In August and September of this year, the APA inspected 29 beaches in the Algarve in municipalities "where there were reports of irregularities or a history of incidents," revealed APA president José Pimenta Machado.

In addition to detecting two beaches, in Castro Marim and Albufeira, with restricted or closed public access, failures in compliance with obligations by the concessionaires were also detected.

These include the misuse of mandatory first aid stations as storage for concessionaire products, restrooms closed or restricted to concession customers (as was the case at Monte Gordo beach), and cases of dirt and trash piled up in the areas surrounding the beach facilities.

Pimenta Machado noted that access to the changing rooms is universal and that, along with functioning first aid stations, these are factors that determine the granting of the beach concession.

Illegal and excessive occupation

At Tremoços Beach – VilaVita (Lagoa), illegal occupation of the beach was detected with unlicensed awnings from the resort, with almost all of the awnings installed in a risk zone (near cliffs marked as dangerous).

In Armação de Pêra (Silves), excessive occupation of the sand was observed, exceeding the licensed area. On other beaches in Portimão, such as Rocha, Alvor, and Prainha, unauthorised street vending was observed, occupying the sand and "using cliffs as displays."

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On several Algarve beaches, "differences in understanding regarding the possible use of parasols in front of licensed areas were detected, which reduces the free area for users," the APA stated.

"The concessions are granted to occupy a specific space. They cannot limit or prevent anyone from placing a parasol in front of the concession area. We will have to work to correct these situations," added Pimenta Machado.

Unclear signage

The APA also detected, in general, insufficient or unclear signage, and the Shipwreck Aid Institute was asked to review and replace the signs with clearer ones.

According to the APA president, municipalities, especially those with fewer resources, must also be empowered to exercise their powers in bathing areas, in accordance with regulations and legislation.

Regarding the detected violations, approximately 10 reports were issued, and the offenders have already been or will be notified. However, "when considering the fine, it will be taken into account whether they voluntarily corrected the situation."

Next inspections

According to the Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho, next year, inspections will be carried out specifically on beaches in the centre of the country, in addition to those in the municipality of Ourique (Beja), where the municipality has highlighted some weaknesses.

Maria da Graça Carvalho also reiterated that the Government is analysing a way to have "flexible teams" of lifeguards on beaches outside the bathing season, "who can help on the beaches more frequently, throughout the year, when the weather is good and there are a lot of people on the beaches."

The APA highlighted that Portugal has 673 bathing waters, 404 of which were awarded a blue flag in 2025.

July (5% of beaches) and August (7%) were the months with the most bathing areas with swimming restrictions, which was explained by the "greater pressure" on beaches during these months.

For example, beaches in Matosinhos were closed due to pollution, Vieira Beach (Marinha Grande) was closed due to a serious malfunction at the Monte Real Pumping Station, Nazaré Beach was closed to swimming three times this year, and a pipeline rupture caused swimming to be closed on four beaches in Albufeira.