The Algarve is once again the region flying the most Blue Flags in Portugal, with 82 beaches receiving the accolade this year – 13 more than last year.
Twelve beaches – five in Lagoa, three in Albufeira, three in Castro Marim and another in Olhão –made it back onto the Blue Flag list this year, while Praia do Peneco in Albufeira was distinguished for the first time.
In Lagoa, the Caneiros, Carvoeiro, Pintadinho, Senhora da Rocha and Vale do Olival beaches reclaimed their distinctions.
Again, Albufeira boasts the largest number of Blue Flags in the Algarve with 23 beaches flying the flag this year, followed by Loulé (10), Vila do Bispo (9), Lagos (6), Portimão and Lagoa (5), Faro, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António (4), Aljezur, Olhão and Castro Marim (3), Silves (2) and Alcoutim (1). In other words, all municipalities boast Blue Flag beaches this year except those with no beaches – Monchique and São Brás.
Albufeira’s Inatel, Pescadores and Falésia-Açoteias beaches also made it back onto the Blue Flag beach list, as well as Castro Marim’s Alagoa-Altura, Praia Verde and Cabeço beaches.
Fuseta Ria in Olhão also earned a flag, being the municipality’s sole representative.
In the past years, Lagoa and Castro Marim had decided to not enter their beaches into the Blue Flag ‘race’ alleging disagreements with the criteria used by the Blue Flag association.
All four Algarve marinas – Vilamoura, Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos – will also be flying Blue Flags this year.
On a national level, 298 beaches and 17 marinas were awarded a Blue Flag, representing an 8% increase compared to last year.
The full list is available online at www.abae.pt
