The West Coast of the Algarve is a surfers’ paradise—and over the last two or three years it’s not just the surf that has been up, but also the number of surf houses around Vale da Telha and the outlying districts.

All of us who live here are aware of the rapid growth of these establishments, with several villas sold over the past year or so being quickly turned into surf houses with an inordinately high number of occupants at busy times.

While we all understand that this is a tourist area and surf tourism is a vital component in that industry several members have approached Amovate to express their disquiet and concern over some problems that have followed the surfing community to Vale da Telha and the surrounding districts.

These members have asked us to speak with the Camara on their behalf and report the problems that they are experiencing; problems varying from noise pollution, traffic, parking congestion on the roads, and general untidiness—littering etc.

Several of the surf houses, as you know, have been established for some time and seem to be run quite well, taking care not to upset their neighbours and blending in with the community.

But there are, of course others which are creating problems and becoming a public nuisance with activities that do not befit their use among residential properties.

It is certainly not clear whether these surf properties benefit from an AL (Licença de Utilização Turística), or are suitable for such use, or even that the Camara are aware of their existence, the implicit suggestion being that some may be unlicensed and not possessing the necessary permits or achieving the standards required of such establishments by the authorities.

Amovate has now had a meeting with the Camara to discuss these concerns from our members, and the Camara have informed us that they are aware of some of the problems.

However, they stressed that to ensure they have a complete picture, anyone with such issues to raise should make direct contact to the appropriate organisations in order to lodge their individual complaints.

These organisations waiting to hear from you are the Camara itself, *ASAE (Autoride de Seguranca Alimentar e Economica), the GNR, the Bomberios and the Financas.

Some have websites through which you can lodge a complaint, otherwise your issues, identifying the specific surf house and the reasons for your concern, should be sent by letter or e-mail.

The GNR assure us they will act upon notification of noise, and in extreme situations will issue a notice to the perpetrator, who could be fined.

*ASAE – Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica