Fonte do Cortiço
Setúbal, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Located about 435 km from Santo André, Fonte Do Cortico holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open year-round, though May, June, and September offer the best conditions for swimming.…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Fonte do Cortiço
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Fonte do Cortiço?
Located about 435 km from Santo André, Fonte Do Cortico holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open year-round, though May, June, and September offer the best conditions for swimming. Check with local authorities before your visit for current safety information. The Blue Flag certification makes it a reliable choice if you're traveling with family or prioritize environmental responsibility.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Setúbal, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Fonte do Cortiço faces west 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 | 13°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 13°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 14°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| May | 18°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jun | 20°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 19°C | High |
| Aug | 21°C | 20°C | High |
| Sep | 21°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 19°C | 19°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 14°C | Low |
The best time to visit Fonte do Cortiço is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 20.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.4°C in July.
How crowded does Fonte do Cortiço get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Fonte do Cortiço sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Fonte do Cortiço 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 Fonte do Cortiço
Is Fonte do Cortiço safe to swim?Fonte do Cortiço 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 Fonte do Cortiço?Peak water temperature at Fonte do Cortiço reaches around 19.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.3°C.
What is the beach like at Fonte do Cortiço?Fonte do Cortiço on the Setúbal coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Fonte do Cortiço have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Fonte do Cortiço meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Fonte do Cortiço 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 Fonte do Cortiço
How do I get to Fonte do Cortiço by car?Fonte do Cortiço is approximately 435.28 km from Santo André. 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 Fonte do Cortiço?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 137.3 km away.
Can I get to Fonte do Cortiço by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Santo André.
Map
Find Fonte do Cortiço
Open the map or get directions to the Fonte do Cortiço pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | June – October |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 4.1 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.0513°N, 8.8196°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Fonte do Cortiço FAQ
Is Fonte do Cortiço suitable for children?
Fonte do Cortiço has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Fonte do Cortiço free to access?
Access to Fonte do Cortiço 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 Fonte do Cortiço?
The best time to visit Fonte do Cortiço 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 19.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Fonte do Cortiço?
Fonte do Cortiço 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 Fonte do Cortiço?
Fonte do Cortiço is located in Setúbal, Portugal. It is approximately 435.28 km from Santo André. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 137.3 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
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 Fonte do Cortiço
- 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.