Algarve and Alentejo beaches to get maps showing where sun umbrellas can be placed

Beachgoers in the Algarve and the Alentejo this summer will soon find new maps at the entrances to beaches showing exactly where they can place sun umbrellas, following recent confusion over the use of concession areas.

Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho announced the measure on Monday, June 29 after meeting with Algarve mayors, representatives from the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL), the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP).

Under the agreement, beaches across the Algarve and the Alentejo coast will display clearly visible maps identifying concession areas, access corridors, safety zones and the remaining free areas where visitors are permitted to set up umbrellas and other beach equipment.

The minister said the maps should be installed “as quickly as possible”, noting that the bathing season is already underway and that local councils have been on the frontline of complaints and misunderstandings.

“It may happen that, on a particular beach, the concession area and the safety zone – and that is the responsibility of the mayor – extend all the way to the sea. It depends on the beach, so what matters is that it is clear and shown on the map at the entrance to the beach,” Graça Carvalho said.

The maps will be drawn up by each municipality, subject to the opinion of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and the National Maritime Authority.

The minister stressed that the new signage does not change the existing rules. Beach concessions may not occupy more than 30% of a beach’s usable area or 50% of its seafront, while safety and access corridors must remain clear.

“The safety and access areas are not included in those calculations; they simply have to remain free. The rest is available for umbrellas or other uses,” she said.

The move follows recent confusion at two Algarve beaches this weekend over where beachgoers could place umbrellas. At Praia Verde and Altura, in the municipality of Castro Marim, the Maritime Police were called to explain the rules after bathers set up umbrellas in areas where they were reportedly not allowed to do so.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.