What is the water quality in Portugal beaches?

Portugal had 293 more bathing areas classified as excellent quality than in 2000; 15 more than in 2020. Says Lusa, there are 502 coastal areas (77%) and 150 inland areas (23%) for bathing in Portugal. At EU level, the report concludes that in 2021 minimum water quality standards were met in 95.2% of bathing areas.



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Comments and reports in the international media acknowledging the quality and beauty of Portugal's beaches are commonplace. And it is no coincidence that 352 of our beaches fly the European Blue Flag, and 214 of them are classed as Accessible Beaches!

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Avoid swimming in areas where there are no lifeguards. You should also exercise caution when swimming at beaches that connect to rivers as the streams and currents can be more hazardous. On the beaches where there are lifeguards, there are typically flags placed to indicate the level of danger to swimmers.

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Portugal is very highly ranked on the list of Europe's top beach destinations with 432 of the country's beaches and marinas currently flying the coveted Blue Flag for cleanliness and quality.

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Praia dos Coelhos, Sétubal The setting for innumerable films and advertising campaigns, this idyllic, secluded beach on the Arrábida coastline boasts some of the clearest waters you'll likely ever swim in. Though increasingly on the tourist trail, it's still relatively crowd-free.

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Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece Elafonisi Beach is a beautiful beach located on the southwestern coast of the Greek island of Crete. The beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine white sand, and pinkish-hued sand dunes that create a stunning contrast against the blue sea.

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Iceland had the highest clean water index score In Europe in 2022, achieving 86 out of 100. This shows that pollution levels of estuarine, coastal, and open ocean waters in the country were minimal.

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Beaches in the Algarve are generally safe although in some areas due to sea erosion cliffs can be unstable.

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The high season – June to August – is the best time for the beach. During the summer months, you'll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers.

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Top beaches include Praia da Prainha and Praia do Porto do Seixal, a gorgeous black sand beach surrounded by vibrant green mountains. Just remember to set aside time for exploring Madeira's natural swimming pools.

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The Portuguese coastline – along with the coastlines of California, South Africa, Western Australia and Peru – is subject to a phenomenon known as upwelling. In simple terms, if the wind blows parallel to the coast, then water from the bottom of the ocean (cold and rich in nutrients) rises and comes to the shoreline.

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From craggy coves and dune-backed shorelines to island bays lapped by crystal-clear sapphire waters, Portugal's paradisiacal sands are as scenic as they are relaxing.

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Best Beaches in Portugal
  • Albufeira.
  • Lagoa.
  • Portimão.
  • Sagres.
  • Aveiro.
  • The Azores.
  • Madeira.
  • Tróia Peninsula.


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For the cleanest water in Europe: The Lobau River, Austria Austria has the cleanest bathing water in Europe, according to the European Environment Agency. Nearly 98 per cent of its bathing areas - where people regularly swim - were given an 'excellent' rating last year.

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The Weddell Sea has been claimed by scientists to have the clearest waters of any ocean in the world. Described by a historian as “the most wretched and dismal region on earth”, due to the flash freezes that caught Shackleton's ship, its clarity is only belied by the sheer depth of the ocean below.

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