According to the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, 740 beaches have been officially recognised, of which 605 are supervised by lifeguards – 10 more beaches under surveillance than last year.

In 2025, Portugal will have 673 identified bathing waters, nine more than in 2024, and these are areas that may correspond to more than one beach.

The nine bathing waters created this year are: Monte Velho/Porto das Carretas (Santiago do Cacém), Cornicovo (Penacova), Valongo-Breda (Mortágua), Rodanho and Foz do Lima (Viana do Castelo), Boiçô, Marmeleiro (Sertã), Montalvo/Tesos (Ponte de Sor) and Olhos de Água do Alviela (Alcanena).

“The way we are managing our beaches is an affirmation of public responsibility and commitment to health, protection and inclusion. It is also proof that it is possible to do better, from 2024 to 2025, when there is coordination between institutions and a clear focus on the common good”, pointed out the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, quoted in a statement.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy recalled that the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) carries out around 10,000 analyses per year, ensuring continuous monitoring of safety for bathers, highlighting that water quality remains high.

“In 2024, 82.6% of bathing waters were classified as “excellent”, with the Azores leading with 95.5%, followed by the Algarve and Alentejo”, it highlighted.

The ministry also highlighted the increase in registrations – 254 – that the “Accessible Beach, Beach for All!” program registered this year, 10 more than in 2024.

“The objective is clear: to ensure that more people with reduced mobility can enjoy the coast and inland waters with autonomy and dignity. The aim is to improve pedestrian accessibility conditions, ramps, crosswalks, adapted bathrooms and equipment such as amphibious chairs”, it highlighted.

The ministry also noted that Portugal maintains its internationally prominent position, with 404 beaches awarded the Blue Flag, ranking 6th out of 51 in the world under this environmental excellence program.

Of the 404 beaches, 354 are coastal or transitional beaches and 50 are inland beaches — an increase compared to the 398 in 2024.