Grande
Lisbon, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Grande is a beach in Lisbon, Portugal, 3.13 km from Colares. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Grande
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Grande?
Grande is a beach in Lisbon, Portugal, 3.13 km from Colares. It holds the Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
The best months to visit are June and September, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw the most visitors. Water conditions vary by season, so check local safety information before swimming.
The beach welcomes visitors year-round and is a solid choice for families and swimmers who care about environmental standards.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Lisbon, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Grande faces west 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 | 13°C | 16°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 15°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 19°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 20°C | High |
| Aug | 21°C | 20°C | High |
| Sep | 20°C | 20°C | Med |
| Oct | 19°C | 20°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 18°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 17°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Grande?
The best time to visit Grande is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 20°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.8°C in July.
How crowded does Grande get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Grande sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Grande 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 Grande
Is Grande safe to swim?
Grande 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, 2023 Excellent, 2022 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 Grande?
Peak water temperature at Grande reaches around 19.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.8°C.
What is the beach like at Grande?
Grande on the Lisbon coast of Portugal. The best months to visit are June and September, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw the most visitors. Water conditions vary by season, so check local safety information before swimming.
Grande sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Grande
How do I get to Grande by car?
Grande is approximately 3.13 km from Colares. 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 Grande?
The nearest airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), approximately 29.9 km away.
Can I get to Grande by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Colares. The nearest recorded bus stop is 329 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Grande?
Grande lists Sintra as the nearest railway station, 8.19 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Grande
Open the map or get directions to the Grande 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)
On the beach
Facilities at Grande
- Toilets
- Yes
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (street-side parking). 47 m away
- Surface
- Sand
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | June – November |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.3 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 329 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.8133°N, 9.4781°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Grande FAQ
Is Grande suitable for children?
Grande has a child-friendly score of 3/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Grande free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Grande. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Lisbon, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Grande?
The best time to visit Grande 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 19.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Grande?
Grande 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 Grande?
Grande is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is approximately 3.13 km from Colares. The nearest airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), 29.9 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
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 Grande
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.