Mata
Setúbal, Portugal — Excellent water quality
A rural beach 370 metres long, set back from the main urban area. The access roads are unpaved but well-maintained. Wooden boardwalks lead down to the Bar da Ponte beach bar. There's unpaved parking available nearby. The beach has phone network coverage, a sealed cesspool,…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Mata
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Mata?
Mata is a rural beach in Setúbal, Portugal, positioned on the Costa da Caparica coast near Faro Airport (206.5 km). This 370-metre sandy strip sits away from urban development, offering a quieter alternative to busier coastal spots. The beach faces east and has been rated with excellent bathing water quality. Access involves unpaved but well-maintained roads, and wooden boardwalks lead to the Bar da Ponte. The beach features delimited parking, phone network coverage, and basic infrastructure including sealed cesspool facilities and regular water supply. Summer water temperatures peak around 19.4°C in August, while winter months bring cooler conditions around 8.4°C in January.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Setúbal, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Mata faces E toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| May | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Jun | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jul | 22°C | 19°C | High |
| Aug | 22°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Oct | 19°C | 16°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Mata is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 22.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.1°C in July.
How crowded does Mata get?Does Mata attract heavy crowds? Not typically. Its rural location away from urban centres, combined with unpaved access roads, naturally filters visitor numbers compared to developed beaches. You'll find quieter conditions particularly outside July and August peak season.
The parking arrangement—delimited but non-paved—suggests limited capacity, which further restricts numbers during high season. Summer months (July-August) will see more visitors as water temperatures peak (19.1°C-19.4°C), but the beach remains less crowded than nearby Costa da Caparica urban beaches.
Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) offer optimal conditions: warmer water (15-18°C range), pleasant air temperatures (20-22°C), and noticeably fewer visitors. Spring and autumn bring fewer tourists entirely, meaning substantial stretches of the 370-metre beach may feel largely empty.
Winter months (November-February) see minimal crowds due to cold water (8.4-11.7°C) and cool air temperatures (11.4°C in January). Local residents might frequent the beach year-round, but visitors remain sparse. This crowd pattern suits those prioritizing solitude over amenities.
Is Mata open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-06 – 30-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Mata
Is Mata safe to swim?Mata is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Mata?Peak water temperature at Mata reaches around <span class="inline-stat">19.1°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.4°C.
What is the beach like at Mata?Mata presents a straightforward sandy beach environment with a 370-metre shoreline. What defines this beach most is its rural character—the access roads remain unpaved, though they're maintained in good condition. This setup appeals to visitors seeking fewer crowds rather than developed beach infrastructure. The wooden boardwalks provide functional access from the car park to Bar da Ponte, the main facility on-site. The beach itself follows sandy morphology throughout.
Water temperature varies significantly with season. January averages 8.4°C, making winter bathing uncomfortable for most swimmers. Spring months see gradual warming—March reaches 10.5°C, April touches 12°C. Summer becomes genuinely swimmable: May averages 15°C, June 16.7°C, July 19.1°C, and August peaks at 19.4°C. September maintains 18.3°C as water remains warm into early autumn. October drops to 15.7°C, November falls to 11.7°C, and December reaches 10°C.
Air temperatures follow similar patterns. January averages 11.4°C, making beach time uncomfortable without warm layers. Summer months (July 22.1°C, August 22.4°C, September 21.3°C) provide warm conditions for beach activities. Lifeguards are present at the beach, providing safety supervision during bathing periods.
The beach's sandy composition supports comfortable walking and positioning. The absence of heavy development means you won't find sunbed rentals or extensive commercial services—this is part of its rural appeal. Phone network coverage exists, so emergency contact is possible. The sealed cesspool and regular water supply indicate basic sanitary facilities function throughout the year. Bar da Ponte offers refreshments and shelter, accessible via the wooden boardwalks.
Does Mata have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Mata meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Parking is available nearby.
Mata 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.
While You're Here
Beyond Mata
Costa da Caparica, the nearest city, functions as the practical base for visiting Mata. This larger coastal town offers accommodation options, restaurants, and general services unavailable at the rural beach itself. The town itself features multiple beaches within walking or short driving distance, providing alternatives if conditions at Mata don't suit particular days.
Costa da Caparica, the nearest city, functions as the practical base for visiting Mata. This larger coastal town offers accommodation options, restaurants, and general services unavailable at the rural beach itself. The town itself features multiple beaches within walking or short driving distance, providing alternatives if conditions at Mata don't suit particular days.
The broader Setúbal region connects to Lisbon via established transport networks. Lisbon lies approximately 50 km north and offers cultural attractions, dining, and urban amenities for visitors extending trips beyond beach time. The wider coastline features numerous beaches along Costa da Caparica, ranging from developed commercial stretches to quieter rural options similar to Mata.
