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Caminha to Espinho beaches: new regulation takes effect on 13 October
Municipalities: Caminha · Viana do Castelo · Esposende · Póvoa de Varzim · Vila do Conde · Matosinhos · Porto · Vila Nova de Gaia · Espinho
The new regulation for the management of maritime beaches between Caminha and Espinho takes effect on 13 October 2026. The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) published it through Aviso n.º 25040/2026/2 in the Diário da República on 12 October.
For an operator of a beach support facility or anyone planning work on beach facilities, the starting point is to check the location, the applicable plan and the existing use title. Article 39 provides for adaptation to the Caminha to Espinho Coastal Programme (POC-CE), without granting an automatic extension.
Check the area covered against the plan
The regulation sets the planning regime for maritime beaches and areas adjoining the water domain (domínio hídrico) within the POC-CE. Article 2 refers to the Territorial Model and Beach Intervention Plans for beach boundaries and types. A maritime beach comprises the landward beach zone (antepraia), the beach itself and its associated water area.
Annex I identifies beaches in Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Esposende, Póvoa de Varzim, Vila do Conde, Matosinhos, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and Espinho. This list does not mean that the regulation covers each municipality’s entire territory. In the Maritime Beach Intervention Plans, the delineation of parking areas or access routes in areas adjoining the water domain is indicative under Article 2(10).
What happens to the existing use title
Holders of use titles may apply for changes that comply with the POC-CE and the regulation, through a duly documented application. Adaptation requires a review of the relevant water-domain use title (título de utilização do domínio hídrico), under the legislation in force (Article 39(1) and (2)).
Subject to the exception in paragraph 4, that review does not change the title’s term. A change to its term may be considered only exceptionally, with authorisation from the legally competent authority and justification and evidence from the holder. The rule requires consideration of the nature and scale of the associated investments, as well as their economic and environmental relevance (Article 39(3) and (4)).
Before preparing work
For a case assessment, gather the current use title, the exact location and a description of the proposed work. The beach plan’s information sheet and map need to be read alongside the rules applicable to the beach type and facility. Annex VII directs readers to the APA website to consult the Beach Intervention Plans. If you cannot access the applicable information sheet or map, request the version in force from APA before completing the assessment.
That check is needed before assessing whether specific work is admissible and which procedures it requires. The regulation taking effect does not itself authorise building work.
Official sources
Aviso n.º 25040/2026/2 of 12 October: Articles 1 to 4, 39 and 40, and Annexes I and VII (Portuguese).
APA: Caminha to Espinho Coastal Programme documents (Portuguese).
