Ponte Do Bico

Portugal River 1 - Excellent

Ponte do Bico is a rural beach located in the Cávado river basin near Braga, Portugal. The beach features lawn areas and wooded sections with oak trees and other vegetation. A bar, toilets, picnic area, and parking are available. Users should be aware that a mini-hydraulic power station located 250 meters upstream can cause water discharges, and visitors must follow safety rules and obey lifeguard instructions.

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Water

Cávado River. Water body code: PT02CAV0090.

Location

Municipality of Braga, Portugal. Coordinates: 41.60541° latitude, -8.43105° longitude. Parking and facilities are available on-site.

Facilities

Bar, toilets, picnic area, parking, lifeguards.

Season

June 14 to September 14, 2025. Weekly sampling frequency.

Water Quality

Water quality is monitored weekly. No bathing restrictions or advisories due to short-term pollution occurred during the 2024 bathing season. Potential microbiological pollution sources include faecal contamination from illegal wastewater discharges, rainwater drainage networks, and malfunctions in upstream sanitation infrastructure (Marta pumping station). Short-term pollution events (lasting 72 hours or less) can occur from rainfall, illegal effluent discharges, or infrastructure failures.

Risks

Water discharges from the Ponte do Bico mini-hydraulic power station located 250 meters upstream. Risk of short-term microbiological pollution from precipitation, illegal wastewater discharges, and sanitation infrastructure failures. Low potential for cyanobacteria, macroalgae, or phytoplankton proliferation.