The prize is also to be awarded to 17 marinas, two more than last year.

This number is about “55% of the beaches designated in Portugal”, putting the country, percentage-wise, at the top of the world level, he told reporters after a press conference in Lisbon to announce the results.

In absolute terms, Portugal, with 314 Blue Flags is fifth in the leader table among the 54e countries that were awarded flags this year, behind Spain (578), Turkey (436), Greece (395) and France (379).

Out of the total number of Portuguese beaches, 292 are on the coast and 22 on river banks including 10 that had never before been awarded the distinction.