Algarve

Algarve Spotlight

86 Algarve beaches awarded the Blue Flag in 2026

The official 2026 Blue Flag list was published in May by ABAAE, the Portuguese section of the 'Foundation for Environmental Education'. The Algarve and the North lead the ranking, each with 86 beaches.

86 Algarve beaches awarded the Blue Flag in 2026, Algarve

The Blue Flag is an international environmental certification program.
To receive the certification, a beach must meet 33 criteria divided into four categories:

  • Bathing water quality
  • Environmental education and information
  • Environmental management
  • Safety and services

Award-winning beaches in the Algarve


Aljezur (4): Amoreira-Mar; Arrifana; Monte Clérigo; Odeceixe-Mar

Castro Marim (5): Alagoa-Altura; Cabeço; Odeleite Dam Reservoir River Beach; Praia Verde; Praia Verde Lago

Faro (4): Barreta; Culatra-Mar; Faro-Mar; Ilha do Farol-Mar

Lagoa (6): Caneiros; Carvoeiro; Ferragudo; Senhora da Rocha; Vale Centeanes; Vale do Olival

Lagos (3): Luz; Meia Praia; Porto de Mós

Loulé (10): Almargem; Ancão; Forte Novo; Garrão Nascente; Garrão Poente; Loulé Velho; Quarteira; Quinta do Lago; Vale de Lobo; Vilamoura

Olhão (4): Armona-Mar; Armona-Ria; Fuseta-Mar; Fuseta-Ria

Portimão (6): Alvor Nascente; Alvor Poente; Portimão Marina Beach; Rocha; Três Castelos; Vau

Silves (2): Armação de Pêra; Praia Grande Poente

Tavira (4): Barril; Cabanas-Mar; Ilha de Tavira-Mar; Terra Estreita

Vila Real de Santo António (4): Lota; Manta Rota; Monte Gordo; Santo António

Vila do Bispo (10): Almádena-Cabanas Velhas; Burgau; Castelejo; Cordoama; Ingrina; Mareta; Martinhal; Salema; Tonel; Zavial

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Algarve Spotlight

Castro Marim with the only river beach with a Blue Flag in the Algarve

Castro Marim with the only river beach with a Blue Flag in the Algarve

With this winter's rainfall, the inauguration of the Odeleite River Beach in Castro Marim is guaranteed in time for the summer of 2026. This bathing area is the only one in the Algarve hinterland with a Blue Flag

Monte Clérigo Beach in the Algarve, elected best beach in Europe

Monte Clérigo Beach in the Algarve, elected best beach in Europe

Monte Clérigo Beach in Aljezur, on the Costa Vicentina, was voted by 'European Best Destinations' as the best beach in the world in 2026, due to its exclusivity and environmental preservation. A true gem in the Algarve.

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