”The beach has been in operation for about two weeks”, but the “official opening” was only on 4 August, revealed the mayor of Portel, José Manuel Grilo, in statements to the Lusa News Agency.

Located about a kilometre from the village of Alqueva, the new beach has 150 metres of sand with surveillance, as well as a bar, changing rooms, bathrooms and support equipment, including for people with disabilities.

The beaches “contribute to the tourist development of the municipality and the Alentejo” and this project “brings gains for the entire region and for the municipalities around Alqueva”, he added.

Another river beach in Alqueva is under construction near the village of Montes Juntos, in the municipality of Alandroal, also in the district of Évora.