Baleia
Lisbon, Portugal — Excellent water quality
Also known as Praia da Baleia (Whale Beach), named after a whale that washed ashore here in 1872. Located at the southern end of town next to the hotel, this beach draws plenty of visitors. It has lifeguards on duty, public toilets, showers, and parking—practical…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Baleia
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Baleia?
Also known as Praia da Baleia (Whale Beach), named after a whale that washed ashore here in 1872. Located at the southern end of town next to the hotel, this beach draws plenty of visitors. It has lifeguards on duty, public toilets, showers, and parking—practical amenities that make it easy to spend a full day here. The beach also has a SOS system for emergencies.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Lisbon, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Baleia 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 | 12°C | 12°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 12°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 13°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 15°C | Low |
| Jun | 18°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 20°C | 18°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 13°C | Low |
The best time to visit Baleia is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 18.1°C in July.
How crowded does Baleia get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Baleia sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Baleia 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 Baleia
Is Baleia safe to swim?Baleia is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Baleia?Peak water temperature at Baleia reaches around <span class="inline-stat">18.1°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.9°C.
What is the beach like at Baleia?Baleia is a sandy beach on the Lisbon coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Baleia have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Baleia meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Baleia 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 Baleia
How do I get to Baleia by car?Baleia is approximately 0.77 km from Ericeira. 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 Baleia?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 250.2 km away.
Can I get to Baleia by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ericeira.
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 | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | 13-06 – 13-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.9566°N, 9.4145°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Baleia FAQ
Is Baleia suitable for children?
Baleia is a Blue Flag certified beach in Lisbon, Portugal. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, providing an important safety layer for families. Shower facilities are available. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Baleia free to access?
Yes, access to Baleia is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Parking is available nearby; check local signs for any parking charges. Facilities including showers and toilets 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 Baleia?
The best time to visit Baleia is June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 18.1°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 19.6°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 Baleia?
Baleia is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. 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 Baleia?
Baleia is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is approximately 0.77 km from Ericeira. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 250.2 km away. Parking is available at or near the beach. 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.
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