“The legislation in force is clear: beaches are public spaces and for free use,” says DECO PROteste in a statement, adding that “the concession areas correspond only to the spaces licensed for the operation of beach support services.”

The consumer protection organisation explains that this clarification comes at a time when doubts have arisen about the use of beaches and when beachgoers report contradictory information about where they can place towels, umbrellas or other equipment.

"Consumers should know their rights, but also their duties. There are no private beaches in Portugal, and access to the public maritime domain cannot be impeded. At the same time, it is essential to respect the safety and coexistence rules that ensure everyone can enjoy the beaches safely," indicates DECO PROteste.

In the note, the organisation also reminds that listening to music through portable speakers in order to disturb other users can result in fines between €200 and €4,000, while the practice of sports activities outside authorised areas or the presence of animals on beaches where they are not allowed can be punished with fines of up to €550.

Furthermore, the circulation or parking of motorised vehicles on beaches, dunes, or cliffs outside authorised locations can result in fines between €250 and €2,500.

“Whenever there are conflicts related to access, occupation of the beach area, non-compliance with safety rules, or behaviours that disturb other users, consumers should report the situation to the Maritime Police or request the intervention of the lifeguards present on site,” advises the association.

Minister quotes

A week ago, the Minister of the Environment stated that beach sand is freely accessible, except in concession areas and safety zones, noting that it is up to the municipalities to define these areas and publicise beach plans.

The minister’s statements followed a technical clarification from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) regarding the occupation of non-concession areas on bathing beaches, informing that bathers can place sun umbrellas in front of beach concessions, which are privately owned areas that cannot exceed 30% of the usable beach area, nor 50% of the beachfront.

Environment association

In its clarification, the APA (Portuguese Environment Agency) reinforces that “in Portugal, beaches are public spaces with free access” and states that the Coastal Zone Management Plans (POOC) and the Maritime Beach Management Regulations in force establish limits for the occupation of beaches by beach support facilities.

In turn, the Portuguese Federation of Beach Concessionaires (FPCP) assured that the legislation in force is being applied, but raised doubts about the application of the rules governing the signage of sun umbrella areas on the sand.