Calhetas da Maia
Azores, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Calhetas da Maia is a Blue Flag beach in Azores, Portugal. The nearest town stored for this beach is Maia. The Blue Flag operator is Ribeira Grande. July water temperature is 22.1°C. Nearest airport: João Paulo II Airport (PDL), 28.9 km. Recorded facilities: showers and…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Calhetas da Maia
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Calhetas da Maia?
Calhetas da Maia is a Blue Flag beach in Azores, Portugal. The nearest town stored for this beach is Maia. The Blue Flag operator is Ribeira Grande.
July water temperature is 22.1°C. Nearest airport: João Paulo II Airport (PDL), 28.9 km. Recorded facilities: showers and parking nearby. The European Environment Agency class for 2025 is Excellent.
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent. OpenStreetMap lists Parking (98 m), Public toilets (100 m), and Fim de Século (155 m) within 500 m.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Azores, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Calhetas da Maia 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 | 15°C | 17°C | Low |
| Feb | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| Apr | 16°C | 17°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jun | 20°C | 20°C | Med |
| Jul | 22°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 23°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 23°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 22°C | Low |
| Nov | 17°C | 20°C | Low |
| Dec | 16°C | 18°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Calhetas da Maia?
The best time to visit Calhetas da Maia is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 21.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 22.1°C in July.
How crowded does Calhetas da Maia get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Calhetas da Maia sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Calhetas da Maia 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 Calhetas da Maia
Is Calhetas da Maia safe to swim?
Calhetas da Maia is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Calhetas da Maia?
Peak water temperature at Calhetas da Maia reaches around 22.1°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 15.3°C.
What is the beach like at Calhetas da Maia?
Calhetas da Maia on the Azores coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Calhetas da Maia sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Calhetas da Maia
How do I get to Calhetas da Maia by car?
Calhetas da Maia is approximately 1483.73 km from Maia. 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 Calhetas da Maia?
The nearest airport is João Paulo II Airport (PDL), approximately 28.9 km away.
Can I get to Calhetas da Maia by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Maia. The nearest recorded bus stop is 575 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Calhetas da Maia
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Calhetas da Maia. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Calhetas da Maia
- Public toilets Public toilets 100 m
Cafés near Calhetas da Maia
- Fim de Século Restaurant 155 m
- Restaurante Fim de Século Restaurant 328 m
- O Beleza Café 381 m
- Ká Te Quero Café 398 m
- Luz da Maia Café 432 m
Parking near Calhetas da Maia
- Parking Parking 98 m
- Parking Parking 121 m
- Parking Parking 272 m
- Parking Parking 275 m
Supermarket near Calhetas da Maia
- Casa Cheia Maia Supermarket 326 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Calhetas da Maia
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- Yes
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 84 m away
- Surface
- Rock
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | June – December |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 330 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 575 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 37.8354°N, 25.3918°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Calhetas da Maia FAQ
Is Calhetas da Maia suitable for children?
Calhetas da Maia has a child-friendly score of 2/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Calhetas da Maia free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Calhetas da Maia. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Azores, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Calhetas da Maia?
The best time to visit Calhetas da Maia 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 22.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Calhetas da Maia?
Calhetas da Maia is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
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 Calhetas da Maia?
Calhetas da Maia is located in Azores, Portugal. It is approximately 1483.73 km from Maia. The nearest airport is João Paulo II Airport (PDL), 28.9 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Calhetas da Maia?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Calhetas da Maia, including 100 m away.
Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Calhetas da Maia?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Calhetas da Maia, including Fim de Século (155 m), Restaurante Fim de Século (328 m), O Beleza (381 m), and Ká Te Quero (398 m).
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Calhetas da Maia?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 98 m from Calhetas da Maia, with 4 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Calhetas da Maia?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 326 m from Calhetas da Maia (Casa Cheia Maia). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © 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.
What 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 Calhetas da Maia
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.