Algarve Beaches
The Algarve is the place to enjoy sun, sea and sand in Europe.
Great climate and over 150 kms of beautiful, soft golden sandy beaches to enjoy on your holiday.
Algarve beaches vary from the small sheltered coves to broad endless stretches of sea washed sand.
Some beaches are not immediately accessible from the towns or resorts areas, but is worthwhile to seek them out.
The coastline running from the west point of Sagres up to the north, is very variable and being open to the winds and Atlantic Ocean waves from the west. They usually present different conditions to those found on the same day along the southern coastline, with big waves combined with dangerous undercurrents.
All main beaches have in the season Lifeguards on safety patrol. Many beach concessions offer all the usual water sports, food and beverage facilities.

Beach Criteria
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION
- Information relating to coastal zone ecosystems and natural, sensitive areas in the coastal zone must be displayed
- Information about bathing water quality must be displayed
- Information about the Blue Flag Programme must be displayed
- Code of conduct for the beach area must be displayed and the laws governing beach use must be easily available to the public upon request
- A minimum of 5 environmental education activities must be offered
WATER QUALITY
- Compliance with the requirements and standards for excellent bathing water quality
- No industrial or sewage related discharges may affect the beach area
- Monitoring on the health of coral reefs located in the vicinity of the beach
- Compliance of the community with requirements for sewage treatment and effluent quality
- Algae or other vegetation should be left to decay on the beach unless it constitutes a nuisance
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
- A beach management committee must be established to be in charge of instituting environmental management systems and conduct regular environmental audits of the beach facility
- The beach must comply with all regulations affecting the location and operation of the beach (coastal zone planning and environmental legislation)
- The beach must be clean
- Waste disposal bins/receptacles must be available on/by the beach in adequate numbers, regularly maintained and emptied
- Facilities for receiving recyclable waste materials must be available on/by the beach
- Adequate and clean sanitary facilities with controlled sewage disposal
- On the beach there will be no unauthorised camping or driving and no dumping
- Regulation concerning dogs and other domestic animals on the beach must be strictly enforced
- All buildings and equipment of the beach must be properly maintained
- Sustainable means of transportation must be promoted in the beach area
SAFETY AND SERVICES
- An adequate number of lifeguards and/or lifesaving equipment must be available at the beach
- First aid equipment must be available on the beach
- There must be management of different users and uses of the beach so as to prevent conflicts and accidents
- An emergency plans to cope with pollution safety risks must be in place
- There must be safe access to the beach
- The beach area must be patrolled
- A supply of potable drinking water must be available on the beach
- A minimum of one Blue Flag beach in each municipality must have access and toilet facilities provided for disabled persons
- Map of the beach indicating different facilities must be displayed
For more information please visit http://www.blueflag.org/Criteria/Beaches