The number of Aldeias do Xisto River Beaches being recognised is increasing and the best river beaches in Portugal are being awarded the Blue Flag certificate.
BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATE DISTINGUISHES ALDEIAS DO XISTO RIVER BEACHES:
• Alvôco das Várzeas, Oliveira do Hospital (awarded for the second time)
• Canaveias, Góis (awarded for the first time)
• Louçainha, Penela (awarded for the sixth time)
• Peneda, Góis (awarded for the third time)
• Pampilhosa da Serra (awarded for the first time)
• Pessegueiro, Pampilhosa da Serra (awarded for the second time)
• Santa Luzia, Pampilhosa da Serra (awarded for the second time)
The Blue Flag is a symbol of environmental quality awarded annually to beaches, recreational ports, and marinas that meet a certain set of criteria. The certified Blue Flag beach Programme Criteria are divided into 4 groups: Environmental Information and Education; Water Quality; Environmental Management and Equipment; Safety and Services.
The Blue Flag Association makes an assessment at the beginning of the swimming season, monitoring throughout the summer to establish compliance with the requirements.
QUERCUS RECOGNISES ALDEIAS DO XISTO RIVER BEACHES
This year Quercus recognised five Aldeias do Xisto river beaches with the Gold Medal:
• Carvoeiro, Mação
• Fróia, Proença‐a‐Nova
• Peneda/Pego Escuro, Góis
• Pessegueiro, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Peneda da Cascalheira - Secarias, Arganil
Quercus evaluations take into account rigorous analyses of the water, following analyses of the beaches in the last five years. The association demands that the results of the last year all be excellent to guarantee quality and reliability.
ACCESSIBLE BEACH - BEACHES FOR ALL! ALDEIAS DO XISTO DISTINGUISHES:
• Pomares, Arganil
• Poço Corga, Castanheira de Pera
• Canaveias, Góis
• Peneda/Pego Escuro, Góis
• Senhora da Graça, Lousã
• Senhora da Piedade, Lousã
• Bogueira, Lousã
• Carvoeiro, Mação
• Açude Pinto, Oleiros
• Alvoco das Várzeas, Oliveira do Hospital
• Avô, Oliveira do Hospital
• Janeiro de Baixo, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Pampilhosa da Serra
• Pessegueiro, Pampilhosa da Serra
• Louçainha, Penela
• Ribeira Grande, Sertã
The Accessible Beach Programme - Beaches for All! began in 2004, developed within the scope of an institutional partnership which brings together the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P. (which succeeded the then National Secretariat for the Rehabilitation and Integration of Disabled People), the Water Institute, I.P., currently part of the Portuguese Environment Agency, I.P., and Tourism of Portugal, I.P. (at the time designated as the Portuguese Tourism Institute), and which, until 2007, also included the Institute for Employment and Professional Training.
The conditions that must be met in order for a swimming area to be classified as "accessible" and be allowed to display the award are as follows:
• Easy and unobstructed pedestrian access from the surrounding public road;
• Orderly parking with reserved spaces for people with disabilities;
• Pedestrian access, via an accessible route, to the sunbathing area and as close as possible to the bathing area (if steps are uneven, they must be complemented by ramps and/or mechanical means accessible to persons with reduced mobility);
• Walkways over the beach when applicable and, in all other cases, a firm and continuous paved path;
• Adapted sanitary facilities with an accessible route;
• Accessible First Aid station with an accessible route;
• The presence of a life guard;
• Information to the public, at the entrance to the beach and on the council's website, about the accessibility conditions and services available to people with reduced mobility.