Carcavelos
Lisbon, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Located 7.76 km from Cascais, Carcavelos is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open year-round, though May, June, and September offer the best conditions for swimming. Check local safety arrangements before your…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Carcavelos
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Carcavelos?
Located 7.76 km from Cascais, Carcavelos is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open year-round, though May, June, and September offer the best conditions for swimming. Check local safety arrangements before your visit. The Blue Flag certification comes from the Foundation for Environmental Education, so families and environmentally minded travelers can rely on consistent standards here.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Lisbon, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Carcavelos 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 | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| May | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jun | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 21°C | 18°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 Carcavelos is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 21.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 18.1°C in July.
How crowded does Carcavelos get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Carcavelos sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Carcavelos 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 Carcavelos
Is Carcavelos safe to swim?Carcavelos 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 Carcavelos?Peak water temperature at Carcavelos reaches around 18.1°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.8°C.
What is the beach like at Carcavelos?Carcavelos on the Lisbon coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Carcavelos have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Carcavelos meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Carcavelos 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 Carcavelos
How do I get to Carcavelos by car?Carcavelos is approximately 7.76 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 Carcavelos?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 220.4 km away.
Can I get to Carcavelos 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 314 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Carcavelos?Carcavelos lists Carcavelos as the nearest railway station, 0.94 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Carcavelos
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Carcavelos. 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 Carcavelos
- Public toilets Public toilets 105 m
Bus near Carcavelos
- Carcavelos (Praia) Bus stop 276 m
- R Inglaterra 233 Bus stop 447 m
- R Inglaterra 233 Bus stop 457 m
Cafés near Carcavelos
- Olá Café 67 m
- Grande Onda Restaurant 90 m
- Olim - Waves Sand & Coffee Café 191 m
- Casa da Praia Restaurant 294 m
- Olá Café 338 m
Parking near Carcavelos
- Parking Parking 93 m
- Parking Parking 196 m
- Parking Parking 212 m
- Parking Parking 303 m
- Parking Parking 309 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 | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 410 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 314 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.6799°N, 9.3337°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Carcavelos FAQ
Is Carcavelos suitable for children?
Carcavelos has a child-friendly score of 4/10. Facilities include showers, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Carcavelos free to access?
Access to Carcavelos 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 Carcavelos?
The best time to visit Carcavelos 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 18.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Carcavelos?
Carcavelos 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 Carcavelos?
Carcavelos is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is approximately 7.76 km from Cascais. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 220.4 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 Carcavelos?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Carcavelos, including 105 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 a bus near Carcavelos?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 276 m from Carcavelos (Carcavelos (Praia)), plus 2 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Carcavelos?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Carcavelos, including Olá (67 m), Grande Onda (90 m), Olim - Waves Sand & Coffee (191 m), and Casa da Praia (294 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Carcavelos?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 93 m from Carcavelos, 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 Carcavelos
- 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.