Fontes
Santarém, Portugal
Fontes is a beach on the Portuguese coast with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before you go. May, June, and September offer the best…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Fontes
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Fontes?
Fontes is a beach on the Portuguese coast with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open seasonally, so check local conditions before you go. May, June, and September offer the best weather for a visit. The Blue Flag certification comes from the Foundation for Environmental Education, so families and environmentally minded travelers can rely on consistent safety and cleanliness standards here.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Santarém, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Fontes 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 | 9°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 10°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 12°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| May | 18°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jun | 20°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jul | 23°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 24°C | 22°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 20°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 12°C | 13°C | Low |
| Dec | 10°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Fontes is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 23.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 21.6°C in July.
How crowded does Fontes get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Fontes sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Fontes 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 Fontes
Is Fontes safe to swim?Fontes is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Fontes?Peak water temperature at Fontes reaches around 21.6°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 9.1°C.
What is the beach like at Fontes?Fontes on the Santarém coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Fontes have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Fontes meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Fontes 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 Fontes
How do I get to Fontes by car?Fontes is approximately 16.65 km from Abrantes. 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 Fontes?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 289.5 km away.
Can I get to Fontes by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Abrantes.
Is there a train to Fontes?Fontes lists Carvalhos de Figueiredo as the nearest railway station, 14.32 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Fontes
Open the map or get directions to the Fontes 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 – September |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✗ No parking listed nearby |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.6098°N, 8.2361°W |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Fontes FAQ
Is Fontes suitable for children?
Fontes is Blue Flag certified in Portugal, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Fontes free to access?
Access to Fontes is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Santarém, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Fontes?
The best time to visit Fontes 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 21.6°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Fontes?
Fontes is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. 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 Fontes?
Fontes is located in Santarém, Portugal. It is approximately 16.65 km from Abrantes. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 289.5 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 Fontes
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.