This year the beaches of Vale Olival, N. S. da Rocha, Vale Centeanes, Carvoeiro, Caneiros, Praia Grande (Ferragudo) have all been awarded blue flag status thanks to them meeting the criteria for water quality, education, environmental management, equipment, safety and services.

The beaches of Carvoeiro and N.S da Rocha have also been awarded with the accessible beach flag, signalling that the beach can be accessed by people with disabilities and that amphibious chairs are also available on the beach.

In Carvoeiro, new signage to indicate the boat and bathing zones has been installed to increase safety, while the beach has also seen a new information point to indicate the UV index for the day to help combat sun related illness.