The network of Aldeias do Xisto river beaches maintains its Blue Flag beaches in 2020, according to data released by the ABAE- Blue Flag Association of Europe, on 20 May. Thus,16 swimming areas were recognised this year. This number has stabilised after the increase registered in the previous three years: 12 in 2017, 15 in 2018, and 16 in 2019.
On the other hand, there has been a steady increase in the number of beaches with Quercus Gold Quality Standard. Starting from 8 in 2019, in 2020 Quercus accredited 21 beaches.
In 2019, 21 bathing spaces were also classified as accessible, i.e., welcoming people with reduced mobility.
With quality infrastructure, pure waters, natural surroundings, peace, and tranquillity , the Aldeias do Xisto River Beaches have proclaimed themselves unique leisure and well-being attractions.
Blue Flag River Beaches
- Albufeira de Santa Luzia, Pampilhosa da Serra
- Alvôco das Várzeas, Oliveira do Hospital
- Avô, Oliveira do Hospital
- Bogueira, Lousã
- Bostelim, Vila de Rei
- Canaveias, Góis
- Carvoeiro, Mação
- Coja, Arganil
- Janeiro de Baixo, Pampilhosa da Serra
- Louçainha, Penela
- Pampilhosa da Serra
- Peneda/ Pego Escuro, Góis
- Pessegueiro, Pampilhosa da Serra
- Piódão, Arganil
- Secarias, Arganil
- Senhora da Piedade, Lousã
This annual recognition from the European Blue Flag Association attests to the environmental quality of beaches, recreational ports, and marinas, ensuring that criteria such as information and environmental education, water quality, environmental management and facilities, and safety and service provisions are met.
In this year of extraordinary circumstances dictated by the new coronavirus, ABAE has adapted the criteria to ensure that the Blue Flag certification remains relevant. Thus Rules were established by the International Coordination of the Blue Flag Programme and the National Coordination to complement national strategies.
It is also and always advisable to pay attention to the recommendations that are daily updated and published by health bodies. You can find out all the necessary information here and here.
In total, 360 beaches, 18 recreational ports/marinas, and 9 ships were accredited. This means that Portugal remains in first place with regard to the percentage of beaches awarded, among the 47 countries that develop the Blue Flag Programme.
Gold Quality River Beaches
- Açude Pinto, Oleiros
- Aldeia Ruiva, Proença-a-Nova
- Alvoco das Várzeas, Oliveira do Hospital
- Bogueira, Lousã
- Bostelim, Vila de Rei
- Carvoeiro, Mação
- Fernandaires, Vila de Rei
- Froia, Proença-a-Nova
- Janeiro de Baixo, Pampilhosa da Serra
- Malhadal, Proença-a-Nova
- Pampilhosa da Serra
- Pego das Cancelas, Vila de Rei
- Peneda - Pego Escuro, Góis
- Penedo Furado, Vila de Rei
- Pessegueiro, Pampilhosa da Serra
- Piódão, Arganil
- Ribeira Grande, Sertã
- Santa Luzia, Pampilhosa da Serra
- Secarias, Arganil
- Troviscal, Sertã
- Zaboeira, Vila de Rei
Accessible River Beaches
- Açude Pinto, Oleiros
- Alvoco das Várzeas, Oliveira do Hospital (amphibious wheelchair available)
- Avô, Oliveira do Hospital (amphibious wheelchair and walker available)
- Benfeita, Arganil
- Bogueira, Lousã (amphibious wheelchair available)
- Bostelim, Vila de Rei (amphibious wheelchair and bath support service)
- Canaveias, Góis
- Carvoeiro, Mação (amphibious wheelchair and bath support service)
- Cascalheira, Góis
- Coja, Arganil
- Janeiro de Baixo, Pampilhosa da Serra (amphibious wheelchair and bath support service)
- Louçaínha, Penela - amphibious wheelchair available (for groups, please contact the Town Hall beforehand)
- Pampilhosa da Serra (amphibious wheelchair and bath support service)
- Peneda - Pego Escuro, Góis (amphibious wheelchair available)
- Pessegueiro, Pampilhosa da Serra
- Pomares, Arganil
- Ribeira Grande (amphibious wheelchair and bath support service)
- São Gião, Oliveira do Hospital
- São Sebastião da Feira, Oliveira do Hospital
- Senhora da Graça, Lousã (amphibious wheelchair available)
- Senhora da Piedade, Lousã (amphibious wheelchair available)
- Troviscal, Sertã (amphibious wheelchair and bath support service)