This thesis examines the morphodynamic evolution of a fetch-limited backbarrier beach located in the Ria Formosa barrier island system. Three different scales of analysis were ascribed: a short-term scale, a medium-term scale, and a long-term scale. Main issues addressed were: (a) the factors governing sediment transport under very limited-fetch conditions; (b) the morphological evolution at medium to long-term, and (c) the role of human interventions in beach morphology. At short-term (over the tidal cycle) sediment transport patterns were locally determined by employing fluorescent tracer techniques, and quantifying morphologic variations and transport rates. The medium- to long-term evolution (between months and from years to decades) was set based in topographic surveys and aerial photograph analysis. Finally, a general framework was developed for flood hazard assessment at fetch-limited coastal environments. This framework embraces the hazard zones identification, risk analysis and the associated most reasonable management options.