Belver is a small yet charming village in the municipality of Gavião, Portugal, nestled along the banks of the Tejo River. This destination remains off the beaten track for most tourists, making it perfect for those seeking tranquillity, history, and stunning landscapes.
Located in the Alentejo region, in the district of Portalegre in Portugal, this village is a small historical and cultural treasure that deserves to be explored.
It offers stunning landscapes, trails that wind along the banks of the Tejo River and through lush green landscapes. This short article aims to describe our weekend getaway, which allowed us to explore the village’s gastronomic options, promenades, and river beach.
Belver is served by a train station, on a line that also winds along the banks of the Tejo River. It is located 35 km from the city of Abrantes or 170 km from Lisbon, making it easily accessible for a short retreat during the workweek.
How to get to Belver
Belver is located in central Portugal and is accessible by both car and train.
- By car: From Lisbon, it takes about 2 hours via the A23 motorway.
- By train: Belver has a small railway station – Belver-Gavião – on the Beira Baixa line, connecting Entroncamento and Castelo Branco.
Travelling by train offers a scenic journey along the Tejo River, with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
What to see and do in Belver
Belver Castle
The main attraction is Belver Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress built in the 12th century by the Knights Hospitaller. From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Tejo River and the lush hills that surround the village. The castle is one of Portugal’s best examples of military architecture from this period.
After the castle, you can visit the Soap Museum. This is located in the old Belver Primary School. However, we were unable to visit it.
Belver Beach
Below the castle lies the Belver River Beach (Praia Fluvial do Belver). This river beach is a popular summer spot among locals and visitors alike. It’s perfect for swimming in clean, calm waters or relaxing on the small sandy area surrounded by nature.
Walking Trails
Belver is also an excellent place for hiking lovers. Several trails wind through the hills and along the river, offering unique viewpoints and an opportunity to observe local fauna and flora. During the afternoon, we walked along the Alamal trails, from the Belver Bridge to the Alamal River Beach.
From this riverside we can admire Belver Castle.
Alamal River Beach is located just 2 km after the start of the boardwalk and is a very pleasant place to have a picnic and swim on the riverbanks. The beach has a restaurant and hotel, sand, lifeguards and water sports.
The Alamal walkway is part of the PR1 of Gavião “Arribas do Tejo” and it continues along the banks of the Tagus River and then crosses to the opposite bank at the Belver Dam, passing by the Ortiga River Beach. The walking route is circular, on a 15 km route.
Map with location and accommodations
We stayed at Gavião Nature Village, which provided a Glamping experience. This space has a swimming pool and an excellent restaurant, where we had some meals.
At Praia Fluvial do Alamal, there are also some interesting accommodation options, such as the Alamal River.
FAQ Section
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