Portuguese beaches earn Blue Flag and accessibility honors

Beaches in Portugal have been recognised for high water quality, safety, services and accessibility. In the municipality of Silves, the coastal beaches of Armação de Pêra, Praia Grande Poente and Praia Grande Nascente received the European Blue Flag award from the Association Bandeira Azul da Europa (ABAE) and the national Praia Acessível seal from the Instituto Nacional para a Reabilitação (INR). The environmental group QUERCUS also granted a “Gold Quality” seal to the same sites, highlighting the excellence of the bathing water.

Further inland, the Praia Fluvial da Albufeira da Queimadela near Fafe was awarded the Blue Flag and Praia Acessível labels for its clean reservoir waters, free parking with places for reduced mobility, adapted toilets, ramps, first‑aid posts and daily lifeguard patrols. Both recognitions were celebrated by local officials, including Silves mayor Luísa Conduto Luís, and underscore a municipal commitment to environmental education, tourist appeal and inclusive beach access across the region.