“Disrespecting” cliffs to cost 750 euros

According to a new law, beachgoers who are found in “forbidden”/ closed off areas, or who ignore safety barriers next to cliffs, risk fines of anything between €10 and €50.

And the new law involves much heavier fines for anyone destroying, removing or damaging signs or protection barriers.

These fines range from €200 – €700 for people acting alone, and €1.000 to €2.000 for collective people (i.e. businesses, etc.) “This is yet another measure we’re taking to draw beachgoers’ attention, once again, to the dangers of being too near to cliffs.

It’s essential to respect any signs that are up, and any advice given by the Maritime authorities”, a spokesman for the Ministry of the Environment told LUSA news agency.

In total, 177 beaches have signs up warning of the dangers of coastal erosion in Portugal. The majority of these beaches are in the Algarve and Alentejo.

Francisco Ferreira of the Quercus environmental association welcomed the new law, saying it was timely – but adding that it should be backed by awareness campaigns/ publicity explaining to people the very real dangers they face on or underneath cliffs.