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 west 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 | 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 Excellent. 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 20.2°C 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. The nearest recorded bus stop is 188 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Fontinha
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Fontinha. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Fontinha
- Public toilets Public toilets 360 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 376 m
Bus near Fontinha
- Centro Bus stop 188 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 189 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 197 m
Cafés near Fontinha
- La Siesta Restaurant 48 m
- O Golfinho Café 95 m
- Tábua Rasa Restaurant 134 m
- Pingo Doce Restaurant 154 m
- Di Lorenzo Restaurant 209 m
Parking near Fontinha
- Parking Parking 143 m
- Parking Parking 147 m
- Parking Parking 156 m
- Parking Parking 182 m
- Parking Parking 214 m
Supermarket near Fontinha
- Pingo Doce Supermarket 171 m
- Pingo Doce Supermarket 257 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | June – December |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 190 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 188 m from the 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 has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Fontinha free to access?
Access to Fontinha is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Fontinha?
The best time to visit Fontinha 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 20.2°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Fontinha?
Fontinha 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 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. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Fontinha?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Fontinha, including 360 m away and 376 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Fontinha?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 188 m from Fontinha (Centro), plus 2 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Fontinha?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Fontinha, including La Siesta (48 m), O Golfinho (95 m), Tábua Rasa (134 m), and Pingo Doce (154 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Fontinha?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 143 m from Fontinha, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Fontinha?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 171 m from Fontinha (Pingo Doce). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
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.
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 Fontinha
- 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.