Blue Flag Certified

Palheiros e Zorro

Coimbra, Portugal

Atlantic Ocean
40.2115°N, 8.4292°W

Palheiros E Zorro is a beach in Coimbra, Portugal, just 0.04 km from the city center. It holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open during its designated season, and swimmers should take appropriate caution. Drinking…

Certification Blue Flag 2026
Experience
Practical Free Entry Parking Toilets

Plan Your Visit to Palheiros e Zorro

The key facts before you go

Blue Flag
Certified 2026
FEE annual certification
Water Quality
Blue Flag Standard
EU Bathing Water Directive
Best Season
May, June, September
See season guide below
Location
Coimbra
0.04 km from Coimbra
Facilities
WC · Parking
Free entry · Open beach
Family Score
3/10
Based on facilities & safety data

What is Palheiros e Zorro?

Palheiros E Zorro is a beach in Coimbra, Portugal, just 0.04 km from the city center. It holds a Blue Flag award, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open during its designated season, and swimmers should take appropriate caution. Drinking water is available on-site. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit, while July and August draw the largest crowds.

It sits alongside other certified beaches in Coimbra, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction

Palheiros e Zorro faces west toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.

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 17°C 14°C Med
Jun 19°C 16°C Med
Jul 22°C 19°C High
Aug 22°C 19°C High
Sep 20°C 17°C Med
Oct 17°C 14°C Low
Nov 13°C 10°C Low
Dec 11°C 8°C Low
When is the best time to visit Palheiros e Zorro?

The best time to visit Palheiros e Zorro is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 21.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 18.9°C in July.

How crowded does Palheiros e Zorro get?

Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Palheiros e Zorro sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.

Is Palheiros e Zorro 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.

Swimming and Beach Life at Palheiros e Zorro

Is Palheiros e Zorro safe to swim?

Palheiros e Zorro 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 Palheiros e Zorro?

Peak water temperature at Palheiros e Zorro reaches around 18.9°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 9.5°C.

What is the beach like at Palheiros e Zorro?

Palheiros e Zorro on the Coimbra coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.

Does Palheiros e Zorro have good facilities?

As a Blue Flag certified beach, Palheiros e Zorro meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.

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Getting to Palheiros e Zorro

How do I get to Palheiros e Zorro by car?

Palheiros e Zorro is approximately 0.04 km from Coimbra. 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 Palheiros e Zorro?

The nearest airport is Viseu Airport (VSE) (VSE), approximately 73.2 km away.

Can I get to Palheiros e Zorro by public transport?

Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Coimbra. The nearest recorded bus stop is 91 m from the beach.

Is there a train to Palheiros e Zorro?

Palheiros e Zorro lists Coimbra-B as the nearest railway station, 1.76 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.

Near Palheiros e Zorro

Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Palheiros e Zorro. 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 Palheiros e Zorro

  • Public toilets Public toilets 193 m
  • Public toilets Public toilets 314 m
  • Public toilets Public toilets 322 m

Bus near Palheiros e Zorro

  • Rua da Sofia Bus stop 22 m
  • Câmara Bus stop 47 m
  • Câmara Bus stop 51 m
  • Jardim da Manga Bus stop 116 m
  • Arnado Bus stop 255 m

Cafés near Palheiros e Zorro

  • Café A Petisca Café 28 m
  • Kroisant Café 42 m
  • Democrática Restaurant 43 m
  • Princess Café 43 m
  • Izakaya Oni Restaurant 44 m

Parking near Palheiros e Zorro

  • Parking Parking 27 m
  • Horizonte Parking 195 m
  • Horizonte Parking 197 m
  • Parking Parking 223 m
  • Parking Parking 231 m

Supermarket near Palheiros e Zorro

  • My Auchan Supermarket 91 m
  • Pingo Doce Supermarket 290 m

Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.

Practical Information

At the Beach
Entry Free: no charge to access the beach
Lifeguards ✗
Showers ✗
Toilets ✓ Available during season
Beach Type Coastal beach
Parking ✓ Available nearby (street-side parking)
Nearest supermarket 90 m from the beach
Nearest bus stop 91 m from the beach
Visiting Information
GPS Coordinates 40.2115°N, 8.4292°W
Blue Flag Operator Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal

Palheiros e Zorro FAQ

Is Palheiros e Zorro suitable for children?

Palheiros e Zorro has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.

Is Palheiros e Zorro free to access?

Access to Palheiros e Zorro is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Coimbra, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.

When is the best time to visit Palheiros e Zorro?

The best time to visit Palheiros e Zorro 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 18.9°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.

What is the water quality at Palheiros e Zorro?

Palheiros e Zorro 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 Palheiros e Zorro?

Palheiros e Zorro is located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is approximately 0.04 km from Coimbra. The nearest airport is Viseu Airport (VSE) (VSE), 73.2 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 Palheiros e Zorro?

Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 3 toilet locations near Palheiros e Zorro, including 193 m away, 314 m away, and 322 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 Palheiros e Zorro?

Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 22 m from Palheiros e Zorro (Rua da Sofia), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Are there cafés near Palheiros e Zorro?

Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Palheiros e Zorro, including Café A Petisca (28 m), Kroisant (42 m), Democrática (43 m), and Princess (43 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Is there parking near Palheiros e Zorro?

Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 27 m from Palheiros e Zorro, 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 Palheiros e Zorro?

Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 91 m from Palheiros e Zorro (My Auchan). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Nearby Blue Flag Beaches

Rebolim
3.6 km away · Coimbra
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Ançã
11 km away · Cantanhede
View Beach Guide
Reconquinho
15 km away · Penacova
View Beach Guide
Sete Fontes
19 km away · Cantanhede
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Cornicovo
21 km away · Penacova
View Beach Guide

From the Zeach Blog

2026
The 33 Blue Flag Criteria Explained

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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2026
Best Blue Flag Beaches in Portugal

Our editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.

Explore Portugal
2026
How to Read a Blue Flag Beach

What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.

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Sources

Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.

Sofía Reyes , Mediterranean Coast Editor

Sofía Reyes covers Blue Flag beaches in Coimbra for Zeach.net.

Edited by Arjun Nair, Coastal Research Editor | Updated October 2026