Gambôa
Leiria, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Gamboa is a beach in Leiria, Portugal, 4.92 km from Peniche. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open year-round, though June and September offer the best conditions. July…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Gambôa
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Gambôa?
Gamboa is a beach in Leiria, Portugal, 4.92 km from Peniche. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open year-round, though June and September offer the best conditions. July and August draw the most visitors. Check local water safety information before swimming. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making Gamboa a solid choice for families and swimmers.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Leiria, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Gambôa 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 | 14°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 15°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jun | 19°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 20°C | 18°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 13°C | Low |
The best time to visit Gambôa is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 18.4°C in July.
How crowded does Gambôa get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Gambôa sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Gambôa 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 Gambôa
Is Gambôa safe to swim?Gambôa 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 Gambôa?Peak water temperature at Gambôa reaches around 18.4°C 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 Gambôa?Gambôa on the Leiria coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Gambôa have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Gambôa meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Gambôa 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 Gambôa
How do I get to Gambôa by car?Gambôa is approximately 4.92 km from Peniche. 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 Gambôa?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 283.0 km away.
Can I get to Gambôa by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Peniche.
Is there a train to Gambôa?Gambôa lists São Mamede as the nearest railway station, 14.93 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Gambôa
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Gambôa. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Parking near Gambôa
- Parking Parking 319 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 | ✗ |
| Official Season | July – October |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 860 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.3174°N, 9.3529°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Gambôa FAQ
Is Gambôa suitable for children?
Gambôa has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Gambôa free to access?
Access to Gambôa 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 Gambôa?
The best time to visit Gambôa 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 18.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Gambôa?
Gambôa 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 Gambôa?
Gambôa is located in Leiria, Portugal. It is approximately 4.92 km from Peniche. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 283.0 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there parking near Gambôa?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 319 m from Gambôa. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © 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 Gambôa
- 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.