The region around Quinta do Retiro (Tábua and Oliveira do Hospital) with its rivers, reservoirs, and proximity to the Serra da Estrela, offers a surprising number of water sports opportunities. Kayaking and canoeing are very popular here. Here are 5 recommendations & contacts:
- Kayaking on the Reservoirs (Barragens) – Peaceful & Scenic
Where: The large reservoirs are perfect for relaxing trips.
Barragem da Aguieira: A huge lake on the border of three rivers (Mondego, Dão, and Alva). Calm waters, beautifully surrounded by hills. Ideal for a day trip with a picnic.
Barragem de Santa Luzia: Closer to Tábua, smaller and more intimate.
What to do: Gentle paddling, birdwatching, swimming from your kayak. Perfect for families and beginners.
Practical: You usually need to bring your own equipment or rent it in larger cities (Coimbra, Viseu). Sometimes there are local rental companies at recreational areas; inquire at the tourist office.
- River Descent on the Rio Alva or Mondego (Tours & Rafting)
· Where: The upper reaches of the Rio Alva (upstream from Oliveira do Hospital) and parts of the Rio Mondego offer more exciting water.
· What to do:
· Organized Rafting/Kayaking Tours: Companies from Seia or the Serra da Estrela offer rafting (more whitewater) and guided river descents in canoes or kayaks. This is the best and safest way for adventure.
· Self-guided Tour (for experienced kayakers): Research the route thoroughly! Water levels can vary considerably.
· Practical: Search for “Rafting Serra da Estrela” or “Descida do Alva” for providers. These often include transportation, equipment, and a guide.
- Canoeing through the Schist Villages – Combining Culture & Nature
· Where: A unique way to explore the Aldeias do Xisto is from the water. Some villages are located on rivers.
· Sample route: A trip on the Rio Zêzere (a little further away, in the Serra da Estrela) offers views of dramatic landscapes. At Piódão, you can paddle in the nearby rivers.
· What to do: Plan a leisurely canoe trip to a schist village, combined with hiking and a local lunch.
· Practical: This usually requires your own boat transport. Inquire locally about possible access points.
· 4. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) at the River Beaches
· Where: On the calmer sections of the rivers and at the river beaches.
· Praia Fluvial de S. Sebastião (Tábua): Perfect, flat, and accessible water.
· Praia Fluvial de Avô: Where the Alva and Mondego rivers meet, a beautiful setting.
· What to do: SUP is ideal for learning, relaxing, and seeing the landscape from a new perspective. It’s also great for a yoga session on the board.
· Practical: You’ll most likely need to bring your own SUP board. During peak season, rentals are sometimes available at the larger beaches (ask at the beach bar).
- Canyoning & Coasteering in Mountain Streams
· Where: In the tributaries and gorges of the Serra da Estrela (e.g., near Manteigas or Seia).
· What to do: This is the ultimate adventure water sport. It’s not kayaking, but a combination of hiking, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming through spectacular mountain streams and waterfalls.
· Practical: ALWAYS do it with a certified guide! There are specialized companies in the Serra da Estrela that provide equipment and guidance. Requires good physical condition and a good sense of water.
Essential Practical Tips:
· Rentals & Guides: Find providers in Seia or Manteigas. Ask at the Tourist Office in Oliveira do Hospital for the latest contacts for boat rentals or tours.
· Water Level: Water levels are crucial, especially in rivers. In late spring (meltwater), the water is higher and rougher, while in late summer it’s often lower and calmer.
· Safety: Always wear a life jacket and check the weather forecast. Winds can pick up suddenly on reservoirs.
· Combination: Most water sports locations are also perfect for swimming and picnicking.
Conclusion: For relaxed kayaking or SUPing, choose the reservoirs or river beaches. For an adventurous, guided trip on flowing water, head to the Rio Alva or book a canyoning tour in the Serra da Estrela. Have fun on the water!
Here are the websites and contact details of reliable, established companies in the region that organize water sports activities. Important: Opening times and offerings may vary depending on the season, so always contact them in advance or book online.
- For Rafting, Kayaking & Canyoning (Serra da Estrela & Rio Alva)
These companies specialize in river adventure activities and operate from the Serra da Estrela, close to your area.
· Portugal Rafting (Manteigas)
· Activities: Rafting, hydrospeed, canyoning, and kayaking on the Rio Zêzere and Mondego rivers.
· Website: https://portugalrafting.com/
· Phone: +351 966 782 623
· Note: Very professional and one of the largest providers in the natural park.
· Nevisport Portugal (Seia)
· Activities: Rafting, canyoning, kayaking, and more. Website: https://www.nevisport.pt/
Phone: +351 919 702 932
Note: Located in Seia, on the northern side of the Serra, perfect for trips on the upper reaches of the rivers.
Água Montanha Lazer (Gouveia)
Activities: Canyoning, Rafting, Orienteering.
Website: https://aguamontanha.com/
Phone: +351 913 453 219
Note: Smaller and personal company, operating in the central Serra.
- For Quiet Kayaking & SUP on Reservoirs
For the quieter lakes, you often have to look a little further for rental companies or tour providers.
Kayak Montanha (Vila Nova de Tazem, near Gouveia)
Activities: Guided kayak tours on the Serra da Estrela reservoirs (e.g., Barragem da Lagoa).
Facebook Page: Search for “Kayak Montanha” (active on social media).
Phone: +351 925 576 823 (contact via Messenger or phone is recommended).
Note: Specializes in kayaking, less so in extreme whitewater.
Clubs & Local Rentals (Tábua/Oliveira do Hospital):
Canöc – Clube de Canoagem de Oliveira do Hospital:
This is the local canoe club. They organize trips and are knowledgeable about the rivers (Alva, Mondego) in the area.
Contact: Find them on Facebook (“Canöc Oliveira do Hospital”). They can often refer you to rentals or join an organized tour.
· Municipality of Tábua (Municipality):
· The Tourist Office (Posto de Turismo) in Tábua can provide the most up-to-date information on who rents kayaks or SUPs at Praia Fluvial de S. Sebastião during the summer months.
· Municipality website: https://www.cm-tabua.pt/
· Tourist Office phone: +351 235 410 300 (ask for “Turismo”).
- Most Reliable Source for Up-to-Date Information: Porta da Estrela
· What: The official tourist information center for the Serra da Estrela region. They have an extensive database of all recognized activity providers. Website: https://portadaestrela.pt/
Navigation: Go to the website, click on “Where to Go” and then on “Activities & Experiences.” Choose filters like “Aquatic Sports” or “Aventura.”
Why it’s useful: Here you’re guaranteed to find active and reliable companies with contact information.
Practical Search Tips for the Road:
- Google Maps: Search near the reservoirs (Aguieira, Santa Luzia) or in villages like Seia, Manteigas, or Gouveia for:
· aluguer kayak (kayak rental)
· passeio de barco (boat trip)
· atividades náuticas (water sports activities) - Ask Locally: At the reception of your accommodation, in a local café, or at the Tourist Information Office in Oliveira do Hospital (+351 238 605 400), they can often call someone directly or provide the latest brochure.
Safety Tip: For organized adventure activities (rafting, canyoning), always use a reputable company with certified guides, such as the companies mentioned. For calm lakes and rivers, local rental companies and associations are perfect.
Have fun and sail safely!
