Buarcos
Coimbra, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Located 4.11 km from Figueira da Foz, Buarcos holds a Blue Flag award for its environmental standards, water quality, and safety measures. The beach is open throughout the season, though visitors should check local safety conditions before heading out. May, June, and September offer the…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Buarcos
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Buarcos?
Located 4.11 km from Figueira da Foz, Buarcos holds a Blue Flag award for its environmental standards, water quality, and safety measures. The beach is open throughout the season, though visitors should check local safety conditions before heading out.
May, June, and September offer the best weather for a visit. The Blue Flag designation means the beach meets rigorous standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making it a reliable choice for families and those concerned with environmental practices.
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
Buarcos faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11°C | 15°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 14°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 14°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 19°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 14°C | 17°C | Low |
| Dec | 12°C | 16°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Buarcos?
The best time to visit Buarcos is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 18.7°C in July.
How crowded does Buarcos get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Buarcos sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Buarcos open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Buarcos
Is Buarcos safe to swim?
Buarcos is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent.
What is the water temperature at Buarcos?
Peak water temperature at Buarcos reaches around 18.7°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 10.5°C.
What is the beach like at Buarcos?
Buarcos on the Coimbra coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Buarcos sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Buarcos
How do I get to Buarcos by car?
Buarcos is approximately 4.11 km from Figueira da Foz. 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 Buarcos?
The nearest airport is Aerodromo Goncalves Lobato (Viseu Airport) (VSE), approximately 104.9 km away.
Can I get to Buarcos by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Figueira da Foz. The nearest recorded bus stop is 284 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Buarcos?
Buarcos lists Figueira da Foz as the nearest railway station, 4.71 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Buarcos
Open the map or get directions to the Buarcos pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
On the beach
Facilities at Buarcos
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking)
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | July – October |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 930 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 284 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.1718°N, 8.8932°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Buarcos FAQ
Is Buarcos suitable for children?
Buarcos has a child-friendly score of 1/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Buarcos free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Buarcos. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Coimbra, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Buarcos?
The best time to visit Buarcos is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 18.7°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Buarcos?
Buarcos is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent.
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Buarcos?
Buarcos is located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is approximately 4.11 km from Figueira da Foz. The nearest airport is Aerodromo Goncalves Lobato (Viseu Airport) (VSE), 104.9 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
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.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Buarcos
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.