Once again, the Algarve is the Portuguese region flying the most Blue Flags in 2017: 88 beaches have received the summertime badge of honour.
There were only two changes to last year’s list: Lagoa’s Praia do Pintadinho lost its classification, while neighbouring Praia de Vale de Centeanes picked it up.
The Algarve’s four marinas – Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira and Vilamoura – continue to fly their flags with pride, while Albufeira heads the list of regional boroughs with the most Blue Flags (25). Vila do Bispo is next (11), followed by Loulé (10), Lagoa (6), Lagos (6), Portimão (5), Aljezur (4), Faro (4), Olhão (4), Tavira (4), Vila Real de Santo António (4), Castro Marim (3) and Silves (2).
On a national level, Portugal is flying a record 320 flags and the European Union country with the highest percentage (55%) of national beaches receiving classification.
Only Spain (578), Greece (486), France (390) and Italy (342) will boast more flags, albeit with a lower overall national percentage.
