Figueira da Foz Beaches

Overview

Figueira da Foz, often hailed as Portugal's "Queen of Beaches," is a premier destination for seaside holidays. This coastal city boasts expansive stretches of fine, golden sand, offering a classic beach experience. Its long-standing reputation as a beloved resort town draws visitors to its vibrant shores and diverse coastal landscapes.

Among its many jewels, Praia da Claridade stands out as the most famous, celebrated for its immense size and lively atmosphere. Surfers often head to Buarcos Beach, renowned for its exceptionally long waves, or the iconic Praia do Cabedelo, another top spot for wave riders. For families seeking calmer waters, Praia da Costa de Lavos provides a welcoming environment.

Beyond these well-known spots, Figueira da Foz offers a wide spectrum of beaches, from bustling urban sands to more tranquil, natural settings. Even the most popular beaches are so vast that finding your own space is usually easy. Our guide details many more options, ensuring every visitor can find their perfect spot along this remarkable coastline.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Figueira da Foz a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Figueira da Foz is known as the "Queen of Beaches" in Portugal and is a popular destination for beach holidays. It offers a wide variety of beaches, from expansive urban sands with full amenities to more secluded spots, catering to different preferences. The city has a long history as a seaside resort, attracting visitors with its extensive white sandy beaches and vibrant atmosphere.

Praia da Figueira da Foz

What is the water temperature like in Figueira da Foz? Can you swim comfortably?

The sea temperature in Figueira da Foz is generally cool. In summer, the average water temperature reaches around 17.4°C (63.3°F), with peak temperatures in August ranging from 19 to 22°C (66 to 72°F). While some find this refreshing for a swim, especially on hot days, others might find it quite cold. Wetsuits are often recommended for prolonged water activities like surfing. For those who prefer warmer water, there are sometimes heated seawater pools available on the main beaches.

When is the best time of year to visit the beaches in Figueira da Foz?

The best time to visit the beaches in Figueira da Foz is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is sunniest and warmest. Average maximum temperatures range from 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F) during this period. This is also when beach amenities are fully operational and the town is at its liveliest.

Are the beaches in Figueira da Foz good for families with children?

Yes, many beaches in Figueira da Foz are well-suited for families. Praia da Claridade, the main urban beach, is very spacious and often has calmer areas. Some beaches, like Cova Gala, are more protected and offer a tranquil experience. Additionally, amenities such as playgrounds, lifeguards, and nearby cafes are common, especially on the urban beaches.

Claridade Beach

Are there many beachfront hotels or accommodations in Figueira da Foz?

Yes, Figueira da Foz has a good selection of beachfront accommodations, particularly along the main urban beaches like Praia da Claridade and in Buarcos. Options range from hotels to apartments, offering direct access or sea views. The Bairro Novo district, facing the sea, historically developed to cater to beach visitors and features many such establishments.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Claridade Beach

Which are the best beaches for surfing in Figueira da Foz?

Figueira da Foz is a well-known surfing destination. Praia do Cabedelo is the most iconic surf spot, famous for its long, consistent right-hand waves. Buarcos is another top spot, reputed to have one of the longest right-hand point breaks in Europe. Other beaches like Cova Gala and Costa de Lavos also offer good conditions for surfing and bodyboarding.

Buarcos Beach

Praia da Costa de Lavos

Is it usually windy on the beaches in Figueira da Foz?

Figueira da Foz can be windy, especially being an Atlantic coastal town. The wind is often a factor for beachgoers and can be more noticeable on the wider, more exposed beaches. However, this also makes it a good location for wind-related water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing. Some coves or beaches sheltered by dunes or jetties might offer more protection on windy days.

How do the beaches in Figueira da Foz compare to Nazaré for a holiday?

Figueira da Foz and Nazaré both offer popular beach experiences but with different focuses. Figueira da Foz is known for its extremely wide sandy urban beaches, like Praia da Claridade, and a strong surf culture with famously long waves at Buarcos and Cabedelo. It's often seen as a more traditional family resort with a broader range of beaches. Nazaré is world-famous for its giant waves at Praia do Norte, attracting big wave surfers, especially in winter. While it also has a beautiful town beach (Praia da Nazaré) suitable for swimming and families, its international fame is heavily tied to extreme surfing. Figueira offers a more diverse beach holiday experience, while Nazaré is a must-see for big wave enthusiasts and has a charming traditional fishing town character.

