The temporary ban was introduced on Thursday, 20 August, and will remain in place until new tests confirm the water is safe for swimming again.

Nazaré Municipality said the decision followed an analysis of bathing water carried out on 18 August, which detected microbiological levels that were higher than expected and did not correspond with the results of recent regular monitoring.

Following the results, health authorities decided on 20 August to temporarily prohibit swimming at the beach.

Microbiological contamination

The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) currently lists Nazaré among the country's bathing waters where people should not enter the water due to microbiological contamination.

However, the municipality stressed that the abnormal result was an isolated occurrence when compared with the recent history of water-quality tests at the beach.

New samples have already been collected and sent for analysis, with the results expected to determine when the restriction can be lifted.

The municipality said it is following the situation closely alongside the relevant authorities and will provide updated information once the results of the new tests are available.

Summer season

The temporary ban comes during the height of the summer season, when Praia da Nazaré attracts large numbers of visitors.

SIC Notícias reports that the restriction will remain in place until analyses confirm that the water once again meets the necessary conditions for bathing.

The measure applies to swimming and entering the sea, while access to the beach itself remains possible.