Praia Nova
Setúbal, Portugal — Excellent water quality
Praia Nova is a coastal beach in Setúbal, Portugal, 0.52 km from Costa da Caparica. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded for meeting international standards in environmental quality and safety. It's open during its designated season, and swimmers should take standard precautions. Drinking water…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Praia Nova
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Praia Nova?
Praia Nova is a coastal beach in Setúbal, Portugal, 0.52 km from Costa da Caparica. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded for meeting international standards in environmental quality and safety. It's open during its designated season, and swimmers should take standard precautions. Drinking water is available on-site. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit, while July and August draw the most crowds. The Blue Flag is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, confirming the beach maintains its quality standards year to year.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Setúbal, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Visitor Feedback
What Visitors Say About Praia Nova
What visitors appreciate
- surfing|calm|boardwalk|sand strip|busy beach|sea view|immense beach|promenade|beach volleyball courts|beachfront restaurants
- Excellent EU-rated bathing water quality
Points to consider
- Can be busy during July and August peak season
- No lifeguards outside the official season
- Facilities may be reduced outside peak months
Based on aggregated public visitor feedback. Themes are synthesised from multiple sources — not individual quotes. Zeach does not reproduce individual reviews.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Praia Nova faces E 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 | 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 | Med |
| 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 Praia Nova is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 22.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.1°C in July.
How crowded does Praia Nova get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Praia Nova sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Praia Nova 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 Praia Nova
Is Praia Nova safe to swim?Praia Nova 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 Praia Nova?Peak water temperature at Praia Nova 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 Praia Nova?Praia Nova on the Setúbal coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Praia Nova have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Praia Nova meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Parking is available nearby.
Praia Nova 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 Praia Nova
How do I get to Praia Nova by car?Praia Nova is approximately 0.52 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 Praia Nova?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 212.5 km away.
Can I get to Praia Nova 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 | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.6429°N, 9.2393°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Official Website | www.playocean.net/portugal/almada/praias/praia-do-tarquinio-paraiso |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Praia Nova FAQ
Is Praia Nova suitable for children?
Praia Nova is a Blue Flag certified beach in Setúbal, Portugal. Shower facilities are available. 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 Praia Nova free to access?
Yes, access to Praia Nova 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 showers 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 Praia Nova?
The best time to visit Praia Nova is May, 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 Praia Nova?
Praia Nova 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 Praia Nova?
Praia Nova is located in Setúbal, Portugal. It is approximately 0.52 km from Costa da Caparica. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 212.5 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
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.
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