The most beautiful and the best beaches in Lisbon region
The Lisbon region is full of beautiful beaches that you should discover if you visit the Portuguese capital for a long weekend or a longer stay. Relatively close to Lisbon (between 15 minutes and an hour by transport or by road), you will have access to magnificent beaches, some of which are located in protected areas or splendid nature reserves. You’ll have full options and you will inevitably find the beach of your dreams.
The beaches in the north of Lisbon will be the easiest to access if you stay in Lisbon. It means that you only need to take one of the train lines or the road that runs along the Tagus estuary (Estoril line or Sintra line) to discover many golden sandy beaches along the way. The disadvantage of these beaches is that they are often crowded during hot summer days.
The beaches of south of Lisbon are one of the largest stretches of beaches in Europe. Less than 30 minutes from the centre of the Portuguese capital, the stretches of sand follow one another for more than 30 kilometres. All these beaches have been a protected area since 1984, starting in the West with the Setúbal Peninsula, Almada and Sesimbra. On the coastal part, it passes through Costa da Caparica in the north and Lagoa de Albufeira (in the south), via Capuchos beach and Fonte da Telha. Millions of years ago, the sea shaped its stretches of sand and rock to give them their present appearance.
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BOOK A CRUISE AT SEA IN LISBON >>> HERE
1. COSTA DA CAPARICA – Great beaches for all audiences and styles
The beaches of Costa da Caparica are divided into two areas: the beaches near the city and the beaches of the protected landscape area.
YOUR ROUND TRIP TO THE CAPARICA BEACHES FOR ONLY 5€ >>> HERE
The beaches of the Caparica protected area
After the town of Caparica, a long continuous stretch of sand is formed for almost 30km to the beach of Fonte da Telha. Most of this area is part of the protected landscapes of the Costa da Caparica and is divided into 3 large areas that are difficult to define when you cross them (Terras da Costa, Acácias, Medo). The beaches that follow one another on the road leading to Fonte da Telha are not naturally delimited but each has a different name depending on the name of the restaurant or bar that manages a concession there. All beaches have a parking area on the sand and are served by a very unusual means of transport: the Transpraia. A small open train whose departure is in the city of Caparica and the terminus in Fonte da Telha. The stretches of sand as far as we can see allow surfing and bodyboarding.
Some of Costa da Caparica’s must-see beaches :
- Praia da Cabana do Pescador and Praia da Sereia : for its lively terraces
- Praia do Castelo : for a family atmosphere
- Praia do Rei and Praia da Princesa : for a family atmosphere
- Praia da Bela Vista : naturist beach
- Fonte da Telha : for its 2km of sand and the 70 metre high rocks that shelter it, ideal for paragliders to take off
Area : South of Lisbon (across the 25th April bridge)
Ideal for : all activities (surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, diving), each beach has its own specificities and you will necessarily find a beach for you
Attendance : all people
Average water temperature in summer : 17-19°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : NO
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
YOUR ROUND TRIP TO THE CAPARICA BEACHES FOR ONLY 5€ >>> HERE
The beaches of the city of Caparica
The city of Caparica was, until the 1950s, a group of a small population of fishermen who lived in small houses grouped in narrow streets. From the 1950s and especially after the construction of the 25th April bridge (in 1966), the city of Caparica experienced accelerated growth with many constructions. And the beaches, which had only been used for fishing, began to be frequented by the Lisbon bourgeoisie. Indeed, with the bridge, access to Caparica became much easier. Today, the use of the beaches of the city of Caparica is much more popular and touristic than in the 1960s and 1970s. The Caparica promenade on the beach delimits different small beaches that bear the names of their concessionaires. In summer, Caparica is very popular because it is very well served by the various transports.
Some beaches that might interest you near the city Caparica :
- Praia de São João da Caparica
- Praia de Santo António da Caparica
- Praia de Tarquínio-Paraíso
- Praia do Dragão Vermelho
Area : South of Lisbon (across the 25th April bridge)
Ideal for : sunbathing and swimming, surfing and bodyboarding
Attendance : all audiences
Average water temperature in summer : 17-19°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : NO
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
YOUR ROUND TRIP TO THE CAPARICA BEACHES FOR ONLY 5€ >>> HERE
2. PRAIA DO MECO – Very fashionable nowadays
Meco beach, also known as Praia do Moinho de Baixo, was one of the first to be opened to naturists. The beach area extends from the Tramagueira beaches to Rio da Prata. The extent of these beaches begins just after the beaches of Caparica. Here, the sea experiences strong waves and you will find ideal conditions for surfing, bodyboarding and windsurfing. The beach of Meco is particularly fashionable at the moment. More confidential than the other beaches of Caparica, it attracts a younger and more trendy population. And on summer evenings, gigantic evenings are often organized on the beach, especially on Sunday evenings.
