Areia Branca

14.7°C Water temp · Jun 8

Portugal Coastal 1 - Excellent 14.7°C

Satellite image of AREIA BRANCA — Satellite image © Esri

Areia Branca is a long central sandy beach with white sand in the Lourinhã municipality. Once featuring a wide sandy area that has diminished over time, it remains a landmark in regional tourism. The beach provides all necessary conditions for extended leisure activities.

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Water

Coastal bathing water designated CWB-II-4, draining from the Ribeiras do Oeste river basin. The Rio Grande river flows into the beach from the south.

Location

Located in Lourinhã municipality. Coordinates: 39.266873°N, 9.336842°W (ETRS89).

Season

June 12th to September 12th (2021 season). Sampling frequency: triweekly.

Water Quality

Water quality classification 2020 under Decreto-Lei 135/09 (amended by Decreto-Lei 113/2012). Sampling conducted triweekly. Contamination risk is very low based on historical water quality records. No days of bathing restriction due to short-term pollution occurred during the 2020 bathing season.

Risks

Short-term pollution events (1–2 days duration) may rarely occur due to excessive river discharge during rainfall or when the river mouth opening is necessary. Fecal contamination may originate from the Rio Grande during intense precipitation. Proliferation potential for cyanobacteria, macroalgae, and phytoplankton is unlikely.