Costa de Lavos
Coimbra, Portugal: Good water quality
Costa De Lavos is a Blue Flag beach in Coimbra, Portugal, meeting rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach operates seasonally, and visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. May, June,…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Costa de Lavos
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Costa de Lavos?
Costa De Lavos is a Blue Flag beach in Coimbra, Portugal, meeting rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach operates seasonally, and visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. It's a solid choice for families and travelers concerned about environmental standards.
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
Costa de Lavos 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 | 10°C | 7°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Nov | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Dec | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
The best time to visit Costa de Lavos is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 16.9°C in July.
How crowded does Costa de Lavos get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Costa de Lavos sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Costa de Lavos 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 Costa de Lavos
Is Costa de Lavos safe to swim?Costa de Lavos is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Good. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Costa de Lavos?Peak water temperature at Costa de Lavos reaches around 16.9°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 10.4°C.
What is the beach like at Costa de Lavos?Costa de Lavos on the Coimbra coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Costa de Lavos have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Costa de Lavos meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Costa de Lavos 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 Costa de Lavos
How do I get to Costa de Lavos by car?Costa de Lavos is approximately 0.38 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 Costa de Lavos?The nearest airport is Viseu Airport (VSE) (VSE), approximately 103.7 km away.
Can I get to Costa de Lavos 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 202 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Costa de Lavos?Costa de Lavos lists Figueira da Foz as the nearest railway station, 0.37 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Costa de Lavos
Open the map or get directions to the Costa de Lavos 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)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 100 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 202 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.1485°N, 8.8512°W |
| Water Quality | Good (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa de Lavos FAQ
Is Costa de Lavos suitable for children?
Costa de Lavos has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Costa de Lavos free to access?
Access to Costa de Lavos is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. 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 Costa de Lavos?
The best time to visit Costa de Lavos 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 16.9°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Costa de Lavos?
Costa de Lavos is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Good. 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 Costa de Lavos?
Costa de Lavos is located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is approximately 0.38 km from Figueira da Foz. The nearest airport is Viseu Airport (VSE) (VSE), 103.7 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
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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.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Costa de Lavos
- 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.