The swimming season began last Saturday, June 13th, in Matosinhos with an unusual measure on Portuguese beaches. According to the news agency, the sands of Matosinhos, Leça da Palmeira, Aterro and Marreco will provide free hundreds of support equipment for bathers, including beach chairs, windbreaks, sun loungers and hammocks.
The initiative is the result of a partnership with Turismo de Matosinhos and aims to improve the living conditions of those who visit the coast during the summer months, without any cost associated with the use of this equipment.
Hundreds of equipment spread across the sand
In total, 600 beach chairs, 600 windbreaks, 57 collective windbreaks, 22 changing cabins, 16 sun loungers and 12 hammocks installed next to the walkways will be available. According to the municipality, the objective is to provide greater comfort to users of the municipality’s beaches.
The equipment was distributed on the four beaches covered by the measure and is intended for both residents and visitors who choose this area of the coast to spend their summer days.
More services for bathers
In addition to making these materials available, Matosinhos City Hall reinforced several support services associated with the summer season. Among the measures implemented are new bathrooms, including structures adapted for people with reduced mobility, as well as recycling bins, watchtowers and information panels.
The same source also says that lifeguards were placed on beaches without a concession granted, seeking to reinforce safety conditions along the municipality’s seafront.
Bet on accessibility
One of the new features this year is the introduction of the ColorADD system. This is signage adapted for people with color blindness, allowing a more accessible reading of the information available in bathing spaces.
According to the municipality, this measure is part of a broader inclusion and accessibility strategy, seeking to ensure that beaches can be used by a greater number of people under equal conditions.
Beaches prepared to receive visitors
Before the start of the bathing season, work was carried out to clean and regularize the sands, maintain the walkways and work on the surrounding areas. The car parks and access to the beaches were also subject to improvements.
The bathing season takes place between June 13th and September 13th, during which all equipment and services now announced by the municipality will be available.
More awards awarded to the municipality
This year, Matosinhos has 19 beaches awarded the Blue Flag, two more than in the previous year. Among them, 15 have accessibility conditions for people with reduced mobility and 13 also received the gold quality rating.
Agudela Beach also stands out for having been recognized as “ZERO Pollution Beach”. Lusa also says that Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia are the Portuguese municipalities with the highest number of Blue Flags awarded in 2026, totaling 19 awards each.
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