municipality of Albufeira in the Algarve region of Portugal has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental excellence by earning the highest number of Blue Flag awards in the region.

In 2025, the municipality of Albufeira in the Algarve region of Portugal has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental excellence by earning the highest number of Blue Flag awards in the region. With a total of 26 Blue Flags awarded across 25 beaches and the Albufeira Marina, the municipality continues to set the standard for beach quality and environmental responsibility.

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas that meet stringent criteria in areas such as water quality, environmental education, safety, and services. Administered by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the award aims to promote sustainable tourism and encourage environmental stewardship among beach operators and visitors alike.

The 26 Blue Flags in Albufeira are distributed across 25 beaches and the Albufeira Marina. The awarded beaches include:

 

* Alemães

* Arrifes

* Aveiros

* Belharucas

* Castelo

* Coelha

* Evaristo

* Falésia Açoteias

* Falésia Alfamar

* Galé-Leste

* Galé-Oeste

* INATEL – Albufeira

* Manuel Lourenço

* Maria Luísa

* Olhos de Água

* Oura

* Oura-Leste

* Peneco

* Pescadores

* Rocha Baixinha

* Rocha Baixinha-East

* Rocha Baixinha-West

* São Rafael

* Salgados

* Santa Eulália

* Albufeira Marina

These beaches are celebrated for their pristine waters, well-maintained facilities, and commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Notably, beaches like Praia da Falésia and Praia de São Rafael are renowned for their natural beauty and have been long-standing recipients of the Blue Flag award.

To commemorate this achievement, a Blue Flag Raising Ceremony was held on June 7, 2024, at Praia dos Pescadores. The event was attended by members of the local council and various regional entities, underscoring the collective effort involved in maintaining the high standards required for the Blue Flag designation.

Albufeira’s consistent performance in securing Blue Flag awards reflects the municipality’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism. Mayor José Carlos Rolo emphasized that these accolades not only enhance the region’s visibility on the national and international stage but also represent an increased responsibility to uphold and further improve the quality of its beaches.

For visitors, the Blue Flag status serves as a reliable indicator of high-quality beach experiences, offering assurance of clean, safe, and well-managed coastal environments. Whether it’s the golden sands of Praia da Oura or the tranquil waters of Praia dos Arrifes, Albufeira’s beaches continue to attract tourists seeking both natural beauty and environmental integrity.

As the Algarve region continues to be a premier destination for beachgoers, Albufeira’s leadership in environmental excellence sets a benchmark for other municipalities to aspire to, ensuring that the stunning beaches of the Algarve remain a sustainable and cherished resource for generations to come.