The Algarve will be host to 86 prestigious Blue Flag beaches this year, one more than in 2025, following the addition of Albufeira de Odeleite and Verde Lago beach in Castro Marim, whilst Praia dos Pescadores in Albufeira has dropped off the list, the organising body announced on Thursday this week.
Across the region, six marinas have also been awarded Blue Flag status, two more than last year, with the Nova Marina de Vilamoura and Marina de Olhão joining the list. Two tourist vessels, both based in Portimão, have likewise retained the distinction.
The announcement was made at the Pedra do Sal Environmental Interpretation Centre in Estoril by José Archer, president of the European Blue Flag Association (ABAE).
Blue Flag beaches must meet strict criteria covering water quality, environmental management, safety and services, lifeguard supervision, and environmental education and awareness.
With an increase of two beaches compared with last year, the Algarve and Portugal’s Northern region are now tied for the highest number of Blue Flag beaches nationwide. In total, 396 bathing areas across 100 municipalities have received the award in 2026.
Despite the removal of Praia dos Pescadores, Albufeira remains the Algarve municipality with the highest number of Blue Flag distinctions, with 24 beaches, followed by Vila do Bispo and Loulé, each with 10.
Portimão and Lagoa follow with six beaches each, ahead of Castro Marim with five. Aljezur, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António each have four, Lagos has three and Silves two.
Two Blue Centres, facilities dedicated to environmental education and information located near beaches, were also recognised in the Algarve, in Quarteira and Lagoa.
According to ABAE, 2026 marks a transition year ahead of new Blue Flag criteria set to come into force in 2027.
“We will have additional criteria and a different methodology, including external auditors to validate applications. This is a transition year (…) linked to the new consumer directive that comes into force in September,” José Archer said during the ceremony.
To ensure that new beaches, and those seeking reinstatement, can apply under the revised framework in 2027, an extraordinary application window will open this year in July and August. Applications will then be reviewed at the International Jury meeting scheduled for 16th September.
As the Blue Flag programme celebrates its 40th anniversary, Archer noted that Praia de Mira remains the only beach to have held the award continuously throughout the programme’s four decades. He explained that Algarve beaches were not recognised in 1992 due to a laboratory strike.
The first coastal Blue Flag of the season will be raised at Praia de Mira on 8th June, followed by the hoisting of the flag at the inland beach of Mourão, in the Alentejo region, on 13th June.
Blue Flag beaches in the Algarve (2026):
Albufeira (24):
Alemães; Arrifes; Aveiros; Belharucas; Castelo; Coelha; Evaristo; Falésia/Açoteias; Falésia/Alfamar; Galé Leste; Galé Oeste; Inatel; Manuel Lourenço; Maria Luísa; Olhos d’Água; Oura; Oura-Leste; Peneco; Rocha Baixinha; Rocha Baixinha/Nascente; Rocha Baixinha/Poente; São Rafael; Salgados; Santa Eulália.
Vila do Bispo (10):
Almádena/Cabanas Velhas; Burgau; Castelejo; Cordoama; Ingrina; Mareta; Martinhal; Salema; Tonel; Zavial.
Loulé (10):
Almargem; Ancão; Forte Novo; Garrão Nascente; Garrão Poente; Loulé Velho; Quarteira; Quinta do Lago; Vale do Lobo; Vilamoura.
Lagoa (6):
Caneiros; Carvoeiro; Ferragudo/Praia Grande; Senhora da Rocha; Vale de Centeanes; Vale de Olival.
Portimão (6):
Alvor Nascente/Três Irmãos; Alvor Poente; Rocha; Três Castelos; Vau; Praia da Marina de Portimão.
Castro Marim (5):
Alagoa/Altura; Cabeço; Praia Verde; Verde Lago; Albufeira de Odeleite.
Aljezur (4):
Amoreira-Mar; Arrifana; Monte Clérigo; Odeceixe-Mar.
Faro (4):
Barreta; Culatra-Mar; Faro-Mar; Ilha do Farol-Mar.
Tavira (4):
Barril; Cabanas-Mar; Ilha de Tavira-Mar; Terra Estreita.
Vila Real de Santo António (4):
Lota; Manta Rota; Monte Gordo; Santo António.
Olhão (4):
Armona Mar; Armona Ria; Fuseta Mar; Fuseta Ria.
Lagos (3):
Luz; Porto de Mós; Meia Praia.
Silves (2):
Armação de Pêra; Praia Grande Poente.
Marinas (6):
Marina de Albufeira; Marina de Lagos; Marina de Vilamoura; Marina de Portimão; Nova Marina de Vilamoura; Marina de Olhão.
Tourist vessels (2):
Sun Boat I; Sun Cat I.
Source: ABAE
