Algarve leads Blue Flag beach awards

Editor 01 May 2016

beachalbandeira The Algarve continues to lead Portugal’s summer holiday options with an increase of three Blue Flag beaches to a total of 88 for 2016.

The three new Blue Flag beaches are Amoreira Mar in Aljezur, Rocha Baixinha in Albufeira, and Armona-Ria in Olhão.

The Algarve represents around 45% of the country’s tourism earnings and within the region, Albufeira takes the lion’s share with over 40% of the Algarve’s tourism income derived from Albufeira hotels, bars and restaurants.

Despite the knock back last November when flooding crashed through Albufeira's downtown zone, shopkeepers and restaurateurs have bounced back with scant official help. With a record tourism season predicted for the region, hotels and tourism businesses are keen to recoup losses.

Albufeira also has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches, now a total of 25, followed by Vila do Bispo with 11, and Loulé with 10.

Four of the region’s marinas also have Blue Flag status in Albufeira, Lagos, Portimão and Vilamoura of a national total of 17.

For many tourists, Portugal means coastline and the 314 Blue Flag beaches represents over half of the country’s total number of coastal and river beaches, a figure that is among the highest in the world.

See also: 'Beaches of the Algarve' for information provided by Turismo de Portugal which allows you to choose the beach best suited to your tastes and requirements

http://www.algarvedailynews.com/features/beaches-of-the-algarve

2016 Blue Flag beaches

ALBUFEIRA (25)
Alemães
Arrifes
Aveiros
Belharucas
Castelo
Evaristo
Falésia/Açoteias
Falésia/Alfamar
Galé Leste
Galé Oeste
Inatel
Manuel Lourenço
Maria Luísa
Olhos d’Água
Oura
Oura-Leste
Peneco
Pescadores
Rocha Baixinha (nova)
Rocha Baixinha/Nascente
Rocha Baixinha/Poente
S.Rafael
Salgados
Santa Eulália