Beach Safety
Beaches Of Portugal 29 06 2020
A quick update translated from the Portuguese version of The beach rules in Portugal brief brochure 2020. For a more in-depth explanation, the full Portuguese version can be found in the Beach access manual (both documents are in Portuguese)
Just what are the beach rules in Portugal for 2020?
The beach or any area of sand
Use of the sand
You must, at all times maintain 1.5 metres physical distance between users who are not part of the same group. So your beach towel or camp, windbreak or any other items must be at least 1.5 metres from the next person outside of your group.
There must be a minimum of 3 metres spacing between the exterior edges of parasols.
All sports activities with 2 or more people are prohibited with the exception of nautical activities, such as surf lessons and water-based sports.
Awnings, huts and tents
As a rule, each person or group can only rent in the morning (until 1:30 pm) or in the afternoon (after 2 pm) You cannot rent a hut, tent or awning that has already been used that day.
There must be 3 metres spacing between huts, awnings and poles.
A minimum spacing of 1.5 metres between the limits of the tents.
A maximum of 5 people per hut, awning or tent.
Beach occupancy
Beach Occupancy levels will be announced through signage:
Green: Meaning that there is a low beach occupancy of (1/3)
Yellow: High occupancy (2/3)
Red: Full occupancy (3/3)
Parking is prohibited outside of the designated parks and parking areas.
Information will be updated continuously, in ‘real-time’ and can be found in the ‘Info beach’ app and on the APA website.
To Download the app Info Praia
Movement rules and circulation
One way circulation of people and pets with the correct physical distancing of 1.5 metres
Circulation corridors, parallel and perpendicular to the coastline, will be defined by either signage or floor markings and must be used at all times.
Hygiene in areas such as Bars Restaurants and Beach Terraces.
Cleaning and Maintenance of areas such as Bars, Restaurants and beach terraces.
Regular, thorough cleaning of spaces (with a minimum of 4 daily cleanings)
Capacity limitation in cafes, bars and restaurants, under the terms applicable to those establishments, set out by the Portuguese government. This may mean entry is restricted from time to time.
There may be a possible reorganisation of the terraces to ensure the recommended safety distances are adhered to outside of the premises.
Beach sales and vendors
Mandatory use of mask and visor by the seller in contact with users.
The circulation of a beach or street vendor must be done with physical distancing and preferably through the circulation corridors.
Beach Equipment Use
The use of pedaloes or slides is strictly prohibited. As are the use of indoor showers.
Outdoor showers, sun beds, mattresses or beach ashtrays can be used, but must be cleaned daily or whenever the user changes.
Common sense.
Avoid access to areas with high or full occupancy
Ensure regular disinfection of your hands, this is mandatory upon arrival at the beach and should be continued when coming into contact with any product that could have been touched previously.
Ensure the correct safety distance when using the beach and when swimming.
Disclaimer
We cannot keep this post up to date, due to the situation and relevant information changing on a daily basis. Due to this, no information contained in this blog is to supersede or replace the official information issued from time to time from the Portuguese Authorities. This information can be found at
Stay safe, respect others and enjoy the beach.
Remember, you are responsible for the safety of others.