Is It Safe to Swim in Portugal?
Swimming is generally safe at Portugal's beaches, though the Atlantic Ocean demands respect. Strong currents, powerful waves, and cold water temperatures require caution, particularly along the western coast.
Portuguese beaches use a flag system: green means safe swimming conditions, yellow indicates caution (swim near shore), red means no swimming, and checkered flags indicate the beach is unguarded. Always swim at beaches with lifeguards during posted hours.
The Algarve's southern coast offers calmer, warmer waters protected from Atlantic swells. The western coast from Lisbon northward sees bigger waves and stronger currents that attract surfers but challenge casual swimmers. Rip currents occur regularly; if caught in one, swim parallel to shore rather than fighting directly against it.
Water temperatures range from about 15-17°C (59-63°F) in the north to 20-23°C (68-73°F) in the Algarve during summer. Many visitors find the Atlantic refreshingly cool rather than warm. Jellyfish occasionally appear, particularly in late summer.
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