Portugal installs beach maps to show umbrella zones

Portugal's government will install maps at the entrances to beaches in the Algarve and along the Alentejo coast that show concession, circulation, safety, and free zones. The maps are intended to clarify where sun umbrellas may be set up without rental from concession holders.

Background on the dispute Signs on Portuguese beaches have long divided sand into concession and umbrella zones. Bathers reported being told they could place personal umbrellas only in designated umbrella areas, though no law required this. The president of the Portuguese Environment Agency stated that preventing bathers from placing umbrellas in front of licensed concessions is an abuse.

The agency later clarified that concession areas are limited to a rectangle that cannot exceed 30 percent of usable beach area or 50 percent of the seafront.

Environment and Energy announced the maps during a visit to the Portuguese Environment Agency headquarters. The maps will be drawn up by mayors and validated by the Maritime Authority and the agency. The minister asked local leaders from the municipalities of Vila Real de Santo António, Castro Marim, Faro, Lagos, Vila do Bispo, and Grândola to install the signs as quickly as possible.

The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities and the Algarve Intermunicipal Community also took part in the meeting. The minister noted that the maps do not change existing rules and that safety and circulation areas must remain clear while the rest of the beach remains available for umbrellas or other uses.