Blue Flag Certified

Santa Rita Sul

Lisbon, Portugal — Excellent water quality

Atlantic Ocean 4.6 (456 reviews)
39.1703°N, 9.3599°W

This is beach with intensive use, with morphology sandy.

Certification Blue Flag 2026 Excellent Water
Activities FamilySurf
Experience Sandy Beach Lifeguards
Practical Free Entry Parking Toilets

Plan Your Visit to Santa Rita Sul

The key facts before you go

Blue Flag
Certified 2026
FEE annual certification
Water Quality
Excellent
EU Bathing Water Directive
Best Season
June, September
Season: 13-06 – 13-09
Location
Torres Vedras
12.11 km from Torres Vedras
Facilities
Lifeguards · WC · Parking
Free entry · Open beach
Family Score
N/A
Based on facilities & safety data

What is Santa Rita Sul?

This is beach with intensive use, with morphology sandy.

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.

Bathing Water Quality: Excellent — verified under EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification requires annual water quality monitoring.

What Visitors Say About Santa Rita Sul

What visitors appreciate

  • extensive sandy beach|surfing|waves|clean beach|calm beach|family beach|private spots|fine sand|safe beach|beach supports
  • Well-staffed with lifeguards during season
  • Excellent EU-rated bathing water quality

Points to consider

  • Can be busy during July and August peak 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

Santa Rita Sul 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.

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 19°C 16°C Med
Jul 20°C 17°C High
Aug 21°C 18°C High
Sep 20°C 17°C Med
Oct 18°C 15°C Low
Nov 15°C 12°C Low
Dec 13°C 10°C Low
When is the best time to visit Santa Rita Sul?

The best time to visit Santa Rita Sul is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 20.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 17.4°C in July.

How crowded does Santa Rita Sul get?

Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Santa Rita Sul sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.

Is Santa Rita Sul 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.

Swimming and Beach Life at Santa Rita Sul

Is Santa Rita Sul safe to swim?

Santa Rita Sul 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 Santa Rita Sul?

Peak water temperature at Santa Rita Sul reaches around <span class="inline-stat">17.4°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.5°C.

What is the beach like at Santa Rita Sul?

Santa Rita Sul 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 Santa Rita Sul have good facilities?

As a Blue Flag certified beach, Santa Rita Sul meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.

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Getting to Santa Rita Sul

How do I get to Santa Rita Sul by car?

Santa Rita Sul is approximately 12.11 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 Santa Rita Sul?

The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 268.7 km away.

Can I get to Santa Rita Sul 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 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 Available during season
Official Season 13-06 – 13-09
Beach Type Sandy beach
Visiting Information
GPS Coordinates 39.1703°N, 9.3599°W
Water Quality Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive)
Blue Flag Operator Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal

Santa Rita Sul FAQ

Is Santa Rita Sul suitable for children?

Santa Rita Sul 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 Santa Rita Sul free to access?

Yes, access to Santa Rita Sul 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 toilets 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 Santa Rita Sul?

The best time to visit Santa Rita Sul is June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 17.4°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 20.4°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 Santa Rita Sul?

Santa Rita Sul 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 Santa Rita Sul?

Santa Rita Sul is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is approximately 12.11 km from Torres Vedras. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 268.7 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.

More Blue Flag Beaches in Portugal

Aberta Nova
Setúbal, Portugal
View Beach Guide
Adraga
Portugal
View Beach Guide
Afife
Viana do Castelo, Portugal
View Beach Guide

From the Zeach Blog

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Sofía Reyes — Mediterranean Coast Editor

Sofía Reyes covers Blue Flag beaches in Lisbon for Zeach.net.

Edited by Arjun Nair, Coastal Research Editor | Updated June 2026