New protest in Setúbal while lawsuit continues over five beaches in Arrábida

The ownership lawsuit filed by Herdade da Comenda for five beaches and some surrounding areas continues. In the action held in Setúbal on August 30, protesters demanded that public access to beaches be protected.

While the lawsuit regarding the status of Rasca, Comenda, Rainha, Maria Esguelha and Albarquel beaches on the Arrábida coast in Setúbal continues, hundreds of people came together in the protest held in the city center on Saturday, August 30.

Palácio da Comenda, S.A., which owns Herdade da Comenda, is demanding that the five beaches in question, as well as some surrounding areas, be recognized as private property. The case has been pending in the Setúbal Judicial Court since July 2025.

The company's request is the subject of legal proceedings against the Portuguese State and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). It is reported that APA and the prosecutor's office presented a counter-opinion that the areas claimed to belong to the company have the status of public water area.

The “Deslarguem a Arrábida” movement, which supports the protest, wants public access to beaches and the coastline to be preserved. Movement representatives state that they are waiting for the court decision, but will continue public pressure on the right to use coastal areas.

In Portuguese legislation, public water areas are within the scope of common use and enjoyment. According to the APA, even if there are private ownership claims regarding the beds and shores of public waters, legal obligations regarding access and passage for public purposes can be applied in these areas. However, which area has which legal status in terms of the five beaches in Arrábida will be determined during the ongoing court process.

Therefore, the case does not directly mean that "beaches are closed" or "privatized". At this stage, the debate revolves around the company's ownership claim and the legal assessment of public access and public water area status.

The coasts of a country should remain open to the use of society, especially those living in that country. It is incompatible with the concept of public space for hotels or private property claims to actually block beach access. In a country with strong democracy and rule of law standards, such requests must be examined meticulously in terms of public interest and right of access.

A final court decision regarding access or ownership of these five beaches in Arrábida has not yet been announced. Visitors should follow the announcements of APA and Setúbal Municipality for the access route and possible temporary arrangements; Must not enter areas clearly designated as private land without permission.

Sources reviewed

Portugal Resident news text

APA – public water areas and access framework

APA – public land, coasts and public tenure

Portuguese Government – public access measures to beaches

Beachcam – Herdade da Comenda case and five beaches