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About this place
Azibo Reservoir Protected Landscape (Paisagem Protegida da Albufeira do Azibo) is a protected area in northeastern Portugal, about 12 km from Macedo de Cavaleiros and about 30 km from Bragança. It is one of 30 areas officially protected in the country, and at its heart lies a reservoir with two river beaches.
What is Azibo and how did it come about?
The reservoir was originally built for agricultural irrigation. Over time the area was designated a protected landscape, and today it is also part of the Natura 2000 network. It lies within the UNESCO Meseta Ibérica Transboundary Biosphere Reserve as well, which underlines its natural value on both sides of the Spanish border.
Where is it and how do you get there?
Azibo sits in the Bragança district, in the Trás-os-Montes region. From Macedo de Cavaleiros you follow the IP4 road, and the beaches lie less than a kilometre from it. That makes the site easy to reach by car, though getting around the region without your own transport can be harder.
Which river beaches are on the reservoir?
Two beaches operate on the shore: Fraga da Pegada and Ribeira.
- Fraga da Pegada – according to VisitPortugal, its waters suit swimming and non-motorised water sports such as rowing, windsurfing, canoeing and sailing. The beach holds a Blue Flag.
- Ribeira – located near the village of Santa Combinha, with a floating pool.
In 2024 both beaches received the Prémio Cinco Estrelas Regiões award, as reported by Postal.pt.
What else can you do besides swimming?
Walking and cycling routes cross the area around the reservoir. One of them is a loop of roughly 8.5 km between Podence and Santa Combinha, passing the Ribeira beach. It is a good way to see the landscape away from the shore, at a pace that suits you.
Rules of behaviour at the water
The municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros has published a code of conduct for the Ribeira area. It prohibits camping and asks visitors not to leave litter behind. Because this is a protected area, it makes sense to follow the same rules elsewhere around the reservoir too.
Frequently asked questions
Is Azibo officially a protected area? Yes. It is a Protected Landscape, one of 30 officially protected areas in Portugal, and it is also part of Natura 2000.
Can you swim here? Yes, the reservoir has two river beaches, Fraga da Pegada and Ribeira. Fraga da Pegada has a Blue Flag.
Which water sports are possible? According to VisitPortugal, Fraga da Pegada is used for swimming and non-motorised sports: rowing, windsurfing, canoeing and sailing.
Can I pitch a tent? No, the municipal code of conduct prohibits camping around the Ribeira beach.
How far is it from larger towns? About 12 km to Macedo de Cavaleiros and about 30 km to Bragança.
Are there walking trails? Yes, including a route of roughly 8.5 km between Podence and Santa Combinha that passes the Ribeira beach.
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