Madalena Norte
Porto, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Madalena Norte is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 71.99 km from Valbom. The beach holds the Blue Flag award, which is granted annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education and indicates strong water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Madalena Norte
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Madalena Norte?
Madalena Norte is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 71.99 km from Valbom. The beach holds the Blue Flag award, which is granted annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education and indicates strong water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety.
The best months to visit are May, June, and September, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions. The beach is open throughout the season and works well for families and swimmers.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Porto, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Madalena Norte 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 | 10°C | 7°C | Low |
| Feb | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Mar | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| May | 16°C | 13°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Nov | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Dec | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
The best time to visit Madalena Norte is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 20.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 17.6°C in July.
How crowded does Madalena Norte get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Madalena Norte sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Madalena Norte 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 Madalena Norte
Is Madalena Norte safe to swim?Madalena Norte 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 Madalena Norte?Peak water temperature at Madalena Norte reaches around 17.6°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 9.8°C.
What is the beach like at Madalena Norte?Madalena Norte on the Porto coast of Portugal. The best months to visit are May, June, and September, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions. The beach is open throughout the season and works well for families and swimmers.
Does Madalena Norte have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Madalena Norte meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Madalena Norte 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 Madalena Norte
How do I get to Madalena Norte by car?Madalena Norte is approximately 71.99 km from Valbom. 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 Madalena Norte?The nearest airport is Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) (OPO), approximately 15.1 km away.
Can I get to Madalena Norte by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Valbom. The nearest recorded bus stop is 203 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Madalena Norte?Madalena Norte lists Madalena as the nearest railway station, 2.22 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Madalena Norte
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Madalena Norte. 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 Madalena Norte
- Public toilets Public toilets 391 m
Bus near Madalena Norte
- Chão Vermelho Bus stop 203 m
- Cruzamento Agro de Cima Bus stop 251 m
- Cruzamento Agro de Cima Bus stop 283 m
- João Paulo II Bus stop 308 m
- Rua das Chieiras Bus stop 402 m
Cafés near Madalena Norte
- Ar d'Mar Café 253 m
- Grão d'Areia Bar Restaurante Restaurant 375 m
- Restaurante Mara Mar Restaurant 400 m
Parking near Madalena Norte
- Parking Parking 167 m
- Parking Parking 184 m
- Parking Parking 206 m
- Parking Parking 257 m
- Parking Parking 258 m
Supermarket near Madalena Norte
- Continente Bom Dia Supermarket 422 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 | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (street-side parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 420 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 203 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 41.1131°N, 8.6642°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Madalena Norte FAQ
Is Madalena Norte suitable for children?
Madalena Norte has a child-friendly score of 4/10. Facilities include showers, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Madalena Norte free to access?
Access to Madalena Norte is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Porto, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Madalena Norte?
The best time to visit Madalena Norte 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 17.6°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Madalena Norte?
Madalena Norte 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 Madalena Norte?
Madalena Norte is located in Porto, Portugal. It is approximately 71.99 km from Valbom. The nearest airport is Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) (OPO), 15.1 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 Madalena Norte?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Madalena Norte, including 391 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 Madalena Norte?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 203 m from Madalena Norte (Chão Vermelho), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Madalena Norte?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 3 cafés or restaurants near Madalena Norte, including Ar d'Mar (253 m), Grão d'Areia Bar Restaurante (375 m), and Restaurante Mara Mar (400 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Madalena Norte?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 167 m from Madalena Norte, 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 Madalena Norte?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 422 m from Madalena Norte (Continente Bom Dia). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © 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 Madalena Norte
- 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.