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LakeQuality

Updated 2025

Best lakes to swim in Portugal

Best lakes in Portugal: 44 designated bathing waters are rated Excellent for 2025. This list is the 25 with the longest run of that class, of 49 rated sites. The class measures bacteria — it is not a LakeQuality A–F grade or a safety clearance.

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Longest-running Excellent lakes in Portugal

  1. Albufeira da Tapada GrandeExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  2. Albufeira de QueimadelaExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  3. Albufeira do ErmalExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  4. Aldeia do MatoExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  5. AlqueirãoExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  6. CabrilExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  7. Castanheira Ou Lago AzulExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  8. FernandairesExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  9. Fraga da PegadaExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  10. LombaExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  11. MontesExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  12. RibeiraExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  13. Santa LuziaExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  14. Senhora da RibeiraExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  15. Vale do RossimExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  16. Vila Nova-SerraExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  17. ZaboeiraExcellent · Excellent 11/11 seasons
  18. Albufeira da MeimôaExcellent · Excellent 10/11 seasons
  19. CongidaExcellent · Excellent 10/11 seasons
  20. Albufeira do VilarExcellent · Excellent 10/10 seasons
  21. ÁlvaroExcellent · Excellent 10/10 seasons
  22. Santa ClaraExcellent · Excellent 10/10 seasons
  23. Clube Náutico de AvisExcellent · Excellent 9/9 seasons
  24. MourãoExcellent · Excellent 9/9 seasons
  25. Praia Fluvial de MonsarazExcellent · Excellent 9/9 seasons

Frequently asked questions

What are the best lakes to swim in Portugal?
44 of the designated bathing waters in Portugal are rated Excellent for 2025. This page lists the 25 with the longest run of that class. The rating measures bacteria, not nutrients or clarity.
Is it safe to swim in Portugal lakes?
An Excellent class is not a safety clearance. It does not cover algal blooms, depth, or currents. Conditions change after heavy rain. Check local notices the day you go.
Does LakeQuality give A–F grades for lakes in Portugal?
No. Best-lakes lists for Portugal use the authority's own Excellent to Poor class. A letter on the LakeQuality scale would be an invention.

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Where to stay near Portugal

Lakeside stays near the best-rated swim sites in Portugal — live availability from Booking.com, Vrbo and Expedia.

Top-rated places to stay near Portugal

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