Anca
Coimbra, Portugal
The river pool draws water from the Fonte de Ançã and sits in the center of Ançã village. It's open during summer months in the bathing season, with two lifeguards on duty daily.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Anca
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Anca?
The river pool draws water from the Fonte de Ançã and sits in the center of Ançã village. It's open during summer months in the bathing season, with two lifeguards on duty daily.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Coimbra, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Anca faces W toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 10°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 12°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 16°C | Low |
| Jun | 19°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jul | 22°C | 20°C | High |
| Aug | 22°C | 21°C | High |
| Sep | 21°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 13°C | 13°C | Low |
| Dec | 10°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Anca is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 21.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 20.3°C in July.
How crowded does Anca get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Anca sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Anca open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (13-06 – 13-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Anca
Is Anca safe to swim?Anca is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Anca?Peak water temperature at Anca reaches around <span class="inline-stat">20.3°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 9.5°C.
What is the beach like at Anca?Anca on the Coimbra coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Anca have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Anca meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season.
Anca sits on the Atlantic Ocean — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Planning a trip to Portugal? Blue Flag Beaches Portugal — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Anca
How do I get to Anca by car?Anca is approximately 10.07 km from Cantanhede. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Anca?The nearest airport is Viseu Airport (VSE) (VSE), approximately 73.7 km away.
Can I get to Anca by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Cantanhede.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 13-06 – 13-09 |
| Beach Type | Rocky shore |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.2725°N, 8.5251°W |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Anca FAQ
Is Anca suitable for children?
Anca is a Blue Flag certified beach in Coimbra, Portugal. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, providing an important safety layer for families. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Anca free to access?
Yes, access to Anca is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Anca?
The best time to visit Anca is June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 20.3°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 21.8°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Anca?
Anca is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Anca?
Anca is located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is approximately 10.07 km from Cantanhede. The nearest airport is Viseu Airport (VSE) (VSE), 73.7 km away. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
Explore More
More Blue Flag Beaches in Portugal
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status — from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Portugal — rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore PortugalWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal — not just a marketing tool.
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