Blue Flag beaches
Blue Flag beach in Portugal
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According to the latest data from the Blue Flag Programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education, around 64% of Portugal’s beaches earned Blue Flag status in 2026.
In total, 438 beaches – including river beaches – 21 marinas and 21 tourism boats received the distinction.
But what is the Blue Flag? The Blue Flag is a prestigious international award given to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators who meet and maintain exacting standards for environmental sustainability, education, safety, and accessibility.
To qualify for the Blue Flag, stringent criteria in these areas must be met. A beach that receives the Blue Flag award meets several criteria, including water quality and planning for space, security and services, surveillance, and public awareness.
Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag programme is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment. As such, environmental education activities must be offered and promoted in addition to a permanent display of information relevant to the site regarding biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental experiences.
As the foundation says, "We educate to protect. To protect not just our environment but the people who live in it, the communities who depend on it, the businesses who profit from it and the ecosystems which rely on it!”
Portugal holds the highest percentage of its total bathing beaches distinguished with the Blue Flag award in Europe. While Spain has the highest number of Blue Flag sites in the world, Portugal ranks first in Europe – and fifth worldwide – for the proportion of its bathing areas that meet the Blue Flag certification standards.
If you are considering investing in a home in Portugal, you can be confident it will be close to an award-winning beach.
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Published in: Guide to Portugal / Portuguese Life / Travel