Claridade Beach

Buarcos Beach

Praia da Nazaré

People Also Ask

What's the best way to get to the different beaches in Figueira da Foz?

The main urban beaches like Praia da Claridade and Buarcos are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle from the city center, with promenades and cycle paths available. For beaches further out, such as those south of the Mondego River (e.g., Cabedelo, Cova Gala) or further north (e.g., Quiaios), a car is generally recommended. Public transport options like buses exist but may be less frequent to more remote beaches. Some people also use a boat service to cross to Cabedelo.

Claridade Beach

Buarcos Beach

Are the beaches in Figueira da Foz very crowded?

The level of crowding varies. The main urban beach, Praia da Claridade (also known as Praia do Relógio), can get busy during peak summer months (July and August), especially in easily accessible areas near the town. However, due to its immense size – it's one of Europe's largest urban beaches – you can usually find plenty of space if you walk a bit further. Beaches further from the city center, like Quiaios or Costa de Lavos, tend to be much less crowded.

Claridade Beach

Praia da Costa de Lavos

Are there any quieter or hidden gem beaches in Figueira da Foz?

Yes, while Figueira is known for its large urban beaches, there are quieter options. Praia de Quiaios, further north and backed by dunes and the Serra da Boa Viagem, offers a more natural and tranquil setting. Beaches like Murtinheira or some of the smaller coves around Cabo Mondego can also be less crowded. Praia da Costinha is a very remote and wild beach, accessible by a less maintained road, for those seeking true seclusion.

Beach Costinha (Naturist)

What is the 'Arte Xávega' I hear about on some Figueira da Foz beaches?

Arte Xávega is a traditional form of net fishing from the shore, practiced on some beaches in Figueira da Foz, such as Praia da Leirosa and Costa de Lavos. It involves boats launching nets into the sea and then teams of people (or sometimes tractors nowadays) hauling the nets back to shore. It's a significant cultural heritage of the region and offers a glimpse into traditional fishing practices.

Are there facilities like showers, toilets, and cafes on the beaches?

Yes, the main urban beaches such as Praia da Claridade, Buarcos, and Cabedelo are generally well-equipped with facilities including showers, toilets, first-aid posts, and a variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants along the promenade or on the beach itself. More remote or wild beaches may have limited or no facilities.

Buarcos Beach

Claridade Beach

Is Figueira da Foz suitable for a city break combined with a beach holiday?

Figueira da Foz can be suitable for a city break combined with a beach holiday, especially if your primary interest is the beach and coastal activities. The city itself offers attractions like the Casino, the Bairro Novo with its Belle Époque architecture, a municipal museum, and various restaurants and cafes. However, it's more of a traditional seaside resort town than a large bustling city. For a more extensive city experience, Coimbra is about 40km away.

What's the sand like on Figueira da Foz beaches?

The beaches in Figueira da Foz are known for their vast expanses of fine, golden sand. Praia da Claridade, the main city beach, is particularly famous for its incredibly wide sandy area.

Claridade Beach

Figueira da Foz Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Claridade Beach

Buarcos Beach

Praia da Costa de Lavos

Praia do Relógio

Praia do Cabedelo

FAQ

Is Figueira da Foz a good destination for a beach holiday?

What is the water temperature like in Figueira da Foz? Can you swim comfortably?

When is the best time of year to visit the beaches in Figueira da Foz?

Are the beaches in Figueira da Foz good for families with children?

Are there many beachfront hotels or accommodations in Figueira da Foz?

Which are the best beaches for surfing in Figueira da Foz?

Is it usually windy on the beaches in Figueira da Foz?

How do the beaches in Figueira da Foz compare to Nazaré for a holiday?

Cape Views Local Haunts

Praia do Cabo Mondego

Praia da Tamargueira

Praia da Pedra da Nau

Buarcos Beach

People Also Ask

What's the best way to get to the different beaches in Figueira da Foz?

Are the beaches in Figueira da Foz very crowded?

Are there any quieter or hidden gem beaches in Figueira da Foz?

What is the 'Arte Xávega' I hear about on some Figueira da Foz beaches?

Are there facilities like showers, toilets, and cafes on the beaches?

Is Figueira da Foz suitable for a city break combined with a beach holiday?

What's the sand like on Figueira da Foz beaches?

The Grand Urban Shoreline

Claridade Beach

Praia da Figueira da Foz

Praia do Alto do Viso

Praia do Teimoso

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