"Beach Access for Everyone's Pleasure"
In the picturesque municipality of Grândola on the Alentejo coast, a series of significant investments and structural projects are underway to develop and plan the coastal region. The city council has emphasised the urgent need for new bathing areas, complete with surveillance, support equipment, and ample parking, to cater to the growing number of visitors.
The municipality's commitment to accessibility and enjoyment of the beach for all is evident in its plans to construct more parking lots and walkways to various beaches in Grândola. Three new walkways were built in 2021, providing easier access to Melides, Aberta Nova, and Atlântica beaches.
The mayor of Grândola, Antonio Figueira Mendes, has appealed to the Portuguese Environment Agency (MAEN) to ensure the implementation of measures regarding beach access as quickly as possible. Grândola, with a communist majority, supports the measures announced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy regarding public access to beaches.
The Portuguese Environment Agency recently reported that 18 out of 22 beaches between Troia and Melides have unrestricted access, while 2 have controlled access, 8 have restricted access, and 1 has very restricted access. The investigation into restricted public access to beaches along the Grândola coastline, launched by the government, is ongoing.
While details about the proposed measures by the Ministry of Environment and Energy for improving public access to beaches in Grândola are yet to be specified, the Portuguese government has emphasised its commitment to upholding the law regarding public access to beaches. Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho has stated that the state is responsible for addressing any legal violations related to access restrictions.
In the meantime, the city council is taking steps to enhance beach access. This includes implementing free public transportation during the summer to three beaches in the municipality and constructing a new parking lot with 300 free spaces and a new walkway on Galé beach, planned for 2026/2027.
For beaches with restricted access, whether due to territorial reasons or tourist occupancy, the objective is to build more parking lots and public pedestrian access. The Portuguese Environment Agency expects operators to post signs informing of the existence of pedestrian access and collaborate in implementing projects to provide parking and access without restrictions. A new parking lot with 220 free spaces is currently underway on Aberta Nova beach.
The mayor, Antonio Figueira Mendes, has reaffirmed his full willingness to continue cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure that the beautiful beaches of Grândola remain accessible to all.
The new parking lots and walkways in Grândola, as part of the coastal region development, will also cater to outdoor-living enthusiasts, providing easier access to the Melides, Aberta Nova, and Atlântica beaches. To further improve lifestyle and home-and-garden activities alongside the coast, the city council plans to construct a new parking lot with 300 free spaces and a walkway on Galé beach, expected to be completed in 2026/2027.
