The National Maritime Authority recorded 30 deaths, 1,418 rescues and 2,609 first aid interventions from 1 May to 30 September. Only 11 of the deaths were at beaches with lifeguards on duty, and eight came in September.
Despacho n.º 11520/2026 reopens the Espichel-Odeceixe coastal programme four years after it was approved, after an inspection of 45 kilometres of Grândola coast between Troia and Melides. Sixteen bodies sit on the advisory committee; the beach concessionaires attend only when invited.
Agudela, Cabo do Mundo, Matosinhos, Marreco, Memória and Quebrada are all flagged for microbiological contamination, with Foz do Lima and Vila Praia de Âncora making eight on the northern coast.
As a sixth heatwave warms Iberian waters, Europe's health authorities are flagging a summer risk from Vibrio, including the 'flesh-eating' V. vulnificus. Portugal's beaches stay graded excellent, but Porto researchers find the bacteria go unmonitored — here is the real risk, and how to stay safe.
APA confirms bathers can place sunshades in front of concessioned beach areas; the Maritime Authority's €550 fine applies only where placement obstructs designated safety corridors, not the concession seafront line.
When lifeguards are on duty, what the beach flags mean, how to check the water, where dogs can go, and the fines for breaking beach rules.
How to choose a properly licensed surf school, where beginners and experienced surfers go, the beach rules for surfers, and how insurance works.
