Blue Flag for the river beaches of Valhelhas, Lapa dos Dinheiros and Loriga

The river beaches of Valhelhas (municipality of Guarda ), Lapa dos Dinheiros and Loriga (municipality of Seia ) were awarded the Blue Flag by the Blue Flag Association for the Environment and Education.

The Blue Flag Association for the Environment and Education announced, on April 30th, at the Vasco da Gama Aquarium, 444 Blue Flags awarded by the International Jury in 2025, of which 404 were for Beaches, 18 for Marinas and 22 for Ecotourism Vessels.

In 2025, for the first time, more than 400 beaches will be awarded the Blue Flag, which corresponds to 60% of the country's designated bathing areas. With the return of Sintra to the Blue Flag Programme, all coastal municipalities in mainland Portugal have Blue Flag beaches.

Among the 51 countries that develop the Blue Flag Program, the Blue Flag Association for Environment and Education occupies the sixth position considering the total number of awarded locations.

In addition to beaches, marinas and boats, this year 23 Blue Centers are recognized, distributed throughout all regions. A Blue Center is a structure, on the beach or nearby, where information is provided and Environmental Education activities are carried out specifically about the Blue Flag.