Photography: RR
This summer, the municipality of Mafra will once again be able to raise six Blue Flags on its beaches: Foz do Lizandro – Mar (in Carvoeira), Praia do Sul (South Beach), Algodio (or North Beach) and Ribeira d’Ilhas in Ericeira, São Lourenço and Porto da Calada in Encarnação.
Therefore. they are the same beaches as in 2019, also mimicking the date when the bathing season started in Mafra: June 15.
This year, there will be a total of 360 Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, eight more than last year: 322 are coastal and 38 river beaches – it was recently announced by the Blue Flag Association (ABAE – Associação da Badeira Azul).
Returning to the Sea with the Attitude to Change
Algarve continues to be the region of the country with the highest number of Blue Flags, with 87 beaches, closely followed by the North region (76 beaches, one more than in 2019). This is followed by the region of Lisbon and Tagus Valley with 57 beaches (three beaches more than before). Also noteworthy is the Centro region, which has “sustained growth”, with 46 beaches (two more).
The motto in 2020 is “Returning to the Sea with an Attitude to Change”: changing the way we relate to the Sea and to others; changing the way we enjoy the beach; changing the way we behave socially and environmentally. It is, therefore, essential to adapt our behavior to the new rules, so that, as soon as possible, we can enjoy the Sea and Nature without fear and without restrictions.
In view of the pandemic of the new Coronavirus, which causes Covid-19 disease, this year the bathing season, which started on June 6 at the national level, will be a little different and won’t go without a few restrictions. In view of the exceptional situation, the Government, along with several entities, defined a set of rules for the beaches.
Among the several measures defined by the Executive is the reinforcement of signs in places where parking is prohibited, the minimum distance of three meters from the umbrellas of others or the prohibition on using equipment for collective use, namely pedal boats, slides, beach showers or foot showers.
The Blue Flag program aims to distinguish beaches that meet the requirements of environmental quality, safety and well-being. Since the project was created about 30 years ago, 6,300 beaches have been awarded.
Foz do Lizandro. – ph. portugalbeachvillas.com
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
