Maia
Portugal
Maia is a beach on the Portugal coastline, located 1470.08 km from Almagreira. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Maia
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Maia?
Maia is a beach on the Portugal coastline, located 1470.08 km from Almagreira. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
The best time to visit is May, June, or September. July and August are peak season and draw the largest crowds. Check local water safety conditions before swimming.
The beach welcomes visitors year-round and is a solid choice for families and swimmers.
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
Maia 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 | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Feb | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Aug | 22°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
The best time to visit Maia is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 20.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 17.4°C in July.
How crowded does Maia get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Maia sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Maia 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 Maia
Is Maia safe to swim?Maia is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Maia?Peak water temperature at Maia reaches around 17.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 15.8°C.
What is the beach like at Maia?Maia of Portugal. The best time to visit is May, June, or September. July and August are peak season and draw the largest crowds. Check local water safety conditions before swimming.
Does Maia have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Maia meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Maia 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 Maia
How do I get to Maia by car?Maia is approximately 1470.08 km from Almagreira. 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 Maia?The nearest airport is Santa Maria Airport (SMA) (SMA), approximately 5.1 km away.
Can I get to Maia by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Almagreira.
Map
Find Maia
Open the map or get directions to the Maia pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✗ No parking listed nearby |
| Nearest supermarket | 2 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.9477°N, 25.1214°W |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Maia FAQ
Is Maia suitable for children?
Maia is Blue Flag certified in Portugal, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Maia free to access?
Access to Maia is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Maia?
The best time to visit Maia 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 17.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Maia?
Maia is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. 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 Maia?
Maia is located in Portugal. It is approximately 1470.08 km from Almagreira. The nearest airport is Santa Maria Airport (SMA) (SMA), 5.1 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
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 Maia
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.