Porto Pim
Portugal: Excellent water quality
Little Beach is a 350-meter stretch of volcanic sand in Horta, in the parish of Angústias. It sits within the natural park of Faial Island, in the Protected Landscape Area of Monte da Guia.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Porto Pim
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Porto Pim?
Little Beach is a 350-meter stretch of volcanic sand in Horta, in the parish of Angústias. It sits within the natural park of Faial Island, in the Protected Landscape Area of Monte da Guia.
It is part of a wider group of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal that meet FEE's annual standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Porto Pim faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Feb | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Jun | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 23°C | 20°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
The best time to visit Porto Pim is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 21.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 18.3°C in July.
How crowded does Porto Pim get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Porto Pim sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Porto Pim open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (15-06 – 14-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Porto Pim
Is Porto Pim safe to swim?Porto Pim is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Porto Pim?Peak water temperature at Porto Pim reaches around 18.3°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 15.5°C.
What is the beach like at Porto Pim?Porto Pim is a sandy beach of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Porto Pim have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Porto Pim meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Porto Pim 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 Porto Pim
How do I get to Porto Pim by car?Porto Pim is located in Portugal. 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 Porto Pim?The nearest airport is João Paulo II Airport (PDL) (PDL), approximately 3.5 km away.
Can I get to Porto Pim by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Portugal. The nearest recorded bus stop is 163 m from the beach.
Map
Find Porto Pim
Open the map or get directions to the Porto Pim 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 | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | 15 Jun – 14 Sep |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Sand | Black volcanic sand |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (street-side parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 250 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 163 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 37.7411°N, 25.6581°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Porto Pim FAQ
Is Porto Pim suitable for children?
Porto Pim has a child-friendly score of 7/10. Facilities include lifeguards, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Porto Pim free to access?
Access to Porto Pim is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Porto Pim?
The best time to visit Porto Pim is 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 18.3°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Porto Pim?
Porto Pim 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 Porto Pim?
Porto Pim is located in Portugal. The nearest airport is João Paulo II Airport (PDL) (PDL), 3.5 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 Porto Pim
- 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.