Latest news and stories about summer in Portugal for expats and residents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The number of beaches awarded the Blue Flag in Portugal has decreased by eight compared to the last season, totaling 396.
Forecasts for the upcoming summer season in Portugal are starting to emerge.
The National Maritime Authority warns the public that there is no lifeguard surveillance yet.
It has the largest wave pool in Portugal and suffered from the storms that hit Leiria hard. Praia das Rocas in Castanheira de Pêra is undergoing renovations and will reopen on May 30th. It will be more expensive.
The Algarve region and the rest of Portugal face high levels of UV radiation alongside temperatures hitting 30 degrees Celsius.
The heat has arrived. At least for three days. From this Friday until Sunday, temperatures are forecast to reach 30 degrees in Setúbal, Santarém, Beja, and Évora, for example.
Home News New bathing waters in Portugal unveiled New bathing waters in Portugal unveiled The Azores have 88 approved bathing waters for this year, one more than in 2025. This increase follows the reopening of the islet of Vila Franca do Campo on São Miguel, as it was announced.
The island will now have a total of 25 bathing water locations.
Hot weekend attracts bathers to unguarded beaches and increases incidents. Calm sea hides dangers due to a lack of lifeguards.
Gulf countries ask the UN Security Council to take “all necessary measures”. Decision on the Strait of Hormuz postponed. A hot weekend ahead with more lifeguards on the beaches.
