The high number of Blue Flag beaches in Portugal is, quite rightly, a source of pride for the country.
Portugal boasts 432 beaches with the Blue Flag accolade. The country comes sixth in the global Blue Flag league tables. While it has been “beaten” by neighbours such as France and Spain, it’s only fair to point out that both countries have around three times the length of coastline!
Blue Flag beaches in Portugal
To qualify for a Blue Flag award, a beach must meet a range of criteria around accessibility, safety, and environmental standards. Perhaps most important, for most, is the criteria around bathing water quality. Blue Flag beaches must regularly test the water and clearly display the results.
With over 400 beaches to choose from, almost everywhere in coastal Portugal is within easy reach of one or more with a Blue Flag. However, if you’re a committed sun worshiper who wants one right on your doorstep, this article is for you.
Here are five appealing towns, all with a range of Blue Flag beaches just steps away. It’s perhaps no surprise that we begin our journey in the Algarve.
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Beautiful beaches on the Albufeira coastline
Albuferia – 25 Blue Flag Beaches!
Albufeira needs little introduction. It’s often the place that provides people’s first experience of Portugal.
Albufeira covers a substantial area and includes both the infamous “strip” and the atmospheric old town area. There’s no getting away from the fact that this is a touristy area, but there are pockets of peace, smaller surrounding villages, and plenty of quiet villas.
In any case, being in a vibrant area is a plus for some. Amenities are abundant, and you’re unlikely to ever run out of new bars and restaurants to try.
Moving on to the beaches – there are a staggering 25 Blue Flag sites to choose from in the Albuferia municipality. The town beach (Pescadores) is included on the list, as are visitors’ favourites like Santa Eulália and Falésia. However, those in the know can head to quieter and lesser-known spots such as Arrifes and Coelha.
A bird’s eye view of Cabanas de Tavira
Tavira – for Barril, Ilha de Tavira and Cabanas
The Tavira area is home to several Blue Flag beaches. They’re particularly special because they’re all situated on sand spits, offering a true paradise island feel. The islands are also large in scale. Ilha de Tavira alone is 11km long – offering total seclusion even at the height of the summer season.
Tavira is popular with tourists and overseas residents but retains an authentic working city feel. The Ilha de Tavira is the closest beach, with access by ferry (all year round) or water taxi.
Cabanas de Tavira is another option. A small, friendly resort town with an island all of its own, Cabanas is increasingly popular with expats. It’s very busy during the six peak weeks of summer, but peaceful for the rest of the year.
Finally, Santa Luzia, the “octopus capital” of the Algarve, is a village just to the other side of Tavira. Santa Luzia is the jumping-off point for picturesque Barril beach. Technically the western end of Tavira Island, Barril is reached via a miniature train or a pleasant 10-minute walk across the dunes.
Praia da Rocha in Portimao, Algarve
Portimão – for Praia da Rocha
Like Tavira, Portimão is a working city. The city itself is even less touched by tourism than Tavira, and as a result, can be a good place to buy a property. Apartments in older buildings around the main city are especially worth a look for bargains – although there are plenty of sparkling new condominiums for those with the budget.
Praia da Rocha(pictured above) is one of the Algarve’s finest (and largest) beaches. It is popular with tourists, but big enough to absorb them. At one end is the Portimão marina, complete with upscale restaurants and the stunning No Solo Agua beach club – a little touch of Ibiza in Portugal.
Heading west, a vast stretch of sand then leads to a stretch of beach covered in rock formations. Although these are the rochas (rocks) the name refers to, this part of the beach is technically called Três Castelos.
Of all the Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, this is perhaps the perfect choice for those who wish to fully partake in a life of sun, sand and sea. It’s not quiet, but it offers everything one could want from a top-tier beach resort.
The ‘Queen Beaches’ in Figueira da Foz
Figueira da Foz – home to 11 Blue Flag beaches
You don’t need to choose the Algarve to be near Blue Flag beaches in Portugal. Figueira da Foz is on on the Silver Coast – a couple of hours from Lisbon and 90 minutes from Porto. The town – already popular with international residents – is within easy reach of no less than 11 Blue Flag beaches.
There’s an abundance of choices. Cabedelo is perfect for surfing and within easy reach of the town. Burcos is known for surfing too but is also a great spot for fish restaurants and is generally uncrowded.
Murtinheira and Quiaios are a little further afield, but great places to head to for long walks and true seclusion.
The beautiful Cascais coast
Cascais – between the beach and city
Those who seek the best of both worlds – in this case, Blue Flag beach life and city culture on the doorstep – could do a lot worse than checking out Cascais.
Cascais is about 45 minutes from Lisbon by road or rail. It’s a day trip destination for city-dwellers, the home of upscale sailing events, and a popular home for global residents.
The Cascais municipal area is home to 11 Blue Flag beaches. The town itself has much going for it, with many shops and restaurants and a vibrant year-round feel. However, other options are plentiful, such as family-friendly Carcavelos, and wild Guincho for surfers.
It’s worth noting that the waters off Cascais can get quite chilly – this is the Atlantic and not the Med! However, a cool dip can be just what the doctor ordered after a hot day exploring Lisbon.
