According to the Government of the Azores, of the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition, "the number of applications for the Blue Flag bathing areas has been growing consistently".

In 2015, "31 applications" were submitted and there are "42 this year", highlights the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, considering that the numbers are a "positive and significant indicator for the Azores in terms of sustainable development".

The bathing areas that are candidates for the award "are spread over five islands and 10 municipalities, two in Santa Cruz da Graciosa, three in Lagoa, Povoação and Vila Franca do Campo, four in Horta, Ribeira Grande, Povoação and Vila do Porto, five in in Ponta Delgada and seven in Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória".

As for marinas, the Regional Secretariat for the Sea indicates that the number "is equal to the year 2020, that is, five" candidacies, from the marinas of Horta (Faial), Praia da Vitória, Angra do Heroísmo (both in Terceira), Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and Vila do Porto (Santa Maria).

Compared to last year, this year there are "four departures", the case of "Ribeira dos Pelames, in the municipality of Povoação, due to the decrease in the quality of bathing water", and the rest due to "a lack of lifeguards", in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, and Piscina do Cais and Furna de Santo António, in the municipality of São Roque do Pico".

These applications will be sent to the international Blue Flag jury, which will decide on their approval, an announcement that will be made on April 29 by the Blue Flag Association of Europe (ABAE).