Poço da Cruz
Coimbra, Portugal
Located 1.96 km from Praia de Mira along the coast road, Poco Da Cruz is a beach in Coimbra, Portugal. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Poço da Cruz
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Poço da Cruz?
Located 1.96 km from Praia de Mira along the coast road, Poco Da Cruz is a beach in Coimbra, Portugal. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in water quality, safety, and environmental management.
The beach is open during its designated season. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution in the water. Drinking water is available on-site.
May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. July and August are the busiest months. Plan accordingly if you prefer quieter days.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Coimbra, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Poço da Cruz 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 | 10°C | 7°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Nov | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Dec | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
The best time to visit Poço da Cruz is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 20.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 17.4°C in July.
How crowded does Poço da Cruz get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Poço da Cruz sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Poço da Cruz 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 Poço da Cruz
Is Poço da Cruz safe to swim?Poço da Cruz 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 Poço da Cruz?Peak water temperature at Poço da Cruz reaches around 17.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 10.4°C.
What is the beach like at Poço da Cruz?Poço da Cruz on the Coimbra coast of Portugal. The beach is open during its designated season. Swimmers should exercise appropriate caution in the water. Drinking water is available on-site.
Does Poço da Cruz have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Poço da Cruz meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Poço da Cruz 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 Poço da Cruz
How do I get to Poço da Cruz by car?Poço da Cruz is approximately 1.96 km from Praia de Mira. 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 Poço da Cruz?The nearest airport is Viseu Airport (VSE) (VSE), approximately 83.9 km away.
Can I get to Poço da Cruz by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Praia de Mira.
Nearby
Near Poço da Cruz
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Poço da Cruz. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Parking near Poço da Cruz
- Parking Parking 248 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 |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.4386°N, 8.8084°W |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Poço da Cruz FAQ
Is Poço da Cruz suitable for children?
Poço da Cruz has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Poço da Cruz free to access?
Access to Poço da Cruz is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Coimbra, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Poço da Cruz?
The best time to visit Poço da Cruz 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 17.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Poço da Cruz?
Poço da Cruz 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 Poço da Cruz?
Poço da Cruz is located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is approximately 1.96 km from Praia de Mira. The nearest airport is Viseu Airport (VSE) (VSE), 83.9 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 parking near Poço da Cruz?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 248 m from Poço da Cruz. 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 Poço da Cruz
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.