Blue Flag beaches in Portugal
Blue Flag beaches in Portugal

Summer is here and if you haven't started yet, it's time to get thinking about the holidays, and for many people, a trip to the beach. Beaches across the world can be awarded a Blue Flag if they meet certain international standards when it comes to things like safety, water quality, facilities and environmental management. In 2021, Portugal is home to 372 Blue Flag beaches, 12 more beaches than in 2020

We want you to make the most of the sun, find the best scenery and relax with a refreshing dip in the sea when you feel like it. Therefore, to help you choose where to go on holiday this year, we’ve compiled a list of 5 of Portugal's best Blue Flag beaches that we believe will be perfect for you, from Blue Flag beaches in the Algarve to beaches on the Portuguese islands.

Odeceixe beach, Aljezur

Alentejo coast / Wikimedia commons
Wikimedia commons

There’s no better holiday plan than travelling along the Alentejo and Vicentina Coasts in Portugal, with a stop at Odeceixe, Aljezur being a must.

This charming seaside town, popular with Portuguese natives in the summertime, offers the best of the Alentejo Coast, including good food and peaceful beaches. The beach at Odeceixe has a clear and calm sea, fine sand and a beautiful view thanks to the cliffs that surround it, and is also a great place for families. 

While the coast and the Blue Flag beaches here are stunning, don't forget to also head inland as this part of this region is also dazzling. Try venturing deep into the Alentejo region, off the tourist track, and experience the authenticity of the Alentejo people for a truly unforgettable Portuguese holiday.

Fontinha beach, Porto Santo

Porto Santo Island / Wikimedia commons
Wikimedia commons

The island of Porto Santo in Madeira is truly is paradise on earth. If you've never been there before, we really recommend a trip there this summer where coronavirus rules are also more relaxed than in mainland Portugal due to less cases.

On this secluded island in the Atlantic, we recommend Fontinha beach since it’s the closest to the main town centre. The sandy bay stretches for over 5 miles, with the naturally carbonated, golden sand having therapeutic effects, while the stunning turquoise water is perfect for swimming and bathing.

Caminha beach, Caminha

Foz do Minho / Wikimedia commons
Wikimedia commons

When it comes to the world’s best beaches, northern Portugal is often ignored. However, this area of Portugal is home to some of the country's most beautiful coastline and also less tourists. We especially recommend the wonderful Caminha Beach on the River Minho.

In Caminha, just a short distance from Spain, the white, sandy beach delights thousands of visitors every year thanks to the variety of pleasures on offer. There’s a thousand different ways to discover this beach, from visiting on foot to enjoying the breeze in your hair while riding a bicycle along the recently constructed eco-way on the seafront.

On top of this, if you like green areas, then you have to explore the quiet Mata do Camarido for a stroll through the woods, just next door to the beach.

Comporta beach, Comporta

flickr.com/photos/gustty/2686035123 / Flickr/Creative commons
Flickr

Nestled between the Tagus and Sines rivers, there are several fantastic beaches, the most popular of which is the beach at Comporta and it’s not hard to see why. 

Comporta has been widely called "the new Ibiza" and with its stunning coastline, attracting the rich and famous, it's easy to see why. The fine sandy shore extends ends up to a system of sand dunes of great scenic and environmental interest. It's a spectacular beach that acts as a suntrap, so there’s nothing to stop you getting your dose of sunshine this summer 2021.

Not far from Comporta is the beach of Galapinhos, where you can enjoy the tranquillity of what has in the past been considered the best beach in Europe.

Camilo beach, Lagos

flickr.com/photos/greenlakeblue/photography9592377814 / Flickr/Creative commons
Flickr

Finally, moving to Blue Flag beaches in the Algarve region, in Lagos you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Portugal, Praia do Camilo. It’s quite a small beach, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in the magnificent panoramic views it offers.

Pedestrian access to the beach is via a staircase with more than 200 steps, but before you even take the first step towards the ocean, make sure to appreciate the stunning landscape. As you make your trip down to the shore, there are several rest areas with incredible views of the blue horizon that are sure to light up your instagram feed before you've even touched the water.