In 2024, the district of Beja will have a total of 14 bathing areas with Blue Flag, a symbol of “quality and excellence” that is awarded annually by the European Blue Flag Association (ABAE).
This is the same number as in 2023, but with two changes, with the new Praia do Lago, in the municipality of Moura, being new among the bathing areas awarded with a Blue Flag in the region.
Added to this are three other river beaches with this award: Praia dos Cinco Réis (Beja), Praia da Albufeira da Tapada Grande (Mértola) and Praia da Albufeira de Santa Clara (Odemira).
The municipality of Odemira is, in fact, the one with the largest number of distinguished bathing areas, totaling 11.
In this municipality, the Blue Flag will also be flying on the coastal beaches of Malhão Norte, Malhão Sul, Franquia, Farol, Furnas-Rio and Furnas-Mar (all in the parish of Vila Nova de Milfontes), Almograve Norte and Almograve Sul (Longueira/ Almograve), Alteirinhos and Carvalhal (São Teotónio).
Without a Blue Flag in 2024 is Zambujeira do Mar beach, one of the most sought after in the municipality of Odemira by national holidaymakers and foreign tourists.
According to the president of the Blue Flag Association, José Archer, this is due to the impact of the summer festival taking place in the locality on the water quality of this bathing area.
