Pisao-Santa Cruz
Lisbon, Portugal — Excellent water quality
This is an urban beach with intensive use, with morphology sandy.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Pisao-Santa Cruz
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Pisao-Santa Cruz?
This is an urban beach with intensive use, with morphology sandy.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Lisbon, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Pisao-Santa Cruz faces S 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 | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Jun | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Sep | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Pisao-Santa Cruz is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 16.8°C in July.
How crowded does Pisao-Santa Cruz get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Pisao-Santa Cruz sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Pisao-Santa Cruz open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (13-06 – 13-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Pisao-Santa Cruz
Is Pisao-Santa Cruz safe to swim?Pisao-Santa Cruz 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 Pisao-Santa Cruz?Peak water temperature at Pisao-Santa Cruz reaches around <span class="inline-stat">16.8°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12°C.
What is the beach like at Pisao-Santa Cruz?Pisao-Santa Cruz is a sandy beach on the Lisbon coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Pisao-Santa Cruz have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Pisao-Santa Cruz meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season.
Pisao-Santa Cruz 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 Pisao-Santa Cruz
How do I get to Pisao-Santa Cruz by car?Pisao-Santa Cruz is approximately 11.49 km from Torres Vedras. 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 Pisao-Santa Cruz?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 266.4 km away.
Can I get to Pisao-Santa Cruz by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Torres Vedras.
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 | 13-06 – 13-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.1391°N, 9.3800°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Pisao-Santa Cruz FAQ
Is Pisao-Santa Cruz suitable for children?
Pisao-Santa Cruz is a Blue Flag certified beach in Lisbon, 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 Pisao-Santa Cruz free to access?
Yes, access to Pisao-Santa Cruz is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. 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 Pisao-Santa Cruz?
The best time to visit Pisao-Santa Cruz is June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 16.8°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 19.8°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 Pisao-Santa Cruz?
Pisao-Santa Cruz 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 Pisao-Santa Cruz?
Pisao-Santa Cruz is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is approximately 11.49 km from Torres Vedras. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 266.4 km away. 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
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