Swimming resumes at four Lagoa beaches

Bathing has resumed at four popular beaches in the municipality of Lagoa after authorities lifted restrictions introduced earlier this week over microbiological contamination.

The bathing advisory has been removed for Praia da Cova Redonda, Praia dos Tremoços, Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha and Praia Nova da Senhora da Rocha, following fresh water quality tests that confirmed conditions now meet the required safety standards.

The restrictions were imposed on July 1, after routine monitoring detected microbiological contamination in the waters at Praia da Cova Redonda. As a precaution, the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) also advised against bathing at the three neighbouring beaches.

According to the latest information from the competent authorities, water quality has now returned to acceptable levels, allowing swimmers to safely enter the sea once again.

In a statement, the Porches Parish Council said it wished everyone “an excellent bathing season” and urged residents and visitors to continue following official updates on bathing water quality.

Although the beaches have now reopened, the cause of the contamination has not yet been identified.

The Portuguese Environment Agency is continuing to investigate the source of the microbiological pollution that led to the temporary bathing restrictions.

The affected beaches are among the most popular on the Lagoa coastline, attracting large numbers of residents and tourists during the summer months. The reopening comes as temperatures continue to soar across the Algarve, with thousands expected to head to the region’s beaches over the coming days.

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident