Many Britons are rushing to spend their summer holidays in Portugal, given the country's inclusion on the UK government's green list. As of now some beaches in Portugal have reopened, including the two in Vilamoura - Praia de Vilamoura and Praia da Rocha Baixinha.
Isolete Correia, Director of Marina de Vilamoura, comments: "We are thrilled to see locals and visitors enjoying the beaches in Vilamoura once more. Last year we contributed with the Portuguese government to help define and set safety standards for Covid-secure beach use."

The news of beaches reopening comes as the Algarve is once more flagged up as the jewel in Portugal's crown, maintaining all 91 of its Blue Flags in 2021. The region is proudly flying 87 Blue Flags on its beaches with Vilamoura's two beaches – Praia de Vilamoura and Praia da Rocha Baixinha – also proudly flying Blue Flags.

In total, Portugal's beaches have racked up an impressive 372 Blue Flags (12 more than last year), with the quality of its marinas, recreational ports and environmental vessels combining to place Portugal sixth out of the 53 countries taking part in the Blue Flag scheme. Blue flags helped contribute to the country being named the World's Best Beach Destination at the World Travel Awards last year.