Furnas Mar
Portugal — Excellent water quality
Furnas Mar is a beach on the Portugal coast with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Furnas Mar
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Furnas Mar?
Furnas Mar is a beach on the Portugal coast with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before you go. May, June, and September are the best months to visit. It's a reliable choice if you care about swimming in clean water and supporting beaches with strong environmental practices.
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
Furnas Mar faces S 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 | 12°C | 12°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 13°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 14°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| May | 18°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jun | 20°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 20°C | High |
| Aug | 22°C | 20°C | High |
| Sep | 21°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 19°C | 19°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 13°C | Low |
The best time to visit Furnas Mar is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 21.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.6°C in July.
How crowded does Furnas Mar get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Furnas Mar sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Furnas Mar 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 Furnas Mar
Is Furnas Mar safe to swim?Furnas Mar 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 Furnas Mar?Peak water temperature at Furnas Mar reaches around <span class="inline-stat">19.6°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.8°C.
What is the beach like at Furnas Mar?Furnas Mar of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Furnas Mar have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Furnas Mar meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Furnas Mar 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 Furnas Mar
How do I get to Furnas Mar by car?Furnas Mar is located in Portugal. 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 Furnas Mar?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 106.0 km away.
Can I get to Furnas Mar by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Portugal.
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 | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 37.7152°N, 8.7870°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Furnas Mar FAQ
Is Furnas Mar suitable for children?
Furnas Mar 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 Furnas Mar free to access?
Yes, access to Furnas Mar 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 beach amenities 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 Furnas Mar?
The best time to visit Furnas Mar is May, June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 19.6°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 21.1°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 Furnas Mar?
Furnas Mar 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 Furnas Mar?
Furnas Mar is located in Portugal. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 106.0 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
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Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status — from water quality to environmental education.
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