The popular Areal de Cacela Velha, located in the area of Ria Formosa, Algarve, is no longer officially considered a beach due to the risk involved in its access. The extent of sand, known for its transparent waters and a quiet environment, no longer has regular maritime transport, which previously facilitated access throughout the year.
Danger in the Areal de Cacela Velha
The municipality of Vila Real de Santo António issued a warning in the summer of 2023, recommending that visitors avoid this area.
According to the statement of local authorities, the crossing of Ría on foot, common among visitors seeking to reach this beach, is a significant risk to personal safety, especially during low tide, when currents are strong and can easily drag the swimmers into the sea.
Lack of infrastructure increases risks
The authorities also warn that the area does not have essential infrastructures such as assistance posts for bathers or rescuers, unlike neighboring beaches, such as Pága da Fábrica or Praia da Manta Rota.
Despite authorities’ warnings, many visitors continue to risk crossing the Ria. The situation has reached such an extent that, on a single day of last summer, there were ten rescues of swimmers dragged by the strong currents.
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Authorities’ recommendations
Local authorities continue to insist on the importance of respecting official recommendations to avoid serious accidents. The decision to remove the official beach statute to the Cacela Velha Areal reinforces the appeal to the individual responsibility of visitors.
The concern of official entities is not only with the dangers associated with irregular access, but also with the difficulty in providing effective assistance in case of emergency due to the absence of adequate infrastructure, as explained.
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