Portugal to reopen beaches next month

Portugal will reopen its beaches on June 6 with a limit on visitor numbers and strict social distancing measures in place.

The tourist board said extra supervision will be provided to ensure strict compliance with the new rules, but it claimed the social distancing measures wouldn't have a 'very significant impact' on the enjoyment of Portuguese beaches as they are so extensive.

The planned reopening of beaches next month follows the reopening of museums and other cultural attractions such as monuments art galleries, palaces and churches this week.

Restaurants, cafés, patisseries, terraces, promenades and shops of up to 400 square metres have also opened this week.

Sailing clubs, golf courses, taxis, car rental firms and public transports have been operating since the start of the month.

Unlike neighbouring Spain, Portugal does not require visitors to quarantine, except for the Madeira islands, but the Department of Health said its 'strict and rigorous' health and safety measures will remain in force. These include, the obligatory use of masks, the continuation of two-metre social distancing and conditions for frequent disinfection of hands by employees, visitors, customers, and of surfaces and spaces with imposed capacity limitations.

In restaurants and similar establishments, ventilation and frequent air renewal will be given priority and all decorative elements will be removed from tables. Customers are advised to book in advance and payments should preferably be made through contactless processes.

Turismo de Portugal has created a 'Clean & Safe' stamp, which distinguishes tourist activities that ensure compliance with hygiene and cleanliness requirements for the prevention and control of Covid-19 and other possible infections, in accordance with the recommendations of the Portuguese Department of Health.

This stamp covers hotels, local accommodation, tour operators, restaurant and catering companies.