One of Portugal’s main tourist draws (besides the wine, food, and culture) is its beaches. So far, the beaches in Portugal have been closed. The country recently announced that water sports are allowed (surfing and the like) but that people won’t be able to hang out on the sand. This is painful for locals and for the economy. Lately, there has been some chatter about beaches opening up. The official opening date for beaches for bathing season in Portugal is June 6, 2020. Here’s what I’ve found out so far about when beaches in Portugal will open after the Coronavirus Quarantine:
The Rules for Going to the Beaches in Portugal in 2020
Before going to the beach, you will need to download the Info Praia app on your phone. The app will give you information as to how many people can be on the beach at a time. You will want to pick beaches marked in green. This is what the colors mean on the app:
Green: not very busy
Yellow: Busy
Red: Full
The capacity for each beach will be calculated by a formula that looks at the sand area available for sunbathing, the length of the beach, and tidal patterns. Each person is assigned o8.5 m2 in order to ascertain social distancing safety. Parking spots are also considered.
- When getting to the beach you must keep 1.5 meters away from other people who are not a part of your group.
- When you set up at the beach, keep 1.5 meters distance at all times.
- When patronizing beach bars, restaurants, and sanitary facilities you must wear shoes, disinfect your hands and keep a safe distance of 1.5 meters.
- When you leave the beach throw out all garbage, including masks and gloves are always deposited in undifferentiated garbage containers.
- There must be three meters between beach umbrellas.
- If you rent a beach covering, only 5 people can use it.
- No beach sports with more than 2 people.
- Indoor showers will not be available due to safety reasons.
For the latest information, you can check on the Environmental Agency of Portugal‘s website.
2020 Beach Opening Dates in Portugal
While June 1 is the projected opening date for beaches in Portugal, the date is dependent on how things move along with COVID-19 and will be subject to social distancing rules. The health department has not yet defined all the rules for the opening of beaches, but these are some of the items that are being discussed:
- A distance of 2 meters per person and swimmers.
- A set amount of people per beach umbrella (there is talk of this being anywhere from 4-6)
- Turnstiles are to be installed at entrances to count and limit the number of people at beaches.
- A limit of 10 people gathering at beaches (with concessions for people in the same family).
- Drones and access bracelets may be used to control the number of people at beaches.
- Lights may be installed that will signal if beaches are open to the public or not.
What is the Beach & Tourism Situation in the Algarve During COVID-19
The President of Algarve Tourism, João Fernandes has already made a statement saying that the Algarve is ready for tourists.
There are already tourism businesses open in the area, albeit with stringent regulations. Algarve beaches are due to open on June 6. Here’s what’s already open and what is expected to open:
- Golf courses
- Marinas
- 1/3 of the region’s hotels (75% are expected to be open by July).
- Beaches are expected to open in June (with regulations).
- Restaurants are to open May 18 at 50% capacity and restrictions.
- Water parks are due to open in either June or July (Zoomarine in June and Aquashow in July – dates TBD).
Faro Airport will be allowing people to come, but those who arrive at the airport will be subject to:
- Temperature checks
- Mandatory mask usage
- Physical distancing restrictions
- A signed affidavit that states they are aware and will follow safety restrictions.
- There will be “beach attendants” who will welcome beachgoers and walk them to their area of the beach while explaining beach COVID-19 safety rules and regulations.
Once I find more information on Setubal and other beach areas, I will update the post. If you hear of something before I do, please leave a comment so we can look into it, confirm the info and update the post.
If you have questions about Portugal during and after COVID-19, leave it in the comments.
What is the Beach & Tourism Situation in Cascais During COVID-19
Cascais is not really a “tourist” destination, but for us locals, it is a wonderful place to sneak a quick dip in the water, but there are constraints:
- 2 meters between individuals
- If you are exercising on the beach, do it along or with 1 other person max.
- Watersports are allowed.
- Hanging out on the sand is prohibited.
Cascais has also started an initiative to test all its residents for COVID-19 (the test is free), and has installed machines where anyone can purchase a mask if they need to.
What is the Beach & Tourism Situation in Setubal During COVID-19
Setúbal is a wonderful beach town not too far from Lisbon. This is the latest from the Camara Municipal.
Road access to the beaches was reopened on May 18. However, there was so much traffic, that on May 21, 2020 the municipality banned cars from entering and parking in the area between the parks of Praia da Figueirinha and Creiro. It is said this ban on cars will end on the day the bathing season begins.
The only people allowed to use the roads to the beaches of Arrábida are residents, workers, and authorized vehicles.
The City Council maintains the ban on pedestrians and motor vehicles on the former EN 379-1, between Gávea and the crossing with EN 379 -1 (Pinheiro), and access to Albarquel Beach, however with more exceptions.
Access to Praia da Saúde and Parque Urbano de Albarquel is closed.