The plans were announced by the local council and form part of a larger initiative to restore and enhance the river in the parishes of Souto Santa Maria, Souto São Salvador and Gondomar.

According to reports by Lusa, cited by Público, construction is expected to begin before the end of this year.

The project was officially presented at Palácio Vila Flor, where Guimarães Mayor Ricardo Araújo and Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho signed the funding agreements.

Speaking at the event, the minister highlighted the dramatic improvement in the River Ave's water quality, noting that a river beach can only be created if the water meets the Portuguese Environment Agency's standards for excellent quality.

She said the achievement reflects years of work to restore a river that was once heavily affected by pollution from industries located along its banks.

Alongside the new river beach, the municipality will also renovate Jardim D. Afonso I as part of a programme aimed at restoring urban ecosystems.

The park redevelopment is expected to cost around €4 million, with funding provided by both the municipality and Portugal's Environmental Fund. The new river beach will also receive financial support from the Environmental Fund, which is contributing €500,000 towards the project, while the remaining costs will be covered by the local authority.

Once completed, the new bathing area will become the first officially recognised river beach in the municipality, offering residents and visitors a new leisure space on the banks of the River Ave.