2014 may see 80 Blue Flag beaches in the Algarve – 11 more than the region had last year. And this year, Lagoa borough council – one of the municipalities that dug its heels in and didn’t put one beach up last year – has elected no less than five: Vale do Olival, Senhora da Rocha, Carvoeiro, Caneiros and Pintadinho, while Castro Marim – another Blue Flag renegade – has gone for two: Verde and Cabeço.
Meantime, Albufeira, which always has an impressive selection of Blue Flag beaches, is going to increase its number to 23, with the addition of Pescadores, Peneco, Falésia/Açoteias and Inatel beaches.
Elsewhere, the Blue Flag line up is: Loulé – 10, Vila do Bispo – nine, Lagos – six, Portimão – five, Faro, Tavira and Vila Real do Santo António – four, Aljezur – three, Silves and Olhão each have two and Alcoutim has just one (freshwater beach).
The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches that comply with strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and safety.
