Portugal awarded over 400 Blue Flag beaches

Published on 28th May, 2025

From the 2025 Blue Flag Awards, Portugal can now boast over 400 beaches with a Blue Flag, marking an increase of six from the previous year. The Algarve leads with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, followed by the North and the Alentejo. The beaches of Sintra were also distinguished, with several having received the award after a decade of a lack of involvement.

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.

This year, Portugal has 404 Blue Flag beaches - 354 coastal and 50 inland, plus 18 marinas and 22 ecotourism vessels.

Portugal now ranks sixth among the 51 countries that develop the Blue Flag Programme, considering the award-winning locations.

If you are thinking of investing in a home in Portugal, then you can be sure it will be close to an award-winning beach. Let our knowledgeable and professional team of multi-lingual Property Advisors help you, as they have done for thousands of others. Email hello@PortugalProperty.com or call us: +351 308 800 878 or 0800 014 8201 free from the UK.

Published in: Guide to Portugal / Miscellaneous / Portuguese Life