The summer season began this Saturday in the north of the country, covering 121 bathing areas, but not all maintained the same level of distinction as last year. In 2026, the number of blue flag beaches fell slightly to 83, reflecting adjustments in environmental quality and required criteria. Most of these distinctions continue to be concentrated on the coast, although a relevant presence is also noted in river areas.
According to , Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia once again stand out as the municipalities with the highest number of blue flags, with 19 each. Close behind is Viana do Castelo, which has grown compared to last year and now has 13 award-winning beaches, consolidating its position in the North ranking.
Among the other municipalities, the distribution maintains some stability. Póvoa de Varzim has eight blue flag beaches and Vila do Conde has five. The municipality of Porto has four distinctions in total, while Caminha has three coastal areas and a river beach with this seal of quality. Espinho has three recognized beaches.
River beaches gain expression
The presence of blue flag river beaches continues to show a diversification of the bathing offer in the North region. In the district of Braga, Adaúfe and Ponte do Bico stand out, as well as a bathing area in Fafe and another in Vila Verde. In Trás-os-Montes, Macedo de Cavaleiros has four river beaches with the award and Freixo de Espada à Cinta maintains a distinction.
Dates vary depending on the municipality
In total, there are 121 bathing areas officially identified for the 2026 season in the North region. The length of the season was set between June 13th and September 13th, with some exceptions. In Espinho, the period started earlier, on June 1st, lasting until September 20th. In Pedras Ruivas, in the municipality of Caminha, the start is scheduled for June 27th.
Fewer beaches and fewer distinctions compared to 2025
Compared to the previous year, there is a slight reduction in both the number of blue flag beaches and the total number of resorts. In 2025, 127 beaches had been recorded in the North, of which 84 were distinguished, most of them coastal. The variation, although small, reinforces the growing demand associated with environmental and safety criteria.
In national terms, Portugal this year has 438 distinctions awarded to beaches, marinas and boats, distributed across 100 municipalities. Beaches represent the majority, with a total of close to four hundred, divided between coastal and inland areas. According to the same source, this distribution shows the continuity of the environmental qualification effort, albeit with specific adjustments in relation to previous years.
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