The Project “Praia acessível – Praia para todos” (Accessible Beach – Beach for all) started in 2004 and was extended to the Azores in 2005. This is an initiative promoted by the National Institute for Rehabilitation which is being developed in inter-institutional coordination with several entities, including the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea that is also part of the national jury.
 
Under this collaboration, the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea, promotes the dissemination of the Project among local authorities, coordinating the submission of applications and the inspections requested by the INR.

The project, based on humanitarian principles, aims to improve the accessibility of Portuguese beaches for citizens with reduced mobility, raise public awareness for this issue, make known to citizens with disabilities the accessible beaches and promote them a holiday destination.

The applications of management entities for this Projects are voluntary and the “Accessible Beach – Beach for all” Flag will be awarded by the INR.

In 2005, one beach area was distinguished with this award in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and this year 14 flags will be awarded on four islands (São Miguel, Terceira, Santa Maria and Graciosa) in a total of 9 municipalities.

For the Regional Director for Maritime Affairs, Frederico Cardigos, “once again the interest of management entities in improving conditions of beach areas is evidenced. We have also registered an increase of five beach areas distinguished with this award, which considerably increases the possibilities of choice for citizens with special needs.”

In 2011, the beach areas classified as “Accessible Beach – Beach for all” are the following: Prainha in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo; Lagoa beach area in the municipality of Lagoa; Mílicias and Poços de São Vicente Ferreira in the municipality of Ponta Delgada; Praia do Fogo in the municipality of Povoação (Ribeira Quente); Praia Grande, Porto Martins and Biscoitos beach area in the municipality of Praia da Vitória; Areal de Santa Bárbara, Praia dos Moinhos and Poças da Ribeira Grande in the municipality of Ribeira Grande; Praia in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa; Anjos in the municipality of Vila do Porto and Vinha da Areia in the municipality of Vila Franca.
Lagoa, Praia dos Moinhos, Poças da Ribeira Grande, Praia da Graciosa and Praia Grande are the new areas distinguished with this award in 2011.