Foz Do Arelho Lagoa
Leiria, Portugal — Excellent water quality
Located 8.29 km from Caldas da Rainha, Foz Do Arelho Lagoa holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. June and September are the…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Foz Do Arelho Lagoa
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Foz Do Arelho Lagoa?
Located 8.29 km from Caldas da Rainha, Foz Do Arelho Lagoa holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. June and September are the best months to go. If you're traveling with family or care about environmental practices, this beach is a solid choice.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Leiria, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Foz Do Arelho Lagoa 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 | 15°C | 15°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jun | 19°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 19°C | High |
| Aug | 21°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 20°C | 18°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 19°C | Low |
| Nov | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 13°C | Low |
The best time to visit Foz Do Arelho Lagoa is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 20.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 18.6°C in July.
How crowded does Foz Do Arelho Lagoa get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Foz Do Arelho Lagoa sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Foz Do Arelho Lagoa 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 Foz Do Arelho Lagoa
Is Foz Do Arelho Lagoa safe to swim?Foz Do Arelho Lagoa 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 Foz Do Arelho Lagoa?Peak water temperature at Foz Do Arelho Lagoa reaches around <span class="inline-stat">18.6°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.5°C.
What is the beach like at Foz Do Arelho Lagoa?Foz Do Arelho Lagoa on the Leiria coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Foz Do Arelho Lagoa have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Foz Do Arelho Lagoa meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Foz Do Arelho Lagoa 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 Foz Do Arelho Lagoa
How do I get to Foz Do Arelho Lagoa by car?Foz Do Arelho Lagoa is approximately 8.29 km from Caldas da Rainha. 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 Foz Do Arelho Lagoa?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 290.1 km away.
Can I get to Foz Do Arelho Lagoa by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Caldas da Rainha.
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 | 39.4301°N, 9.2264°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Foz Do Arelho Lagoa FAQ
Is Foz Do Arelho Lagoa suitable for children?
Foz Do Arelho Lagoa is a Blue Flag certified beach in Leiria, 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 Foz Do Arelho Lagoa free to access?
Yes, access to Foz Do Arelho Lagoa 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 Foz Do Arelho Lagoa?
The best time to visit Foz Do Arelho Lagoa is June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 18.6°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 20.1°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 Foz Do Arelho Lagoa?
Foz Do Arelho Lagoa 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 Foz Do Arelho Lagoa?
Foz Do Arelho Lagoa is located in Leiria, Portugal. It is approximately 8.29 km from Caldas da Rainha. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 290.1 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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