Fontinha
Portugal — Excellent water quality
Fontinha is a Blue Flag beach on Portugal's coast, meeting rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. May, June, and September offer the best weather. The Blue Flag designation means the…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Fontinha
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Fontinha?
Fontinha is a Blue Flag beach on Portugal's coast, meeting rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. May, June, and September offer the best weather. The Blue Flag designation means the beach meets Foundation for Environmental Education criteria—a reliable indicator for families and environmentally minded travelers.
It is part of a wider group of certified beaches throughout Portugal that meet FEE's annual standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Fontinha faces W toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, 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 | 17°C | 17°C | Low |
| Feb | 16°C | 17°C | Low |
| Mar | 17°C | 17°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 18°C | Low |
| May | 19°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 20°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jul | 22°C | 20°C | High |
| Aug | 23°C | 21°C | High |
| Sep | 23°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 22°C | 22°C | Low |
| Nov | 19°C | 20°C | Low |
| Dec | 18°C | 18°C | Low |
The best time to visit Fontinha is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 21.7°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 20.2°C in July.
How crowded does Fontinha get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Fontinha sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Fontinha 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 Fontinha
Is Fontinha safe to swim?Fontinha 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>. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Fontinha?Peak water temperature at Fontinha reaches around <span class="inline-stat">20.2°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 16.9°C.
What is the beach like at Fontinha?Fontinha of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Fontinha have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Fontinha meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Fontinha 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 Fontinha
How do I get to Fontinha by car?Fontinha is approximately 0.87 km from Porto Santo. 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 Fontinha?The nearest airport is Porto Santo Airport (PXO) (PXO), approximately 2.3 km away.
Can I get to Fontinha by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Porto Santo.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 33.0590°N, 16.3316°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Fontinha FAQ
Is Fontinha suitable for children?
Fontinha is a Blue Flag certified beach in Portugal. 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 Fontinha free to access?
Yes, access to Fontinha 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 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 Fontinha?
The best time to visit Fontinha is May, June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 20.2°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 21.7°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 Fontinha?
Fontinha 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 Fontinha?
Fontinha is located in Portugal. It is approximately 0.87 km from Porto Santo. The nearest airport is Porto Santo Airport (PXO) (PXO), 2.3 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.
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.
Read more