Quarteira
Faro, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Quarteira is a beach in Faro, Portugal, located 0.46 km from the town center. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded for meeting strict environmental and safety standards. It's open throughout its designated season, though swimmers should exercise appropriate caution. Drinking water is available on-site.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Quarteira
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Quarteira?
Quarteira is a beach in Faro, Portugal, located 0.46 km from the town center. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded for meeting strict environmental and safety standards. It's open throughout its designated season, though swimmers should exercise appropriate caution. Drinking water is available on-site.
May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. July and August are the busiest months. The Blue Flag is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, confirming that Quarteira continues to meet international water quality and beach management standards.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Faro, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Quarteira 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 | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| May | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jun | 22°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jul | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Sep | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Quarteira is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 24.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 21.6°C in July.
How crowded does Quarteira get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Quarteira sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Quarteira 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 Quarteira
Is Quarteira safe to swim?Quarteira 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 Quarteira?Peak water temperature at Quarteira reaches around 21.6°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.1°C.
What is the beach like at Quarteira?Quarteira on the Faro coast of Portugal. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. July and August are the busiest months. The Blue Flag is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, confirming that Quarteira continues to meet international water quality and beach management standards.
Does Quarteira have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Quarteira meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Quarteira 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 Quarteira
How do I get to Quarteira by car?Quarteira is approximately 0.46 km from Quarteira. 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 Quarteira?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 13.0 km away.
Can I get to Quarteira by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Quarteira. The nearest recorded bus stop is 224 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Quarteira?Quarteira lists Loulé as the nearest railway station, 5.78 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Quarteira
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Quarteira. 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 Quarteira
- 2 Bus stop 224 m
- 24 Bus stop 283 m
- 25 Bus stop 305 m
- 1 Bus stop 375 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 377 m
Cafés near Quarteira
- Crepes da Vila Café 192 m
- Rosa Branca Restaurant 253 m
- Restorante Dallas Restaurant 269 m
- O Jacinto Restaurant 270 m
- Restaurante PicNic Restaurant 277 m
Parking near Quarteira
- Parking Parking 214 m
- Parking Parking 274 m
- Parking Parking 307 m
- Parking Parking 315 m
- Parking Parking 389 m
Supermarket near Quarteira
- Intermarché Supermarket 175 m
- My Auchan Supermarket 209 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 | ✗ |
| Official Season | July – August |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (street-side parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 80 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 224 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 37.0675°N, 8.1042°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Quarteira FAQ
Is Quarteira suitable for children?
Quarteira has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Quarteira free to access?
Access to Quarteira is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Faro, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Quarteira?
The best time to visit Quarteira 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 21.6°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Quarteira?
Quarteira 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 Quarteira?
Quarteira is located in Faro, Portugal. It is approximately 0.46 km from Quarteira. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 13.0 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 Quarteira?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 224 m from Quarteira (2), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Quarteira?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Quarteira, including Crepes da Vila (192 m), Rosa Branca (253 m), Restorante Dallas (269 m), and O Jacinto (270 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Quarteira?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 214 m from Quarteira, 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 Quarteira?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 175 m from Quarteira (Intermarché). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © 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 Quarteira
- 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.