Dinosaur walk on the Silver Coast

One of the exercises most recommended by doctors is walking and people on the Silver Coast clearly agree with the doctors. The municipality of Lourinha, a Silver Coast town located about 45 minutes from Lisbon, has organised just that... a walk. The aim being to integrate physical well-being with the enjoyment of nature. On September the 13th walkers of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in ‘The Dinosaur Route’. The start is scheduled for 09h00; the starting point will be the Lourinha Museum, ending at ‘Fort Paimogo’.

During the tour, walkers may observe various monuments and buildings of historical interest, and enjoy the pleasant coastal landscape that was once the walk route for dinosaurs.

By Ricardo Santo

Have you heard of the ‘Blue Flag Programme’?

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean. The Blue Flag Programme is owned and run by the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. The Blue Flag Programme includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.

The criteria for being awarded with a blue flag are as follows.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION

WATER QUALITY

SAFETY AND SERVICES

Portugal was awarded 383 blue flags last year, with evaluations done on the 5th June every year, it looks like that number is set to increase while there has been a decrease in the amount of blue flag beaches and marinas in the UK. It was announced today that 15 beaches have already been awarded blue flags here on The Silver Coast, in places like Nazare and Foz De Arelho, with more flags set to go up this week visitors are guaranteed a refreshing, clean and healthy swim on our beaches this summer.

By Dylan Herholdt