Albufeira shores and their natural beauty are rightly famous thanks to the high quality and cleanness of the sea and sand but also due to the excellent accesses and supporting facilities. This is recognized by the highest number of “Blue Flags” given to beaches in one area as well as the number of earned official “Golden Beach Seals” (Quercus).

From little secluded places surrounded by walls of rock to long stretches of sandy beach, we can enjoy them all, whether it be calmly and privately or with plenty of fun and action. Water sports are available on most beaches, whether it be sailing, windsurfing and diving, or even motorized water sports.

The Algarve coast and its gorgeous climate attract visitors all year round, but supporting facilities like umbrella rental, water sports, medical emergencies, beach restaurants and bars run between April and October. It is also during this period that the seashore is properly watched and it’s safe to swim and enjoy it to the fullest.

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The Blue Flag

The quality and safety of Albufeira's beaches has been rewarded with a high number of Blue Flags and is maintained, year after year, with great dedication and effort.

The criteria for a beach to obtain the Blue Flag are: Quality of sea water; Safety and Services; Environmental Education and Information and Environmental Management

For more information about the Blue Flag organization and the beach maintenance, visit:

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ISN

The I.S.N. (Instituto de Socorro a Náufragos) is an organisation that depends on the Portuguese Navy with the purpose of maintaining beach and maritime security. The main task of this Life Saving Institute is to coordinate rescue operations in the high seas and provide beach surveillance and safety. The Institute advises all bathers about the precautions to take whilst on the beach.

Every beach will have a flag signaling the bathers about the condition of the sea. Here is what they mean
Green flag Bathers are allowed to swim, providing all the rules and regulations are abided by.	Yellow flag Swimming is prohibited.	Red flag It is prohibited to bathe, swim or enter the water.	Blue and White checkered Flag Beach temporarily unsupervised.
Here are some rules and recommendation tips that, if followed by bathers, should prevent any serious accidents.
SECURITY RULES: Only frequent supervised beaches Obey all Flag rules Obey all lifeguards' instructions Avoid swimming within 3 hours after having eaten Never swim against the current When swimming, never stray too far from the beach and always swim parallel to the shore		RECOMMENDATIONS: Always be aware of your Children's whereabouts and safety Do not enter quickly into the water after long periods of sunbathing Try to always be accompanied when swimming If you feel at all in any danger, do not hesitate to call immediately for help Try to familiarize yourself with the beaches you are using
It is also of great importance that bathers gather information about the beaches they are using, namely currents, rocks, deep areas in the seabed and danger zones like falling rocks areas.