip (electric, it is discreet). A bar-restaurant is located on the sand.
The town hall of Gavião, on which Alamal and Belver depend, has built footbridges along the Tagus. They start at the end of the beach of Alamal and follow the course of the river for 2 kilometres, until the foot of the road bridge that crosses the Tagus to reach Belver.
The circuit can be extended on the PR1 (short hiking trail) of Gavião: a 15 km loop that starts from Alamal and its footbridges. You can reach Belver, then on the plateau cross the villages towards the west towards the Belver dam which you cross before returning to Alamal
It takes several hours to go around, but you can enter and exit the loop as you wish. You can also plan a full day, with a picnic and a visit to the two museums of Belver and its castle (see). Don’t forget walking shoes (solid tennis shoes also do the trick), or a canteen.
PR1 is called Arribas do tejo, the banks of the Tagus. The dynamic town hall of Gavião offers 3 other walking or mountain bike trails in the region.
The bird observatory of Outeiro:
Our favorite! Paradise. The recently built observatory is located on the plateau above Belver, a little further east.
Access is by car, follow Outeiro Fundeiro then Outeiro Cimeiro. A small path and a few steps to access the wooden shelter.
Magical! the river flows at your feet and the view goes far upstream and downstream. Just wait patiently for the birds to pass. There are many species: griffon vultures, buzzards, ospreys, eagles, Bonelli’s eagles, storks, cormorants, falcons etc. Some species are rare and threatened.
We are only about thirty kilometres downstream of Portas de Rodão, classified as an IBA- Important Bird Area.
Only the passage of the train along the Tagus below slightly disturbed the tranquility of the place. Remember: Belver has a railway station, then you just have to walk up to the observatory where you can be taken by taxi.
Where to sleep
Alamal river club
The Alamal river club. This small hotel with 18 rooms is located 20 meters from the Alamal river beach. Ideal for those who want to enjoy the river or go hiking.
The rooms are simple and spacious. The hotel has a recent swimming pool, which overlooks the Tagus River.
Alamal River club is partly located in a former holiday home of owners living in Belver. Transformed into a hotel by Inatel, it is now privately managed. The rooms are installed in two recent wings and are protected by wooden screens that blend into the landscape.
The rooms have a terrace that opens onto the Tagus and allows you to enjoy the view of the beach and the swimming pool.
Price: 80 € in summer season, room for two, breakfast included.
The Alamal River club is equipped with wi-fi and air conditioning.
We like
The swimming pool, an alternative to the river. Breakfast, hearty and correct. The proximity of the footbridges and the river beach. The terrace of the room. And the friendliness of the service.
we like less
The narrowness of the single beds. The bathroom that needs to be redone. Vintage” furniture that squeaks. Television belongs to the 20th century. Somewhat high price for the level of service but the localization has to be paid.
http://www.alamalriverclub.com/
further informations
http://www.cm-gaviao.pt/pt/ (turismo)
