Aldeias do Xisto: 15 Blue Flag beaches, 18 Gold Quality beaches, and 24 accessible certified beaches

30 apr 2021

news

This year, the swimming season has another borough in the network, Penacova, with the Vimieiro River Beach. The Aldeias do Xisto flag will be hoisted on 16 July, a show by Fado ao Centro.

The network of Aldeias do Xisto River Beaches, as of 2021, has 15 Blue Flag beaches, certified by the ABAE- Blue Flag Association of Europe on 28 April. The Açude Pinto River Beach, in Oleiros, which has been recognised several times with Gold Quality certification, joins this list for the first time. Quercus also announced the beaches classified as Gold Quality. In the Aldeias do Xisto, there are 18 locations that have won this award. Moreover, there are 24 beaches classified as accessible. This year, the swimming season has another borough in the network, Penacova, with the Vimieiro River Beach. The Aldeias do Xisto flag will be hoisted on 16 July at 6pm, including a show by Fado ao Centro.

With high quality amenities, pure waters, natural surroundings, peace, and tranquillity, the Aldeias do Xisto River Beaches have shown themselves to be unique leisure and well-being attractions.

Blue Flag River Beaches

• Açude Pinto, Oleiros
• Albufeira de Santa Luzia, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Alvôco das Várzeas, Oliveira do Hospital
• Bogueira, Lousã
• Bostelim, Vila de Rei
• Carvoeiro, Mação
• Coja, Arganil
• Janeiro de Baixo, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Louçainha, Penela
• Peneda/ Pego Escuro, Góis
• Pessegueiro, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Piódão, Arganil
• Secarias, Arganil
• Senhora da Piedade, Lousã
• Vimieiro, Penacova

This annual ABAE distinction attests to the environmental quality of beaches, recreational ports, and marinas, ensuring that criteria such as environmental information and education, water quality, environmental management, facilities and safety, and services provided are met.

This year, there are 330 coastal and 42 inland bathing areas certified by the ABAE, 12 more than last year. Portugal thus occupies second place in the number of inland beaches and sixth place in the ranking of the 53 countries with the highest number of blue flag certifications.

Gold quality for 18 beaches

This year, Quercus awarded 18 Aldeias do Xisto river beaches with the Gold Medal:

• Albufeira de Santa Luzia, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Álvaro, Oleiros
• Bostelim, Vila de Rei
• Cambas, Oleiros
• Cardigos, Mação
• Carvoeiro, Mação
• Fernandaires, Vila de Rei
• Fróia, Proença-a-Nova
• Janeiro de Baixo, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Malhadal, Proença-a-Nova
• Pego das Cancelas, Vila de Rei
• Secarias, Arganil
• Peneda/Pego Escuro, Góis
• Penedo Furado, Vila de Rei
• Pessegueiro, Pmapilhosa da Serra
• Ribeira Grande, Sertã
• Vimieiro, Penacova
• Zaboeira, Vila de Rei

In his communication to the country on 29 April, in which he presented the measures for the last phase of Covid-19 deconfinement, the Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa stressed that "the same regime that was established by the General Directorate of Health will be in force this year. Therefore, we suggest paying attention to the recommendations that are frequently updated and disseminated by health authorities.

24 accessible beaches

• Açude Pinto, Oleiros
• Alvôco das Várzeas, Oliveira do Hospital
• Avô, Oliveira do Hospital
• Benfeita, Arganil
• Bogueira, Lousã
• Bostelim, Vila de Rei
• Canaveias, Góis
• Carvoeiro, Mação
• Cascalheira/Secarias, Góis
• Coja, Arganil
• Janeiro de Baixo, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Louçainha, Penela
• Pampilhosa da Serra
• Peneda, Góis
• Penedo Furado, Vila de Rei
• Pessegueiro, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Pomares, Arganil
• Ribeira Grande, Sertã
• Ronqueira, Tábua
• São Gião, Oliveira do Hospital
• São Sebastião da Feira, Oliveira do Hospital
• Senhora da Graça, Lousã
• Senhora da Piedade, Lousã
• Vimieiro, Penacova