The number of Portuguese bathing waters classified as having poor quality increased to 12, according to data from the European Environment Agency. Although Portugal maintains most of its beaches with excellent water quality, there are areas where greater caution is recommended before diving.
In 2025, and according to the portal, 682 bathing waters were monitored in Portugal. Of these, 559 were classified as excellent, which corresponds to 82% of the total. The absolute number of beaches with excellent water increased compared to the previous year, but the percentage fell slightly due to the greater number of areas analyzed.
More beaches analyzed, but worse percentage
In 2024, Portugal had 556 bathing waters classified as excellent, out of a total of 673 analyzed. In 2025, the number rose to 559, but, in relative terms, the share of excellent waters fell to the lowest value in the last decade.
The waters classified as good rose from 73 to 75, while those of sufficient quality increased to 19. The number of bathing waters with poor quality rose from nine to 12.
The European Environment Agency assigns these classifications based on the microbiological quality of the water, taking into account analyzes carried out throughout the bathing season. The “bad” category is the lowest on the scale.
River beaches dominate the list
Most of the poor quality bathing water is on river beaches. Among the cases identified are Almaceda, also known as Poço do Lagar, in the municipality of Castelo Branco, and Benfeita, on the Alva river.
Also appearing on the list are Bitetos, in the Douro, Fragas de São Simão, in Figueiró dos Vinhos, Poço do Lagar, in Seia, Ponte da Barca, Ponte do Sótão, in Góis, Relva da Reboleira, in Manteigas, and Sandomil, also on the Alva river.
According to the environmental association Zero, drought can worsen problems in inland bathing waters, due to the reduction in flows and the greater concentration of existing contamination. In 2025, nine of the 12 waters classified as bad were rivers.
There are also cases in maritime areas
On the continental coast, Matosinhos beach is the only sea area on the continent classified as having poor water quality. This beach had an excellent rating between 2015 and 2021, but fell in the following years and now maintains a negative rating.
In Madeira, there are two bathing areas with poor quality: Poças do Gomes – Doca do Cavacas and Quinta do Lorde. The latter was banned from bathing in July 2025, after microbiological contamination.
The list shows that not all situations are new. Some areas had already received negative ratings in previous years, while others have now entered the group of waters with the worst ratings.
Algarve maintains the majority of excellent waters
In the Algarve, the vast majority of beaches remain classified as excellent quality. The lowest score cited for the region belongs to Camilo beach, in Lagos, classified as sufficient.
Along the rest of the Portuguese coast, the excellent rating continues to dominate. Still, there are some beaches rated as sufficient, including Vila Praia de Âncora, Castelo do Queijo, Cabedelo and Forte, in Figueira da Foz, Caxias, in Oeiras, and Duquesa, in Cascais.
On the positive side, the Castelo de Bode and Alqueva reservoirs stand out, where all the beaches analyzed were considered excellent.
Although the majority of Portuguese bathing waters maintain good quality, Portugal was below the European average in the excellent water indicator. The national percentage was 82%, while the European average, considering the European Union, Albania and Switzerland, was 85%.
This difference increased compared to the previous year, when Portugal recorded 82.6% of excellent waters. The relative drop does not mean that there are fewer excellent beaches in absolute numbers, but it shows that the growth of the areas analyzed was accompanied by more lower classifications.
For bathers, the recommendation is to consult the water classification before choosing the beach, especially in river areas or places with a history of problems. Authorities may also temporarily close bathing waters when unsuitable values for bathing are detected.
The 12 Portuguese bathing waters classified as bad are Almaceda, Benfeita, Bitetos, Fragas de São Simão, Matosinhos, Poças do Gomes – Doca do Cavacas, Poço do Lagar, Ponte da Barca, Ponte do Sótão, Quinta do Lorde, Relva da Reboleira and Sandomil.
Some of these beaches had already shown signs of degradation in recent years, while others have now fallen to the lowest classification. For those planning to dive, the information must be confirmed with local authorities and official notices posted in bathing areas.
Water quality may vary throughout the season, but the European Environment Agency’s classification serves as a warning. Before getting into the water, especially in lesser-known places, it’s worth checking for any updated warnings, closures or recommendations.
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