Traffic jams, illegal parking and overcrowded beaches are daily occurences along Lagoa’s popular coastline
The stretch of coastline between Praia de Albandeira and Praia de Benagil might be stunning, but behind the postcard views lies a chronic problem – one that the municipal council of Lagoa is looking to tackle once and for all.
Faced with daily traffic jams, illegal parking, unsafe clifftop access, overcrowded beaches, and a rising number of minor accidents, the local authority called a meeting for June 18 with several top authorities, from the Portimão’s port captaincy, the Algarve’s regional development commission (CCDR Algarve), GNR police, the APA environmental agency, regional tourism board (RTA) and key municipal services. The goal was to understand where each authority stands on the subject and discuss possible solutions that can be implemented as soon as this summer, as well as in the middle and long-term, the council said in a statement.
The local council, led by mayor Luís Encarnação, also insisted that the problem “is not just a Lagoa problem” – it’s one that is the responsibility of the many entities gathered at the meeting.
The local authority also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable, safe, and responsible management of the coastline, stating that protecting the environment, ensuring visitor safety, and maintaining Algarve’s tourism reputation are all on the line.
“The council will continue working closely with all authorities involved, with the conviction that the only way to effectively respond to the growing pressure on this sensitive and valuable territory is through cooperation.”
The issue of overcrowding at Lagoa’s small but stunning beaches has been a local concern for many years, although many considered 2019 to mark a breaking point for Benagil, where illegal motorhoming, public defecation and a blatant disrespect for rules became commonplace, local residents and businesses reported at the time.
While some forms of action have paid off, namely the decision to limit access to Benagil’s world-famous sea cave, the coastal area between Albandeira and Benagil continues to fall victim to overcrowding.
