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Quarteira, nestled along the Algarve coast in Portugal’s Faro district, occupies a geographically significant position influencing its air quality. Situated at approximately 37.0695° latitude and -8.1006° longitude, the town lies on a relatively flat coastal plain, just east of Loulé and close to Vilamoura. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and gently sloping hills inland, transitioning into the Serra do Caldeirão mountain range further east. This terrain, while generally favouring sea breezes, can also contribute to localized air stagnation under certain meteorological conditions. The urban character of Quarteira is primarily a coastal resort town, with a dense core of residential and commercial buildings radiating outwards towards the sandy beaches. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; beyond the immediate built-up area, the landscape quickly shifts to agricultural land, primarily focused on citrus fruits, almonds, and market gardening. While Quarteira itself lacks significant heavy industry, its proximity to larger regional industrial zones around Faro and Portimão means that pollutants can be transported via prevailing winds. The Ria Formosa Natural Park, a lagoon system to the southeast, acts as a partial barrier and influences local wind patterns, sometimes trapping pollutants. The Algarve’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, plays a crucial role in shaping air quality dynamics, impacting both pollutant dispersion and the types of pollutants present.

Quarteira’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle driven by meteorological factors. Summer, spanning June to August, typically sees the highest temperatures and the lowest rainfall, leading to increased photochemical smog formation. Intense solar radiation combined with relatively stagnant air masses, often resulting from high-pressure systems, promotes the creation of ground-level ozone and secondary pollutants from vehicle emissions and agricultural activities. Sea breezes, while generally beneficial, can be weak and intermittent during these months. Autumn (September-November) brings a gradual shift, with increased rainfall and more frequent wind events, which help to disperse pollutants, leading to improved air quality. Winter (December-February) often sees the most stable atmospheric conditions, with occasional temperature inversions trapping pollutants close to the ground, particularly in the mornings. Fog, common during this period, further exacerbates this issue. Spring (March-May) offers a transitional period, with increasing sunshine hours and gradually strengthening winds, resulting in generally good air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the summer months, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during peak sunlight hours. Winter mornings, especially when fog is present, also warrant reduced outdoor exposure. Agricultural burning, a practice sometimes employed in the surrounding rural areas, can contribute to localized pollution episodes, regardless of the season, and residents should be aware of potential smoke plumes.