Blue Flag beaches
The Blue Flag Campaign is owned and run by a non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education. The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, evironmental management, safety and other services. Blues Flags are only awarded to beaches and marinas that have reached these high standards. The Algarve was awarded 48 Blue Flags in 2005.
Here are just some of the stringent requirements to gain a Blue Flag.
- Comply with EU Bathing Water Directive
- No industrial or sewage related discharges
- No algal or other plant infestations
- Display of water quality information
- Daily beach clean during the bathing season
- Motor vehicles, dumping or camping
- Qualified and trained Beach guards during the bathing season
- Safety equipment and First Aid provisions
- No dogs or horses allowed
Here are the SEVEN local beaches that have achieved Blue Flag status.
Sao Rafael
Sao Rafael is your local beach Just five minutes walk from the resort. This is a spectacular beach with a beach restaurants, boat trips and watersports. Just over the headland to the east is another smaller and more rocky beach, and it too has a restaurant.
Evaristo
Evaristo is next to Castelo beach. Follow the main road above the resort towards Galé, then turn left towards Castelo. On the right is white stone arch, go through the arch to get to Evaristo. This is a small beach with a fabulous restaurant. Some of the fish are spear caught by the local scuba divers!
Galé-Leste
Galé-Lesteis the long beach that runs from Galé all the way to Armação de Pera. Drive to Galé and then walk west, through many beaches, some backed by the Salgados Golf course, all the way to Armação de Pera. You will undoubtably find parts that you have virtually to yourself, even in July.
Albufeira Marina
Albufeira Marina has a Blue Flag too. Though you would not swim there, except perhaps in the outer areas, it is good to know that the water there meets the EU standards.
Rocha Baixinha-Leste
Rocha Baixinha-Leste is a large beach to the east of Albufeira.
Rocha Baixinha-Oeste
Rocha Baixinha-Oesteis another large beach to the east of Albufeira.