Locate Meco beach, Sesimbra – Lisbon region
Area : South of Lisbon (across the bridge)
Ideal for : surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing
Attendance : young and trendy
Average water temperature in summer : 17-19°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : YES
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
3. PRAIA DE TROIA – Attended by the Portuguese jet set
La plage de Tróia n’est pas toute proche de Lisbonne mais elle en vaut la peine. Située en face de la ville de Setubal, la péninsule de Tróia est relativement facile d’accès en bateau depuis Setubal mais l’accès est plus long par la route car il faut aller au bout de la péninsule. Les eaux y sont plus chaudes que les plages toutes proches du Lisbonne. Du coup, depuis quelques années, Tróia est devenue une destination à la mode. Des hôtels de luxe voit le jour, la marina se développe et la jet set lisboète adore y séjourner pendant le week-end. La mer est très propre, le sable très blanc est splendide, on se croirait aux Caraïbes.
Locate Tróia Beach, Galé – Lisbon region
Area : South of Lisbon (across the bridge)
Ideal for : with family, friends and any activity
Attendance : happy fews
Average water temperature in summer : 18-20°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : NO
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
BOOK A CRUISE AT SEA IN LISBON >>> HERE
BOOK A CRUISE AT SEA IN LISBON >>> HERE
4. PRAIA DAS MACAS AND PRAIA GRANDE – For families
The origin of the name Praia das Maçãs (Apple Beach) comes from the apples that were transported to the beach through the Colares River, which flows into this area. During the summer, access to Praia das Maçãs can be gained through the city of Sintra by means of an old tramway, recently restored. Praia das Maçãs and Praia Grande are the favourite beaches of families because the sandbanks are very large and natural salt water pools are present. A pleasant solution for days when the sea is rough. Throughout the summer, these beaches are very popular and many sports activities take place there to enjoy the strong waves. Ideal conditions for surfing. Many restaurants and cafés overlook the sandy beaches and have a view of the sea.
Locate Praia das Maçãs in Sintra
Area : North of Lisbon (without crossing the bridge)
Ideal for : being with your family and enjoying the sea when it is rough
Attendance : wealthy families and tourists
Average water temperature in summer : 17-18°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : YES
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
5. PRAIA DO GUINCHO – The beach dedicated to sports competitions
This is one of the most popular places in the Cascais and Sintra area, the large beach of Guincho is valued for its natural beauty and the fact of being between the mountains and the city. Sailing and windsurfing fans particularly appreciate this beach because it is located in a rocky area and shelters winds that allow the practice of sailing sports. Moreover, many national and international competitions are organized on this beach.
Locate Guincho Beach in Cascais, Lisbon region
Area: North of Lisbon (without crossing the bridge)
Ideal for : surfing and windsurfing
Attendance : quite popular with many families and tourists
Average water temperature in summer : 17-18°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : NO
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
6. PORTINHO DA ARRABIDA – Simply magnificient
The beach of Portinho da Arrábida (the small port of Arrábida) appears at the foot of a real green wall that faces the Atlantic Ocean : the Serra da Arrábida. This mountain is full of small enclaves of white sand contrasting with multicoloured waters. Portinho da Arrábida is one of the most beautiful in this area because it is surrounded by the green of the mountains. Scuba divers will be able to discover a marine reserve that is home to many species of fauna and flora.
Locate Portinho da Arrábida beach, Setubal – Lisbon region
Area : South of Lisbon (across the bridge)
Ideal for : swimming, sunbathing and scuba diving
Attendance : varied
Average water temperature in summer : 18-19°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : NO
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
BOOK A CRUISE AT SEA IN LISBON >>> HERE
BOOK A CRUISE AT SEA IN LISBON >>> HERE
7. PRAIA DA FIGUEIRINHA – White sand as far as the eye can see
On the beach of Figueirinha, the white sand and the transparent and luminous water create a wonderful contrast with the imposing Serra da Arrábida (mountain that is part of the Arrábida Natural Park). Figueirinha beach is one of the best known and most popular in the Setúbal region, both for its easy access and the tranquility of its waters, but also for its very wide sandbanks.
