Poça
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 Poça
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Poça?
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
Poça faces south 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 | 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 Poça 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 Poça get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Poça sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Poça 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 Poça
Is Poça safe to swim?Poça is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Poça?Peak water temperature at Poça reaches around 16.3°C 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 Poça?Poça 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 Poça have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Poça meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Poça 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 Poça
How do I get to Poça by car?Poça 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 Poça?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 231.4 km away.
Can I get to Poça by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Cascais. The nearest recorded bus stop is 288 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Poça?Poça lists Cascais as the nearest railway station, 5.48 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Poça
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Poça. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Poça
- Estrada Fonte da Velha Bus stop 288 m
- Estrada da Fonte Velha Bus stop 302 m
- Guincho Bus stop 309 m
- Guincho Bus stop 312 m
- Praia da Crismina Bus stop 316 m
Cafés near Poça
- Duna da Cresmina Café 238 m
- MesteZé Restaurant 259 m
- Mar do Guincho Restaurant 320 m
- Panorama Restaurant 324 m
- Porto Santa Maria Restaurant 388 m
Parking near Poça
- Parking Parking 266 m
- Parking Parking 274 m
- Parking Parking 323 m
- Parking Parking 362 m
- Parking Parking 367 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 2 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 288 m from the 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
Poça FAQ
Is Poça suitable for children?
Poça has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Poça free to access?
Access to Poça is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Lisbon, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Poça?
The best time to visit Poça 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 16.3°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Poça?
Poça is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. 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 Poça?
Poça is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is approximately 5.54 km from Cascais. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 231.4 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Poça?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 288 m from Poça (Estrada Fonte da Velha), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Poça?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Poça, including Duna da Cresmina (238 m), MesteZé (259 m), Mar do Guincho (320 m), and Panorama (324 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Poça?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 266 m from Poça, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
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 Poça
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.