Rules for beaches in the Algarve

Using sound equipment and causing noise pollution is not allowed and high fines can be imposed for this. But, these are not the only rules that apply or are prohibited for the use of beaches in the Algarve and the rest of Portugal.

Camping;
Fishing in swimming zones between sunrise and sunset;
(Kite and wind) surfing and other activities that may endanger swimmers;
Activities of collecting plants and shellfish outside the established places and seasons for economic reasons;
Performing acts or activities that endanger the public use of the beaches, except for activities necessary for environmental or safety reasons;
Conducting activities that may endanger the safety or health of bathers;
Ball games and the like outside designated areas;
Collecting geological material, vegetation, and archaeological remains, unless permitted scientific activities;
Parking of vessels and nautical devices for recreation and sports outside defined spaces and demarcated areas;
Depositing or leaving rubbish and glass objects outside the designated containers;
Lighting fires/fires;
Traffic from boats, watercraft, and jet skis in areas intended for other purposes;
Overflight by aircraft lower than 1,000 feet, except aircraft intended for surveillance and rescue operations;
Conducting street vending activities without a license;
Advertising activities without a permit;
Failure to comply with information on signs, flags, buoys, and instructions from lifeguards regarding situations that may endanger the safety of others;
Traffic and parking in prohibited areas;
Traffic and parking of motor vehicles outside established access roads and outside established boundaries of parks and parking areas;
Traffic and animals outside the permitted areas, except trained assistance dogs or in the training phase, duly certified, to guide, lead, and assist people;

Best beaches recongition.

The Algarve was once again recognized as the Best Beach Destination in the World at the World Travel Awards, achieving this distinction for the third time.

This region was chosen as favorite in a list of 23 nominees that included several iconic beach destinations worldwide such as the Maldives, Cancún (Mexico), Seychelles, Philippines or Zanzibar, among others.

The award was presented on November 24th, during the World Travel Awards 2024 ceremony, which took place this year in Madeira. Considered the “Oscar of Tourism”, this initiative elects, every year, the best examples in the tourism and travel industry, in different categories, through voting by the main leaders in the sector from around the world.

Award winning beaches in Portugal

The awarding of this award recognizes the beauty and uniqueness of the Algarve coast, with 200 km of beaches that have increasingly enchanted visitors from all over the world, combining scenarios as diverse as extensive golden sands, hidden coves and impressive cliffs.
In addition to the natural landscape, the Algarve also stands out for its ability to provide experiences for all tastes: from sunbathing and peaceful walks to surfing, diving and sailing.

This year, the value of the region’s beaches was further reinforced by several quality milestones, such as the 86 beaches awarded Blue Flag (by the European Blue Flag Association), the 69 beaches awarded Gold Quality (by Quercus – National Association of Nature Conservation), and the 13 classified as Zero Pollution beaches (by ZERO – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável). Among them, there are also 47 accessible beaches, which ensure that the region is inclusive for all visitors.

Blue flag winning beaches.

Remembering that the World Travel Awards had already distinguished the Algarve as “Best Beach Destination in the World” in 2020 and 2021, alongside the title of “Best Beach Destination in Europe” on several occasions.

Source ATA and Algarve Daily News