According to an ordinance published in Diário da República on 14 May, the bathing season could start on 15 May and extend until October 15. But most councils chose to start it today, June 12.

Among the established rules (and whose non-compliance is subject to fines), is the use of masks on access to the beach and during the use of facilities, restaurants or restrooms.

Another of the rules is the social distance between people and groups, with shades and parasols being three meters apart.

Outside the concession area, users must keep towels on the sand at least one and a half metres apart, as long as they are not from the same group.

The provision of massage and similar services is not allowed, as well as non-individual sports activities at sea or in the area defined for bathing use.

However, there are exceptions: two or more people can practice sports "when the occupancy status of the beach is low" and lessons from schools or surf instructors and similar sports are also allowed, provided that there are only five students per instructor”.

Street vendors can circulate on the beach, as long as they respect the rules and guidelines for hygiene and safety and must wear a mask when in contact with beach users.

The Government has established fines for those who do not comply with the rules, ranging from 50 to 100 euros, for individuals, and from 500 to 1,000 euros, in the case of businesses.

Among the municipalities that chose to open their beaches earlier are Cascais (15th May), Almada, Oeiras and all of the Algarve (1st June) and Funchal (7th June).