In Portugal, only a third of the zones have access to the beaches. It sounds good on paper, but the reality is different.

Turismo de Portugal’s Accessible Beach program covers 239 bathing sites this year. This is a plus compared to 77 zones twenty years ago, but experts believe that current figures are insufficient.

The Salvador Association says many areas are only accessible formally. Shoppers and guests complain: the paths are too far from the water or covered with sand, parking is limited, and special seats are often not serviced.