Poca
Lisbon, Portugal — Excellent water quality
Located 5.54 km from Cascais along the coast road, Poca is a beach near Lisbon, Portugal. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental management, and safety meet strict standards. The beach operates during its designated season.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Poca
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Poca?
Located 5.54 km from Cascais along the coast road, Poca is a beach near Lisbon, Portugal. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental management, and safety meet strict standards. The beach operates during its designated season.
Drinking water is available on-site. May, June, and September offer the best conditions, while July and August draw the most visitors. Swimmers should take standard precautions in the water.
The Blue Flag status makes Poca a reliable choice if you want a clean, well-maintained beach in the region.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Lisbon, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Poca faces S toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, 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 | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jul | 19°C | 16°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 16°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 Poca is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 16.3°C in July.
How crowded does Poca get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Poca sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Poca 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 Poca
Is Poca safe to swim?Poca 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>. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Poca?Peak water temperature at Poca reaches around <span class="inline-stat">16.3°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 Poca?Poca on the Lisbon coast of Portugal. Drinking water is available on-site. May, June, and September offer the best conditions, while July and August draw the most visitors. Swimmers should take standard precautions in the water.
Does Poca have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Poca meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Poca 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 Poca
How do I get to Poca by car?Poca is approximately 5.54 km from Cascais. 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 Poca?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 231.4 km away.
Can I get to Poca by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Cascais.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.7266°N, 9.4717°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Poca FAQ
Is Poca suitable for children?
Poca is a Blue Flag certified beach in Lisbon, Portugal. 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 Poca free to access?
Yes, access to Poca 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 Poca?
The best time to visit Poca is May, June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 16.3°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 19.3°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 Poca?
Poca 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 Poca?
Poca is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is approximately 5.54 km from Cascais. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 231.4 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
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 more