Latest news and stories about beaches in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Portuguese government has announced that there will be two fewer operational beaches this year, bringing the total to 671. The Ministry of Environment and Energy stated that five locations were removed from the list due to safety risks, cliff instability, and damage caused by severe winter storms, despite some new areas being added.
A new report from the Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) reveals that 35 beaches in the Algarve suffered significant erosion during recent winter storms. Peneco beach in Albufeira saw the most dramatic change, with the shoreline retreating by 24 meters. The agency also warned of increased cliff instability across the region due to the severe weather. Algarve residents should be aware of potential safety hazards and restricted access at affected coastal sites this spring.
The APA (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente) is Portugal's central environmental authority, responsible for environmental policy, climate action, water resources, waste management, and coastal protection. It operates under the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
APA manages Portugal's water resources including river basins, dam operations, and flood risk planning. It monitors air and water quality, oversees waste treatment facilities, manages the national emissions trading scheme, and leads Portugal's climate adaptation strategies.
The agency is particularly prominent during flood events, as it controls dam discharges and coordinates water management across Portugal's major rivers. APA also processes environmental impact assessments and licenses for projects affecting natural resources.
The government has allocated 15 million euros for urgent beach restoration following significant coastline damage caused by recent severe weather, with total repair costs estimated at 200 million euros.
A Portuguese beach has been ranked among the 50 best in the world, with two additional beaches featuring in the top European rankings.
Paid parking near Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs, between June 1st and September 30th.
Portugal reaches a total of 438 beaches awarded the Blue Flag, with four of these located in the Caminha municipality.
Coastal erosion caused by severe winter weather is expected to reduce the number of accessible beaches in Portugal.
The 2026 bathing season runs until October 31, with 673 bathing waters identified across the national territory.
The changes are justified by the destruction of access points, cliff instability, and public health risks.
The total number of beaches in Portugal has fallen, with winter storms identified as the primary reason for the erosion.
The Sintra Municipal Parking Company (EMES) will begin charging for parking near Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs from June 1 to September 30, despite opposition from the Colares parish assembly and public petitions. The measure, approved by the municipal executive, aims to increase parking turnover in high-pressure tourist areas, though it has faced criticism from political parties and residents who label it an 'invisible toll' that penalises families and local businesses. While residents, traders, and people with reduced mobility will be exempt in certain zones, others argue the decision was made without proper public consultation or impact studies.
A ranking of the top 50 global beach destinations for 2026, featuring Portuguese locations.
Portugal’s Blue Flag Association has announced 438 beaches, marinas, and vessels with the Blue Flag (an eco-label for water quality and safety) in 2026 – six fewer than in 2025, The post Over 400 beaches, marinas, boats win Blue Flag awards in 2026 appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The 2026 bathing season officially runs from 15 April to 31 October, with 673 bathing waters identified across the national territory.
The official swimming season starts this Friday across 13 beaches in the Cascais municipality and four beaches in the Madeira archipelago.
Porto Moniz beach, in the Madeira archipelago, was the first in the country to start the season on April 15th.
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The Sintra Municipal Parking Company (EMES) will introduce paid parking near Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs between 1 June and 30 September, despite motions against it from the Colares parish and various petitions. According to an official source from EMES speaking to Lusa this Thursday, parking near Praia Grande and...
The opening of the bathing season on the mainland begins on Friday, with 13 beaches in Cascais and four in Madeira. In the Algarve, the start is scheduled for June 1st, followed by the North.
This year there are eight fewer Blue Flag beaches than in 2025, which is due to weather conditions that occurred during the bathing season and negatively impacted water quality. Praia de Mira is the only one to have maintained the distinction for 40 consecutive years.
Obtaining the award for the bathing season will not be affected due to 'justified reasons'. This mainly concerns beaches in the north and centre of the country.
Porto Moniz beach, in the Madeira Archipelago, was the first in the country to start the bathing season on April 15th.
The local authority is reopening the bathing season on May 1st. Until September 30th, it will provide 60 lifeguards across 13 beaches and two ocean pools.
The municipality will mark the official opening of the bathing season on the May 1st public holiday, with a ceremony at 10:00 am at Parede beach.
Two years later, the Alentejo beach in the Odemira municipality is having a Blue Summer again: the flag has been recovered for the site that was once elected one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal - Beaches.
Portugal has 438 beaches, marinas, and vessels with Blue Flag status this year, six fewer than in 2025, distributed across 100 municipalities. A notable addition is the municipality of Sertã, which applied for the first time, the Blue Flag Association announced this Thursday. The announcement was made at the Pedra do Sal Environmental Interpretation Centre in Estoril.
Portugal has 438 Blue Flag beaches, marinas and vessels this year, six fewer than in 2025, distributed across 100 municipalities, with the municipality of Sertã standing out for applying for the first time, the Blue Flag Association announced today.
