Portugal's Blue Flag Beaches Kick Off Summer Season

The summer bathing season began on 13 June in northern Portugal, covering 121 beaches – 73 coastal and ten river sites – that have earned the Blue Flag distinction. Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia lead with 19 flags each, followed by Viana do Castelo with 13, while the Porto municipality has four awarded beaches.

In the Médio Tejo region, the Carvoeiro river beach in Mação secured its 20th consecutive Blue Flag, also receiving the Accessible Beach label. After extensive clean‑up work following severe floods and Storm Kristin, the site reopened with upgraded facilities, expected to draw visitors and bolster local commerce through September.

Both events highlight the continued emphasis on water quality, safety and tourism promotion across Portugal’s coastal and inland beach network.