Madalena Sul
Porto, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Madalena Sul is a beach in Porto, Portugal that holds the Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open throughout the season, though you'll want to check local water safety conditions before swimming.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Madalena Sul
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Madalena Sul?
Madalena Sul is a beach in Porto, Portugal that holds the Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open throughout the season, though you'll want to check local water safety conditions before swimming.
May, June, and September are the best months to visit, the weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter. July and August draw the most visitors and tend to be hot and busy. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, so the designation is current and reliable. It's a solid choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained beach.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Porto, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Madalena Sul 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 | 10°C | 7°C | Low |
| Feb | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Mar | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| May | 16°C | 13°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Nov | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Dec | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
The best time to visit Madalena Sul is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 20.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 17.6°C in July.
How crowded does Madalena Sul get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Madalena Sul sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Madalena Sul 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 Madalena Sul
Is Madalena Sul safe to swim?Madalena Sul 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 Madalena Sul?Peak water temperature at Madalena Sul reaches around 17.6°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 9.8°C.
What is the beach like at Madalena Sul?Madalena Sul on the Porto coast of Portugal. May, June, and September are the best months to visit, the weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter. July and August draw the most visitors and tend to be hot and busy. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, so the designation is current and reliable. It's a solid choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained beach.
Does Madalena Sul have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Madalena Sul meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Madalena Sul 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 Madalena Sul
How do I get to Madalena Sul by car?Madalena Sul is approximately 5.35 km from Vila Nova de Gaia. 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 Madalena Sul?The nearest airport is Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) (OPO), approximately 15.5 km away.
Can I get to Madalena Sul by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Vila Nova de Gaia. The nearest recorded bus stop is 357 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Madalena Sul?Madalena Sul lists Madalena as the nearest railway station, 2.21 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Madalena Sul
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Madalena Sul. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Madalena Sul
- Chão Vermelho Bus stop 357 m
- Cerro Bus stop 460 m
- Madalena Bus stop 463 m
- Cerro Bus stop 479 m
- Madalena Bus stop 481 m
Cafés near Madalena Sul
- Restaurante Mara Mar Restaurant 212 m
- Restaurante Tappas Caffé - Madalena Restaurant 304 m
- A Cozinha do Português Restaurant 356 m
Parking near Madalena Sul
- Parking Parking 196 m
- Parking Parking 197 m
- Parking Parking 204 m
- Parking Parking 213 m
- Parking Parking 218 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 (street-side parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 790 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 357 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 41.1096°N, 8.6640°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Madalena Sul FAQ
Is Madalena Sul suitable for children?
Madalena Sul has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Madalena Sul free to access?
Access to Madalena Sul is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Porto, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Madalena Sul?
The best time to visit Madalena Sul 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 17.6°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Madalena Sul?
Madalena Sul 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 Madalena Sul?
Madalena Sul is located in Porto, Portugal. It is approximately 5.35 km from Vila Nova de Gaia. The nearest airport is Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) (OPO), 15.5 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Madalena Sul?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 357 m from Madalena Sul (Chão Vermelho), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Madalena Sul?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 3 cafés or restaurants near Madalena Sul, including Restaurante Mara Mar (212 m), Restaurante Tappas Caffé - Madalena (304 m), and A Cozinha do Português (356 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Madalena Sul?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 196 m from Madalena Sul, 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 Madalena Sul
- 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.