The coastal sector between Forte Novo and Garrão is a sandy coastline oriented NW-SE, vulnerable to stormy sea conditions. In this coastal section of the Algarve coastline, there is one of the highest rates of coastline retreat linked to intense coastal erosion.

This intense erosion linked to coastal dynamics with long-shore sedimentary transport from west to east is perfectly observable with the evolution of the coastline near Vale do Lobo. In this location,  the  swimming pool  built in 1980 on top of the cliff overlooking the sea, is today several meters into the sea in relation to the current position of the cliff, having been kept in operation thanks to a succession of engineering interventions coastal areas, such as rockfill and beach replenishment works.