Praia do Camilo, one of the most popular beaches in Lagos, currently has its main access closed due to the risk of the wooden staircase that connects the top of the cliff to the sand collapsing. Even so, dozens of tourists continue to surpass the signs posted at the site every day and go down to the beach, ignoring the danger identified by the authorities.
According to , the problem worsened after intense rains last winter, which accelerated the wear of the structure’s base. The situation led the Portuguese Environment Agency to order the closure of access, in a decision aimed at preventing accidents in an area where the flow of visitors is high during the summer months.
Closed access that continues to be used
Despite the closure tapes and warnings posted at the top of the stairs, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Every day there are tourists who choose to go down the steps, even though they know that the structure has weaknesses and could give way.
The same publication says that Lagos City Hall has reinforced local inspection, trying to curb these situations. Even so, the strong demand for that beach makes it difficult to completely stop circulation.
Concern of the municipality
The mayor of Lagos, Hugo Pereira, recognizes the seriousness of the situation. “It’s a danger. For it to be closed, it’s because the stairs are not safe,” he said, quoted by Correio da Manhã.
The mayor admits that the definitive solution requires greater intervention, but says that the priority is to find a provisional answer in time for the high season. The expectation is that the State Environment Agency will authorize urgent intervention during the month of July.
One of Lagos’ landmarks
Praia do Camilo is one of the images most associated with the Algarve, known for its cliffs, calm waters and natural setting. Access via stairs is part of the experience for those visiting the site, which makes the closure particularly impactful in the middle of summer.
In recent years, the beach has established itself as one of the most photographed in the region, attracting visitors of various nationalities. The closure comes at a time when Lagos records one of the highest tourist occupancy rates of the year.
For many visitors, the surprise only comes when they find access blocked. A tourist interviewed by the newspaper admitted his frustration: “I was coming to visit the beach and found access blocked. The sign says risk of landslide and so we have to go to another beach.”
The statement summarizes the immediate impact of the situation on anyone planning to visit that sand. Still, authorities insist that the priority is safety.
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