Manuel Lourenço
Faro, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Manuel Lourenco is a beach on the Portugal coastline, located 0.87 km from Albufeira. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria. The beach is open throughout the season, though you should check local…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Manuel Lourenço
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Manuel Lourenço?
Manuel Lourenco is a beach on the Portugal coastline, located 0.87 km from Albufeira. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria. The beach is open throughout the season, though you should check local water safety conditions before swimming.
May, June, and September are the best months to visit. July and August draw the largest crowds. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making this a solid choice for families and swimmers.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Faro, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Manuel Lourenço 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 | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| May | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Sep | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Manuel Lourenço is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 24.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 21.9°C in July.
How crowded does Manuel Lourenço get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Manuel Lourenço sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Manuel Lourenço 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 Manuel Lourenço
Is Manuel Lourenço safe to swim?Manuel Lourenço 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 Manuel Lourenço?Peak water temperature at Manuel Lourenço reaches around 21.9°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.7°C.
What is the beach like at Manuel Lourenço?Manuel Lourenço on the Faro coast of Portugal. May, June, and September are the best months to visit. July and August draw the largest crowds. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making this a solid choice for families and swimmers.
Does Manuel Lourenço have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Manuel Lourenço meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Manuel Lourenço 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 Manuel Lourenço
How do I get to Manuel Lourenço by car?Manuel Lourenço is approximately 0.87 km from Albufeira. 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 Manuel Lourenço?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 25.2 km away.
Can I get to Manuel Lourenço by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Albufeira. The nearest recorded bus stop is 111 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Manuel Lourenço?Manuel Lourenço lists Albufeira - Ferreiras as the nearest railway station, 4.88 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Manuel Lourenço
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Manuel Lourenço. 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 Manuel Lourenço
- Inatel Bus stop 111 m
- Praia dos Alemães Bus stop 369 m
- Praia dos Alemães Bus stop 372 m
- Pau da Bandeira Bus stop 416 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 425 m
Cafés near Manuel Lourenço
- Café Café 65 m
- The Waterfront Terrace Restaurant 119 m
- Café The Lemon Tree Café 301 m
- The Lemon Tree Café 363 m
- Divini Gelato & Pizza Restaurant 413 m
Parking near Manuel Lourenço
- Parking Parking 197 m
- Parque P1 Parking 378 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 | ✗ |
| Official Season | July – August |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 420 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 111 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 37.0856°N, 8.2434°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Manuel Lourenço FAQ
Is Manuel Lourenço suitable for children?
Manuel Lourenço has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Manuel Lourenço free to access?
Access to Manuel Lourenço is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Faro, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Manuel Lourenço?
The best time to visit Manuel Lourenço 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 21.9°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Manuel Lourenço?
Manuel Lourenço 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 Manuel Lourenço?
Manuel Lourenço is located in Faro, Portugal. It is approximately 0.87 km from Albufeira. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 25.2 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 Manuel Lourenço?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 111 m from Manuel Lourenço (Inatel), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Manuel Lourenço?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Manuel Lourenço, including 65 m away, The Waterfront Terrace (119 m), Café The Lemon Tree (301 m), and The Lemon Tree (363 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Manuel Lourenço?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 197 m from Manuel Lourenço, 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 Manuel Lourenço
- 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.