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 west toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
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 Excellent. 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 18.6°C 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. The nearest recorded bus stop is 351 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Foz do Arelho Lagoa?Foz do Arelho Lagoa lists Caldas da Rainha as the nearest railway station, 7.84 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Foz do Arelho Lagoa
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Foz do Arelho Lagoa. 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 Foz do Arelho Lagoa
- Public toilets Public toilets 233 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 427 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 478 m
Bus near Foz do Arelho Lagoa
- Bus stop Bus stop 351 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 354 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 393 m
Cafés near Foz do Arelho Lagoa
- Cais da Praia Restaurant 210 m
- O'clock Caffé Café 231 m
- Inatel Foz do Arelho Restaurant 312 m
- Cabana do Pescador Restaurant 344 m
- Doce Mar Café 362 m
Parking near Foz do Arelho Lagoa
- Parking Parking 279 m
- Parking Parking 332 m
- Parking Parking 384 m
- Parking Parking 386 m
- Parking Parking 391 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 | July – October |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (street-side parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.3 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 351 m from the 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 has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Foz do Arelho Lagoa free to access?
Access to Foz do Arelho Lagoa is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Leiria, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Foz do Arelho Lagoa?
The best time to visit Foz do Arelho Lagoa is 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 18.6°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Foz do Arelho Lagoa?
Foz do Arelho Lagoa 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 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. 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 Foz do Arelho Lagoa?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 3 toilet locations near Foz do Arelho Lagoa, including 233 m away, 427 m away, and 478 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 Foz do Arelho Lagoa?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 351 m from Foz do Arelho Lagoa (Bus stop), plus 2 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Foz do Arelho Lagoa?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Foz do Arelho Lagoa, including Cais da Praia (210 m), O'clock Caffé (231 m), Inatel Foz do Arelho (312 m), and Cabana do Pescador (344 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Foz do Arelho Lagoa?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 279 m from Foz do Arelho Lagoa, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
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 Foz do Arelho Lagoa
- 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.