A hugely popular family holiday destination has issued a range of bans for its beaches that could lead to expensive fines.
If you are heading to Portugal for your summer holidays, you might want to check the specific rules before going to the beach.
The National Maritime Authority in Portugal has issued a number of bans for things on the beach, and many come with fines if they are broken.
The bans include things you can’t bring to the beach and what you can do there.
What has been banned on beaches in Portugal?
The Beach Notice 2026 covers mainland Portugal and Madeira and has imposed strict rules banning anyone from playing football on its beaches.
You also cannot use beach bats unless you are in a designated area along the coast.
You cannot put up tents or camp on the beach, and you cannot play your music too loudly when using your own speakers.
Other things like lighting barbecues and fires are also banned from the beaches.
You are allowed to do some activities while on the beach, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing. Still, they must all be carried out within designated zones for water sports.
Jet skis and other watercraft with motors can also only be used within designated areas.
Some beaches in Portugal also have their own rules when it comes to umbrellas, with them only being allowed in certain areas.
Umbrellas cannot cover more than 30% of the beach or 50% of the seafront.
These rules apply to any inland river beaches as well, with each beach setting different days when the rules will be in place.
What are the fines for breaking these restrictions on the beach?
The fines vary depending on what rule you have broken, with the fine for being caught with a speaker ranging from anywhere between €200 to €4,000 or £3,416.60.
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Other things like camping and playing football on the beach can get you a fine of €30 to €100.
Surfing outside of designated areas can get you a fine of between €55 and €550.
Would these bans put you off from visiting Portugal on holiday? Let us know in the comments.
