Mata
Setúbal, Portugal — Excellent water quality
A rural beach 370 metres long, set back from the main urban area. The access roads are unpaved but well-maintained. Wooden boardwalks lead down to the Bar da Ponte beach bar. There's unpaved parking available nearby. The beach has phone network coverage, a sealed cesspool,…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Mata
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Mata?
A rural beach 370 metres long, set back from the main urban area. The access roads are unpaved but well-maintained. Wooden boardwalks lead down to the Bar da Ponte beach bar. There's unpaved parking available nearby. The beach has phone network coverage, a sealed cesspool, and regular water supply. The beach itself is sandy throughout.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Setúbal, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Mata faces E toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in 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 | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| May | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Jun | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jul | 22°C | 19°C | High |
| Aug | 22°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Oct | 19°C | 16°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Mata is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 22.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.1°C in July.
How crowded does Mata get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Mata sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Mata open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-06 – 30-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Mata
Is Mata safe to swim?Mata 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>. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Mata?Peak water temperature at Mata reaches around <span class="inline-stat">19.1°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.4°C.
What is the beach like at Mata?Mata is a sandy beach on the Setúbal coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Mata have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Mata meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Parking is available nearby.
Mata 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 Mata
How do I get to Mata by car?Mata is approximately 5.95 km from Costa da Caparica. 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 Mata?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 206.5 km away.
Can I get to Mata by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Costa da Caparica.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01-06 – 30-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.5953°N, 9.2066°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Mata FAQ
Is Mata suitable for children?
Mata is a Blue Flag certified beach in Setúbal, Portugal. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, providing an important safety layer for families. 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 Mata free to access?
Yes, access to Mata 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 Mata?
The best time to visit Mata is June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 19.1°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 22.1°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 Mata?
Mata 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 Mata?
Mata is located in Setúbal, Portugal. It is approximately 5.95 km from Costa da Caparica. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 206.5 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
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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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