Varadouro
Portugal: Excellent water quality
Capelo Beach is located about 21 km from Horta in the village of Capelo. The bathing area features two saltwater pools and offers views of Morro de Castelo Branco.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Varadouro
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Varadouro?
Capelo Beach is located about 21 km from Horta in the village of Capelo. The bathing area features two saltwater pools and offers views of Morro de Castelo Branco.
It is part of a wider group of Blue Flag certified beaches across Portugal that meet FEE's annual standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Varadouro faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Feb | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Jun | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 23°C | 20°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
The best time to visit Varadouro is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 21.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 18.3°C in July.
How crowded does Varadouro get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Varadouro sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Varadouro open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (17-06 – 19-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Varadouro
Is Varadouro safe to swim?Varadouro is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Varadouro?Peak water temperature at Varadouro reaches around 18.3°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 15.3°C.
What is the beach like at Varadouro?Varadouro of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Varadouro have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Varadouro meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season.
Varadouro 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 Varadouro
How do I get to Varadouro by car?Varadouro is approximately 3.08 km from Pedro Miguel. 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 Varadouro?The nearest airport is Horta Airport (HOR) (HOR), approximately 10.6 km away.
Can I get to Varadouro by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Pedro Miguel.
Nearby
Near Varadouro
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Varadouro. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Varadouro
- Public toilets Public toilets 178 m
Parking near Varadouro
- Parking Parking 185 m
- Parking Parking 351 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 | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 17 Jun – 19 Sep |
| Beach Type | Rocky shore |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.5667°N, 28.6095°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Varadouro FAQ
Is Varadouro suitable for children?
Varadouro has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include lifeguards. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Varadouro free to access?
Access to Varadouro is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Varadouro?
The best time to visit Varadouro is 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 18.3°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Varadouro?
Varadouro 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 Varadouro?
Varadouro is located in Portugal. It is approximately 3.08 km from Pedro Miguel. The nearest airport is Horta Airport (HOR) (HOR), 10.6 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Varadouro?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Varadouro, including 178 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Varadouro?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 185 m from Varadouro, with 2 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 Varadouro
- 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.