The results of the Flag Association of Europe have been released - and the Algarve's beaches have been the main feature in Portugal's line-up.
Portugal has 352 Blue Flag beaches for 2019. The challenge this year, under the Blue Flag programme is to continue to raise awareness of the fact that rubbish in the sea and on beaches originates from human activity on land with rivers carrying waste into the sea.
According to the association, the way forward is through environmental education and the adoption of more rational and efficient behavior in the use of resources.
With regard to the Algarve, 88 beaches were awarded Blue Flag status, one fewer than in 2018 with the loss of Pintadinho beach in the Lagoa area.
In all, the region has 13 municipalities with award-winning beaches, two Blue Centers - Loulé and Faro and 125 Environmental Education activities.
There were awards for four of the Algarve’s marinas: Vilamoura, Albufeira, Lagos and Portimão.
Aljezur:(4) Odeceixe-Mar, Amoreira Mar, Monte Clérigo and Arrifana.
Vila do Bispo:(11) Cordoama, Beliche, Castelejo, Tonel, Mareta, Martinhal, Ingrina, Zavial, Salema, Almádena - Cabanas Velha and Burgau.
Lagos:(6) Luz, Porto de Mós, Camilo, D. Ana, Batata and Meia Praia.
Portimão:(5) Alvor Poente, Alvor Nascente - Três Irmãos, Vau, Três Castelos and Rocha.
Lagoa:(6) Ferragudo, Caneiros, Carvoeiro, Vale de Centeanes, Senhora da Rocha, Vale do Olival.
Silves:(2) Armação de Pêra and Praia Grande Poente.
Albufeira:(25) Salgados, Galé Oeste, Galé Este, Manuel Lourenço, Evaristo, Castelo, Coelha, São Rafael, Arrifes, Peneco, Pescadores e Inatel, Alemães, Aveiros, Oura, Oura-Leste, Santa Eulália, Maria Luísa, Olhos D'Água, Belharucas, Falésia-Açoteias, Falésia-Alfamar, Rocha Baixinha - Poente, Rocha Baixinha and Rocha Baixinha - Nascente.
Loulé:(10) Vilamoura, Quarteira, Forte Novo, Almargem, Loulé Velho, Vale do Lobo, Garrão Poente/Duna, Garrão Nascente, Ancão and Quinta do Lago.
Faro:(4) Faro-Mar, Barreta, Ilha do Farol-Mar and Culatra-Mar.
Olhão:(4) Armona-Mar, Armona-Ria, Fuseta-Mar and Fuseta-Ria.
Tavira:(4) Barril, Terra Estreita, Ilha de Tavira-Mar and Cabanas-Mar.
Castro Marim:(3) Alagoa-Altura, Praia Verde and Cabeço.
Vila Real de Stº António:(4) Manta Rota, Lota, Montegordo and Santo António.
