Cabeço da Ponta beach, on the island of Porto Santo, is the sole beach in the Autonomous Region of Madeira to simultaneously hold the three main bathing quality distinctions, maintaining this achievement uninterruptedly since 2022.
These distinctions include the Blue Flag, awarded by the Blue Flag Association of Environment and Education (ABAAE); the Gold Award, by the Quercus Association; and the Zero Pollution classification, by the ZERO Association. Each evaluates different criteria, from water quality and environmental management to safety and the absence of microbiological contamination.
While the island of Madeira has a consolidated presence in the Blue Flag and Gold Award, the Zero Pollution distinction has been more delayed and sporadic. Calheta–Portinho beach is the closest case to a triple award on the island of Madeira, having achieved Zero Pollution and Gold Award status in several years, but never receiving a Blue Flag in the same period.
