THE ALGARVE is the region of Portugal to be awarded the most blue flags this year, in recognition of the quality of its beaches and marinas.
According to the Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa (ABAE), European Blue Flag Association, 55 flags have been awarded, six more than last year, plus four marinas have been rewarded with blue flags. The ABAE judge the coastal areas based on environmental nature, security, the comfort level of users, as well as environmental protection standards and display of information. Lagos Marina has been selected as the first to raise their flag, on June 17, because of their “excellent work” in improving the area so rapidly, said a spokesperson for ABAE.
There is much to celebrate this year, as not only is the ABAE celebrating its 20th anniversary, four beaches, (Ingrina, at Vila do Bispo, Carvoeiro and Pintadinho, in Lagoa and Oura-Leste in Albufeira), have been ‘blue-flagged’ for the first time.
• Blue Flags have been awarded to the following beaches and marinas in 2006
ALBUFEIRA
Falésia
Rocha Baixinha-Leste
Santa Eulália
Belharucas
Rocha Baixinha-Oeste
Oura-Leste
Maria Luísa
Oura
Aveiros
São Rafael
Evaristo
Manuel Lourenço
Galé-Leste
Olhos d´Água
Marina de Albufeira
ALJEZUR
Odeceixe-Mar
Monte Clérigo
Arrifana
FARO
Culatra-Mar
Ilha do Farol-Mar
Barreta
Faro-Mar
LAGOA
Carvoeiro
Ferragudo
Vale de Centeanes
Senhora da Rocha
Pintadinho
Caneiros
LAGOS
Luz
Porto de Mós
Meia Praia
Dona Ana
Marina de Lagos
LOULÉ
Garrão
Ancão
Quarteira
Quinta do Lago
Vale de Lobo
Marina de Vilamoura
OLHÃO
Armona-Mar
PORTIMÃO
Três Castelos
Alvor
Três Irmãos
Vau
Rocha
Marina de Portimão
TAVIRA
Cabanas-Mar
Ilha de Tavira-Mar
Barril
VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO
Monte Gordo
Manta Rota
VILA DO BISPO
Salema
Castelejo
Ingrina
Cordoama
Mareta
Martinhal
Zavial
Burgau
Source: www.abae.pt
