The initiative, launched under the slogan “They Want to Take Away Albarquel Beach – Sand and All!”, argues that MPs should examine a court case concerning the claimed private ownership of Albarquel, Esguelha, Rainha, Comenda and Rasca beaches.

Led by Daniela Rodrigues, the petition’s first signatory and a former Left Bloc (BE) candidate for mayor of Setúbal, a group of around 10 campaign representatives is expected to deliver the submission to parliament at 3pm. The delegation is scheduled to be received by Diogo Pacheco de Amorim, Vice-President of the Assembly of the Republic, formally initiating the parliamentary process.

According to campaigners, the petition will secure a plenary debate, requiring political parties to publicly state their positions on the legal proceedings involving the beaches along the Arrábida coastline.

This dispute stems from legal action filed on 14 July 2025 in the Setúbal Court by Palácio da Comenda S.A., the successor to Seven Properties, which argues that the beaches of Albarquel, Esguelha, Rainha, Comenda and Rasca, along with the banks of the Ribeirinha da Ajuda between the Sado estuary and the Comenda picnic area, form part of the privately owned Herdade da Comenda estate rather than Portugal’s maritime public domain.

The claim has been challenged in court by both the Portuguese Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), with proceedings still ongoing.

This petition has been promoted by the Setúbal branch of the Left Bloc, which says the issue extends beyond a property dispute and concerns the continued public access to part of the Arrábida coastline.

On 19 July, campaigners are also planning a public demonstration to maintain pressure over the issue, including a march to the Comenda picnic area, a community picnic, artistic performances, and a human chain leading to the gates of Palácio da Comenda, intended to showcase their view that the beaches should remain accessible to the public.