CDS
Setúbal, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Located 4.24 km from Costa da Caparica, Cds is a Blue Flag beach. The award reflects high environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The beach operates seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. May, June, and September offer the best weather. Blue Flag status…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to CDS
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is CDS?
Located 4.24 km from Costa da Caparica, Cds is a Blue Flag beach. The award reflects high environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The beach operates seasonally, so check local conditions before visiting. May, June, and September offer the best weather. Blue Flag status means the beach meets rigorous standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making it a solid choice for families and those concerned about environmental practices.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Setúbal, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
CDS faces east 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 | 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 CDS 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 CDS get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, CDS sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is CDS 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 CDS
Is CDS safe to swim?CDS 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 CDS?Peak water temperature at CDS reaches around 19.1°C 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 CDS?CDS on the Setúbal coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does CDS have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, CDS meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
CDS 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 CDS
How do I get to CDS by car?CDS is approximately 4.24 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 CDS?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 208.2 km away.
Can I get to CDS 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. The nearest recorded bus stop is 585 m from the beach.
Is there a train to CDS?CDS lists Universidade as the nearest railway station, 6.05 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near CDS
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of CDS. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Cafés near CDS
- Praia do Rei Restaurant 438 m
- Praia do Castelo Restaurant 481 m
Parking near CDS
- Parking Parking 255 m
- Parking Parking 449 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 | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.7 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 585 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.6095°N, 9.2142°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
CDS FAQ
Is CDS suitable for children?
CDS has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is CDS free to access?
Access to CDS is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Setúbal, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit CDS?
The best time to visit CDS 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 19.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at CDS?
CDS 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 CDS?
CDS is located in Setúbal, Portugal. It is approximately 4.24 km from Costa da Caparica. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 208.2 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 cafés near CDS?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 2 cafés or restaurants near CDS, including Praia do Rei (438 m) and Praia do Castelo (481 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near CDS?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 255 m from CDS, 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 CDS
- 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.