In a statement, Quercus specifies that, of the 425 “Gold Quality” beaches, 363 are coastal beaches (86%), 48 are inland (11%) and 14 are transitional (3%).

Overall, the Tejo/Oeste (92 beaches) and Algarve (84 beaches) regions received the most awards.

Compared to 2024, the Algarve and the Autonomous Region of Madeira recorded the most significant increases, with an increase of 15 and six awards, respectively, followed by the Alentejo (with five more awards) and the Azores (four more).

In the opposite direction, there was a decrease in the number of beaches distinguished in the North (minus 13), in the Tejo and Oeste region (minus eight) and in the Centre (minus four).

According to Quercus, the drop in premiums in the North region “was in most cases motivated by non-compliance with the criteria relating to the analyses carried out in the 2024 summer season and by the bathing advice issued by the Portuguese Environment Agency, due to microbiological contamination on some coastal beaches”.

This year, the North has 68 “Gold Quality” beaches.

In relation to the most awarded municipalities, the following stand out: Vila Nova de Gaia (16), Almada (15), Albufeira (15), Vila do Bispo (14), Matosinhos (13) and Torres Vedras (13).

The complete list of award-winning beaches can be consulted via the link https://praiasouro.quercus.pt .

The “Golden Quality Beach” award annually distinguishes the quality of bathing water on Portuguese beaches, based on official public information available, taking into account exclusively the analyses carried out in the laboratories of the different Regional Hydrographic Administrations, according to Quercus.

To receive the distinction, bathing water must meet several criteria, such as “excellent” water quality in the annual classification of the five bathing seasons preceding the last. All analyses carried out in the last bathing season (2024) should have shown improved results in several bacterial indicators.