Locate Figueirinha beach, Setubal – Lisbon region
Area : South of Lisbon (across the bridge)
Ideal for : swimming and sunbathing
Attendance : varied
Average water temperature in summer : 18-19°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : NO
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
8. PRAIA DA CRESMINA – The beach of lovers
Between Cascais and Sintra, just before the beach of Guincho (mentioned above), is the beach of Cresmina, in a kind of bay surrounded by cliffs. It extends the coastal area of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park with sandy and rocky landscapes. Beyond the road to the beach, you can even discover a vast area of simply beautiful dunes. An ideal place to enjoy the sunset, which makes it the favorite beach for lovers. Access to the beach is by a path located just next to the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho. Close to this beach, you will find some of the best restaurants in Portugal serving fish and seafood specialities.
Locate Cresmina beach, Cascais – Lisbon region
Area : North of Lisbon (without crossing the bridge)
Ideal for : any activity and enjoy sunset, surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing
Attendance : fairly confidential
Average water temperature in summer : 17-19°C
Supervised range : YES
Rental of mattresses and parasols : NO
Showers : NO
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
9. PRAIA DE SAO PEDRO DO ESTORIL – Easy to access and popular
Estoril beach is sheltered by beautiful ravines and is frequented by bodyboarders all year round. Thanks to excellent access, you can reach the beach from the train station or from the car park at the top of the ravine. In summer, it is a very popular beach like Carcavelos.
Locate Sao Pedro do Estoril beach, Estoril – Lisbon region
Area : North of Lisbon (without crossing the bridge)
Ideal for : sunbathing, swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, diving
Attendance : quite popular with many families and tourists
Average water temperature in summer : 17-19°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : YES
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
BOOK A CRUISE AT SEA IN LISBON >>> HERE
BOOK A CRUISE AT SEA IN LISBON >>> HERE
10. PRAIA DE CARCAVELOS – The overcrownded beach during summer
Carvavelos is surrounded by the Forte de São Julião da Barra (a fort), this beach is accessible by train, thanks to the line between Lisbon and Estoril. It has the largest sandy area of the beaches on this line. The other beaches on the line have a fairly limited area of sand. Volleyball and beach soccer championships are often held on this beach. Easy to access, the area is often stormed on sunny summer days. In winter, surfers and bodyboarders also frequent it. Many restaurants and bars with terraces line the beach and will allow you to spend pleasant moments in the sun.
Locate Carcavelos beach, Lisbon region
Area : North of Lisbon (without crossing the bridge)
Ideal for : sunbathing, swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and events organised there
Attendance : quite popular with many young people and families
Average water temperature in summer: 17-19°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : YES
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
11. PRAIA DE RIBEIRA D’ILHAS – Fashionable for surfers and water sports enthusiasts
We’re a little further away from Lisbon, about one hour drive. Coming from Lisbon, after Ericeira, you will come across a succession of 8km of beaches including Praia dos Coxos, Baía dos Dois Irmãos and Ribeira d’Ilhas. Beaches with excellent waves and excellent surfing conditions. The whole Ericeira region is one of the most fashionable surf and bodyboard destinations in Europe today. Located 3.5km from Ericeira, Ribeira d’Ilhas beach, a stage of the WQS Surf World Championship has been held every year since 1985, giving this beach an international reputation. Ribeira d’Ilhas is a beach surrounded by various lively bars.
Locate Ribeira d’Ilhas beach, Ericeira – Lisbon
Zone : South of Lisbon
Ideal for : surfing and bodyboarding
Attendance : young people and athletes
Average water temperature in summer : 17-18°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : YES
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
12. PRAIA DE SAO LOURENCO – To learn to surf
Ericeira is a small fishing town known as a seaside resort. 7km from Ericeira, São Lourenço beach is also known for its restaurants with fresh fish and seafood specialities. Located in a well sheltered bay, this beach has good facilities for surfing lessons.
Locate Sao Lourenço beach, Ericeira – Lisbon region
Zone : North of Lisbon
Ideal for : surfing, bodyboarding
Attendance : young people and athletes
Average water temperature in summer : 17-18°C
Supervised range : YES
Mattress and parasol rental : YES
Showers : YES
Parking : YES
Bars & restaurants : YES
BOOK A CRUISE AT SEA IN LISBON >>> HERE
BOOK A CRUISE AT SEA IN LISBON >>> HERE
You know now the best and most beautiful beaches in the Lisbon region to make the most of your weekend or trip to Lisbon. As a complement to this article, I can also mention the beaches of Lagoa de Albufeira, located just before the beach of Meco when you come from Lisbon… Located in a protected area, this beach is ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing and paragliding. The Cabo Espichel, in Sesimbra can also be interesting to visit to enjoy the view over the whole coast. Finally, I would like to mention the beach of Galapos, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Setúbal region.
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