Fortunately, despite blurry initial reports, it appears no one was injured in this latest incident in Albufeira, but it once again cast a spotlight on the possible dangers of ignoring warning signs and basking in the shade of cliffs.

According to reports, the overhang that disintegrated onto Maria Luísa beach today was not flagged by the authorities as being of imminent risk to beachgoers but warning signs are posted on the beach.

The incident happened shortly before 1pm and no injuries were caused. Some 30 GNR and civil protection officers as well as local fire-fighters were at the spot. The cliff was re-examined at low-tide to double-check no one was buried under the rocks when they collapsed.

In 2009 an identical incident on that same beach made international headlines when five people were killed after part of a cliff-face broke away from the cliff and slammed onto beachgoers below.

Meanwhile, in Lagoa, reports emerged of a similar incident at around the same time on Sunday, although it later transpired that this occurrence was not a collapsed cliff, but a boat that became trapped in a cave.

The alarm was raised shortly before 1pm when a small boat with six Dutch nationals onboard became stuck in a cave that is only accessible by sea at low-tide, after the tide rose. The family had rented the boat privately.

All occupants were successfully rescued and no one was injured in the incident.