In spiteof being in an areaof considerable natural and ecological
value, these beaches are used intensively for recreational purposes,
resulting in extensive modifications of their original natural status.
Currently, Murubira and Marud ? a can be considered to be semi-
urban beaches, with promenades and other infrastructure, while
Colares can be classified as a rural beach, with well-preserved
natural features, including native vegetation and dunes on the
backshore.
Due to the local meso/macrotides, the beach profiles can vary
from hundreds of meters (low-tides) to a few meters (high tides).
Thus, at the end of the flood tide, high tide and the beginning of the
ebb tide, many of the beachgoers frequent bars and restaurants or
foreshore areas because the backshore area is negligible.