A bather questioned on social media the practice of charging for the use of foot-washing stations at Monte Gordo beach in the Algarve. The user shared on Facebook their surprise at having to pay to remove sand from their feet before leaving the beach, in a location where, according to their report, both showers and foot-washing stations had an associated cost. The post did not identify the exact location of the equipment, the responsible operator, the price charged, or whether the situation applied to the entire beach.
Portuguese beaches included in the maritime public domain are spaces of free access, but this does not mean that all available equipment and services are free. Decree-Law No. 97/2018 grants municipal councils powers to concession, license, and authorize infrastructure and services in bathing areas, which means that beach support facilities, umbrella rentals, and other equipment can be operated for a fee.
Monte Gordo beach is covered by the Coastal Zone Management Plan Vilamoura–Vila Real de Santo António, which classifies the beach as urban. The plan expressly states that access to sanitary facilities at beach support areas must be free and public, but does not establish the same rule for showers and foot-washing stations. No national regulation was found that mandates the free use of foot-washing stations, so the charge is not automatically illegal, provided the equipment is part of a properly authorized service and the charge complies with the conditions of the applicable license or concession.
When charging is permitted, prices must be visible before use, as established by Decree-Law No. 138/90. If the price is not posted clearly, the bather can request clarification from the operator, report the situation to the Vila Real de Santo António Municipal Council, or file a complaint with ASAE.
