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This summer, fewer Blue Flags will be flying on the beaches of Cascais. The municipality drops from 11 awarded beaches in 2025 to eight in 2026. Avencas, Carcavelos, Crismina, Guincho Norte and Guincho Sul, Parede and São Pedro do Estoril remain on the list, along with Cascais Marina. Missing this year, compared to the previous one, are Moitas, Poça and Tamariz.
The town follows a broader trend, with the number of awards decreasing compared to last year. In total, Portugal will raise 396 Blue Flags on beaches — 350 coastal and 46 inland — six fewer than in 2025. The announcement was made by the Blue Flag Association for Europe at the Pedra do Sal Environmental Interpretation Centre, in São Pedro do Estoril, with president José Archer stressing that this drop does not raise structural concerns, being mainly linked to the weather conditions recorded during the last bathing season, which affected water quality.
This year also marks a transition moment for the Blue Flag programme. The award criteria will change from 2027 onwards, introducing stricter requirements and a new evaluation model with external auditors, in line with a European consumer protection directive that comes into force in September. Until then, there will be an extraordinary application period during July and August, allowing new beaches to enter the list or the return of others previously recognised.
The bathing season in the Municipality of Cascais officially began last Friday, May 1.