Cascais, Portugal, April 30, 2026 (Lusa) – The Blue Flag Association announced on Thursday that Portugal has 438 beaches, marinas, and vessels with the Blue Flag (an eco-label for water quality and safety) in 2026, six fewer than in 2025, spread across 100 districts, including Serta, which applied for the first time.
Europe’s Blue Flag Association chair, José Archer, made the announcement at the Pedra do Sal Environmental Interpretation Centre in Estoril. He said 396 beaches – 350 coastal and 46 inland ones (lakes, rivers, and lagoons) – would fly the Blue Flag during the next bathing season.
"We had fewer awards than last year, but this was essentially due to weather conditions during the bathing season, which always penalises bathing water quality. Therefore, it is not a worrying situation, but a one-off," José Archer told Lusa.
He said 2026 is a transition year regarding Blue Flag criteria, which will change from 2027.
“We will have more criteria and a different methodology with external auditors validating applications. It is a transition year (...) related to the new consumer directive that enters into force in September,” he said.
To ensure new beaches and potential re-entries can apply in 2027, an extraordinary application period will run in July and August. The International Jury will then analyse these at its meeting on 16 September.
Internationally, he noted that Portugal remains “very prominent,” ranking fifth for coastal beaches and second in the world for inland beaches.
"Considering our territory's size, it is frankly gratifying and results from all the work and change in people's behaviour today," he said.
As the Blue Flag programme celebrates 40 years, he noted that Mira beach is the only one to hold the award for all 40 years. He explained that in 1992, an Algarve laboratory strike prevented that region’s beaches from being awarded.
Angra do Heroísmo marina on the island of Terceira, will be the first to fly the flag on 15 June.
The association also recognised 31 Blue Centres across all regions. These are structures that provide information and environmental education activities near beaches.
A Blue Flag beach meets several criteria, including water quality, environmental management (planning and organisation), safety, services, surveillance and environmental education.
RCP/LYT // ADB.
Lusa
