On a fishermen`s beach, the sea gradually conquers and invades the land. At the heart of this struggle of man against the sea, and in this struggle between tradition and progress, are the sentimental, difficult and almost absurd relationships that unite a fisherman, Adelino, who has just returned from the war in Africa, and two women, Júlia, used to the logic of the sea, just like him; and Albertina, a factory worker. As soon as he returns, Adelino finds Júlia, his old girlfriend, married to his brother. Albertina then challenges him to leave and change his life.