According to the Minister of the Environment, "Guaranteeing adequate access to beaches is a legal obligation that we want to see safeguarded. No new tourist development near beaches can be approved in mainland Portugal without first ensuring this right," the Minister stated.

Maria Graça Carvalho was speaking during the presentation of the results of inspections of access to the 22 beaches between Troia and Melides, on the Grândola coast, 18 of which are under a concession.

According to the governor, "the law is being enforced on most of the 18 concession beaches in that region."

As part of this inspection of the 22 beaches, authorities found eight with unrestricted access, two with controlled access, eight with restricted access, and one with closed access.

The remaining three beaches lack infrastructure, explained a source from the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA).

Regarding controlled access, the government stated that it involves road access restricted by passages through private properties, usually within tourist developments, and limited public parking.

On these beaches, the government wants operators to post signs informing them of the existence of pedestrian access and collaborate in implementing projects to provide parking and access without restrictions.

At the same time, the government is implementing measures such as expanding the public transportation system, installing parking restrictions, and continuously monitoring and inspecting these beaches.