The broader Setúbal region connects to Lisbon via established transport networks. Lisbon lies approximately 50 km north and offers cultural attractions, dining, and urban amenities for visitors extending trips beyond beach time. The wider coastline features numerous beaches along Costa da Caparica, ranging from developed commercial stretches to quieter rural options similar to Mata.
Bar da Ponte at Mata provides basic refreshment options during beach visits. For comprehensive dining, shopping, or accommodation beyond what the beach itself offers, Costa da Caparica becomes necessary. The region's infrastructure supports both day-trip visitors and longer stays, with accommodation ranging from simple guesthouses to larger resort facilities in nearby towns.
Bar da Ponte at Mata provides basic refreshment options during beach visits. For comprehensive dining, shopping, or accommodation beyond what the beach itself offers, Costa da Caparica becomes necessary. The region's infrastructure supports both day-trip visitors and longer stays, with accommodation ranging from simple guesthouses to larger resort facilities in nearby towns.
Transport
Getting to Mata
How do I get to Mata by car?Mata is approximately 5.95 km from Costa da Caparica. 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 Mata?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 206.5 km away. Faro Airport (FAO) sits 206.5 km south of Mata beach. Flight connections arrive from European capitals and regional hubs throughout the year. From Faro airport terminal, rental car options provide the most practical onward journey. The drive north to Mata takes approximately 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic patterns. Alternative options include airport shuttle services to Costa da Caparica (the nearest city), though these typically service larger urban beaches rather than Mata directly. Public transport from Faro involves bus connections to the Setúbal region, requiring additional local knowledge for final access.
Can I get to Mata by public transport?Bus services operate to Costa da Caparica from Lisbon and regional towns. From the nearest city terminus, local bus connections serve the broader Setúbal region. The final stage to Mata typically involves local minibus services or taxi arrangements, as the beach's rural location means limited direct coach access. Journey times vary considerably depending on connection timing.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01-06 – 30-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.5953°N, 9.2066°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Mata FAQ
Is Mata worth visiting?
Yes, if you prioritize quiet beaches and rural settings over developed infrastructure. The 370-metre sandy beach offers excellent bathing water quality and lifeguard supervision. Summer water temperatures (19.1-19.4°C in July-August) support comfortable swimming. The trade-off involves unpaved access roads and minimal commercial facilities—there's no sunbed rental or equipment hire. Visitors seeking fewer crowds and simple beach time find it worthwhile. Those expecting amenities similar to nearby Costa da Caparica beaches will find it underdeveloped.
How do I get to Mata beach?
Faro Airport (206.5 km south) provides the main air gateway. From there, rental car offers the most practical option for the 2.5-3 hour drive north. Bus services connect to Costa da Caparica (the nearest city), from where local minibus or taxi services reach Mata's rural location. The beach's unpaved but well-maintained access roads require standard vehicle capability. Parking exists on-site in delimited non-paved areas. Public transport requires local connections and advance planning rather than direct coach service.
What's the best time of year to visit Mata?
May-October offers the most practical conditions. July-August provide warmest water (19.1-19.4°C) and air temperatures (22°C), though peak summer brings maximum crowds. May-June and September-October offer better balance: water reaches 15-18°C, air temperatures stay around 20-22°C, and visitor numbers drop significantly. Winter months (November-February) see water temperatures fall to 8.4-11.7°C and air temperatures to 11.4°C, making bathing uncomfortable for most visitors. Spring warming begins in March (10.5°C water), making April onwards progressively more viable.
What facilities are available at Mata?
The beach provides lifeguard supervision, phone network coverage, sealed cesspool facilities, and regular water supply. Bar da Ponte offers refreshments and shelter, accessed via wooden boardwalks from the car park. Parking is delimited and non-paved. Notably absent: sunbed rental, equipment hire, changing facilities, showers, or commercial services beyond the single bar. The rural setting provides basic infrastructure rather than developed beach amenities. Visitors should bring necessities not available on-site and plan refreshment visits to Bar da Ponte accordingly.
Is Mata suitable for families?
Mata works for families comfortable with rural beach conditions. Lifeguard presence provides safety during bathing, and the 370-metre sandy beach offers straightforward swimming access. Water temperatures suit children from May onwards (15°C+), particularly July-August (19°C). The unpaved roads and minimal facilities suit families with self-sufficient attitudes rather than those requiring comprehensive amenities. Bar da Ponte provides some food options. Lack of changing facilities, showers, or playgrounds means families should come prepared with supplies and changing arrangements. The quiet environment appeals to families avoiding crowded urban beaches.
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