“The RMC is establishing itself within Central Portugal with an increasingly clear proposition: we are a destination for authentic experiences where heritage, nature, gastronomy, science, culture, and water converge,” highlighted Helena Teodósio, the organisation's president.

Teodósio, who also serves as mayor of the municipality of Cantanhede, emphasised that the guide’s third edition, launched late this morning at the Ançã River Beach (in the municipality of Cantanhede, within the Coimbra district), is a tool to strengthen the region's identity. Stretching from the coast to the interior, the region uses water as its central, unifying theme.

This guide to “dips with soul” is organised into zones, in coordination with the Coimbra Region Nautical Station, allowing visitors to “interpret the territory in a simpler, more intuitive, and more practical way: the Atlantic coast, the Aguieira-Mondego axis, and the Pinhal Interior.”

“The water we have is diverse. It is the sea, our Atlantic. It is the river, the Mondego, the Ceira, the Alva, and so many other watercourses. It's reservoirs. It is a natural pool. It is river beaches,” Helena Teodósio underscored.

The RMC president highlighted that nautical activities represent a “strategic opportunity” for the region today, creating a value chain that involves operators, accommodation providers, restaurants, tourism activity organisers, schools, clubs, events, municipalities, environmental agencies, and tourism promotion bodies.

During the presentation, Helena Teodósio noted that over 100 nautical events have already been identified across the region—a figure she described as “highly significant.”

“It shows there is dynamism, it shows there is community, and it shows that the water is not merely a backdrop: it is about programming, participation, and the ability to attract people throughout the year, not just at the peak of summer,” she highlighted.

Comprising 19 municipalities, the RMC covers an area of over 4,000 square kilometres, featuring approximately 50 kilometres of coastline, more than 70 beaches and bathing areas, and 37 identified outdoor pools. This includes 32 accessible beaches, 24 with Blue Flag status, and around 20 with Gold Quality status.

“These figures are a source of great pride and are unparalleled in any other region of the country,” emphasised the RMC president, noting that behind every flag, facility, and lifeguard-patrolled beach lies “a great deal of work” to ensure residents and visitors can enjoy these spaces with quality, safety, and responsibility.

The third edition of the *Coimbra Region Beach and Bathing Area Guide (2026)* will be available online and at municipal tourist offices, and will be promoted at tourism trade fairs and events.

“This guide is not just an inventory of places to go for a swim. It is a gateway to getting to know the RMC better through its waters,” summarised Helena Teodósio, highlighting the region's diversity—featuring the sea, rivers, mountains, villages, natural pools, river beaches, and various events.