São Martinho do Porto
Leiria, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Located 14.57 km from Alcobaça on the coast road, São Martinho do Porto is a beach in Leiria, Portugal. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The beach is open during its…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to São Martinho do Porto
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is São Martinho do Porto?
Located 14.57 km from Alcobaça on the coast road, São Martinho do Porto is a beach in Leiria, Portugal. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
The beach is open during its designated season, and swimmers should take standard precautions in the water. Drinking water is available on-site.
The best time to visit is May, June, or September. July and August are the busiest months. Blue Flag status is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, so the beach must maintain its standards year after year.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Leiria, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
São Martinho do Porto 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 | 11°C | 15°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 15°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 15°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 19°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 20°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 20°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 19°C | Low |
| Nov | 14°C | 18°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 16°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit São Martinho do Porto?
The best time to visit São Martinho do Porto is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.2°C in July.
How crowded does São Martinho do Porto get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, São Martinho do Porto sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is São Martinho do Porto 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 São Martinho do Porto
Is São Martinho do Porto safe to swim?
São Martinho do Porto 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 São Martinho do Porto?
Peak water temperature at São Martinho do Porto reaches around 19.2°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.3°C.
What is the beach like at São Martinho do Porto?
São Martinho do Porto on the Leiria coast of Portugal. The best time to visit is May, June, or September. July and August are the busiest months. Blue Flag status is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, so the beach must maintain its standards year after year.
São Martinho do Porto sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to São Martinho do Porto
How do I get to São Martinho do Porto by car?
São Martinho do Porto is approximately 14.57 km from Alcobaça. 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 São Martinho do Porto?
The nearest airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), approximately 81.0 km away.
Can I get to São Martinho do Porto by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Alcobaça.
Map
Find São Martinho do Porto
Open the map or get directions to the São Martinho do Porto 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 São Martinho do Porto
- Surface
- Sand
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | June – October |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.5100°N, 9.1373°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
São Martinho do Porto FAQ
Is São Martinho do Porto suitable for children?
São Martinho do Porto is Blue Flag certified in Portugal, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is São Martinho do Porto free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for São Martinho do Porto. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Leiria, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit São Martinho do Porto?
The best time to visit São Martinho do Porto 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 19.2°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at São Martinho do Porto?
São Martinho do Porto 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 São Martinho do Porto?
São Martinho do Porto is located in Leiria, Portugal. It is approximately 14.57 km from Alcobaça. The nearest airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), 81.0 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 São Martinho do Porto
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.