Portugal's 438 Blue Flags prove its beaches are still the world's cleanest

Portugal has 438 Blue Flag beaches, marinas, and boats this year—six fewer than in 2025—spread across 100 municipalities, with the municipality of Sertã earning the distinction for the first time, the Blue Flag Association announced on Thursday.

The announcement was made at the Pedra do Sal Environmental Interpretation Center in Estoril, in the Cascais municipality of the Lisbon district, by José Archer, president of the Blue Flag Association of Europe. He revealed that in the upcoming bathing season, 396 beaches—350 coastal and 46 inland—will fly the Blue Flag, eight fewer than last year.

"We had fewer awards than last year, but this was largely due to the weather conditions during the bathing season, which always affect water quality. There's no cause for concern—it's an isolated situation," Archer told the Lusa news agency. In 2025, a total of 444 awards were granted, recognizing 404 beaches, 18 marinas, and 22 eco-tourism boats.

According to Archer, the key development this year is the transition in Blue Flag certification criteria, which will change starting in 2027. "We will have more criteria and a different methodology, with external auditors validating applications. This is a transitional year [...] tied to the new consumer directive coming into force in September," he explained.

To ensure that new beaches—and any returning ones—can apply in 2027, an extraordinary application period will be open in July and August. These submissions will then be reviewed at the International Jury meeting on September 16.

On an international level, Archer noted that Portugal remains "highly distinguished," ranking "fifth worldwide for coastal beaches awarded" and "second globally for inland beaches." He added, "Given the size of our territory, this is truly gratifying and reflects the hard work and behavioral changes people have adopted over time."

Marking the 40th anniversary of the Blue Flag program this year, Archer highlighted that Mira Beach is the only one to have held the award continuously for all 40 years. He clarified that in 1992, due to a laboratory strike, no Algarve beaches received the distinction.

First Blue Flag to be raised in Mira

Among the newly awarded northern beaches are Foz do Lima and Rodanho (Viana do Castelo), Agudela Sul and Meia Laranja (Matosinhos), while the Tejo region welcomes Ribeira Grande (Sertã), and the Alentejo gains Oriola (Portel). In the Algarve, Albufeira de Odeleite (Tavira) and Praia do Lago Verde (Castro Marim) have now earned the flag.

Beaches losing the award this year include, in the north, Cavadinho (Braga), Praia do Arquiteto Albino Mendo (Mirandela), and Espinho-Baía. In the central region, Cornicovo (Penacova) and Cova Gala Hospital (Figueira da Foz) no longer hold the distinction.

In the Tejo area, Moitas, Tamariz, and Poça (Cascais), Praia Fluvial do Sorraia (Coruche), Álvares (Góis), Santa Luzia, Pessegueiro, Praia da Pampilhosa da Serra, and Porto da Calada (Mafra) have lost their Blue Flags. In the Algarve, Praia dos Pescadores in Albufeira is no longer on the list.

In the Azores, 45 coastal beaches were awarded—one fewer than last year—with Calheta dos Lagadores (Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island) losing its distinction. In Madeira, all 17 awarded beaches are coastal, though Calheta Beach in Porto Santo also lost its flag.

The first coastal Blue Flag will be raised at Mira Beach on June 8, while the first inland flag will be hoisted at Mourao River Beach in the Alentejo on June 13.

Angra do Heroísmo Marina to Be First to Fly Blue Flag on June 15

The first marina to raise the Blue Flag this year will be Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island in the Azores, on June 15. Additionally, 31 Blue Centers—facilities providing information and environmental education activities near beaches—have been recognized across all regions of Portugal.

Some Beaches Granted Extended Deadline for Blue Flag Certification

Beaches struggling to restore their sand before the summer season due to the storms that battered Portugal between January and February will be granted an "exceptional" extension to raise the Blue Flag. "In many areas, yes, [the succession of storms] did affect [many beaches] because they caused significant damage, including sand loss. Some beaches were left practically without sand," explained José Archer, president of the European Blue Flag Association.

According to Archer, while the sea "gradually replenishes" the sand, it is unlikely that some beaches will recover in time for the start of the bathing season, despite municipalities making "a major effort."

"There are also access routes, retaining structures, cliffs, and other areas in critical condition that are currently undergoing repairs. We hope everything will be ready in time. In fact, this year we will have an exceptional regime for disaster-affected areas, allowing them to raise the flag later if ongoing work prevents them from meeting the standard deadline," he stated.

The official acknowledged that in some locations, it "may be difficult" to fully restore conditions but noted a positive aspect: "The Blue Flag also increases pressure to ensure everything is ready on time." Nevertheless, obtaining the award for the bathing season will not be affected, as there are "justified reasons" for delays.

In fact, the beaches will not face any restrictions and will instead have an extended period to raise the flag. If they still cannot meet the deadline, it will be justified. "This is not the fault of the promoter or the local authority—it is undoubtedly due to circumstances beyond their control," Archer clarified. The most affected areas are primarily in the north and center of the country: "By far, they suffered the most damage. There are zones where the destruction was truly substantial," he added.

A beach awarded the Blue Flag must meet several criteria, including water quality, spatial planning, safety and services, lifeguard supervision, and public awareness (environmental education).