Portuguese towns launch summer beach season with new Blue Flag awards

Municipalities across Portugal marked the start of the 2026 beach season with ceremonies to raise Blue Flag and accessibility banners. In Alcobaça, the mayor Hermínio Rodrigues hoisted the flags at São Martinho do Porto and Paredes da Vitória, highlighting the beaches' environmental quality, safety and inclusive facilities. Silves celebrated the re‑award of the Blue Flag to Armação de Pêra and Praia Grande Poente, while also receiving "Praia Acessível" and "Qualidade de Ouro" recognitions for several local sands.

Coimbra’s Praia Fluvial do Rebolim was again awarded the Blue Flag, noting its water quality and upgraded amenities such as new signage and sand replenishment. Braga’s council inaugurated the river‑beach season at Merelim São Paio, Ponte do Bico and Adaúfe, with two sites already bearing the Blue Flag and plans for a fifth river beach by 2027.

The Ponto Verde Academy returned to beaches and public pools nationwide, including the Azores and Madeira, to teach children recycling through games and challenges, aiming to reach over 5,000 participants. All events were supported by the Portuguese Environment Agency and local authorities.