We'll tell you where to find the best beaches near Lisbon
Portugal is blessed with a coastline of 1,794 km and we can tell you, it is pretty beautiful. Lisbon’s proximity to the beaches is something we are very happy about. Whenever there is a sunny day, all the Lisboetas get out of the buzzing center and relax at their favorite piece along the Atlantic. When you come to Lisbon you might wonder which beach would fit you best. That is exactly why we made this article. Find out which beach would suit you best!
If you are a surfer...
Many surf fanatics arrive in Lisbon to combine the enjoyment of the city with some activity in the water. The Portuguese waters are famous among surfers and there is plenty of choice for you.
Costa da Caparica
The area of Costa da Caparica is just on the other side of the river of Lisbon. You can get there by car or take a ferry. Nowadays, there are also plenty of Uber’s heading to the area. Costa da Caparica is 30 km long so you have plenty of beaches to choose from. There are also various nice beach bars around.
Guincho
Guincho is near to Cascais, a popular seaside town half an hour away from Lisbon. You can reach Cascais with the train from Lisbon (leaving from Cais do Sodré station) and from there rent a bike to get to Guincho, or take a taxi. Of course, you can also reach Guincho by car. Guincho is beautiful and usually there is a lot of wind. Which is good for the surfers! Next to that, the beach is wide and looks magical with its setting below the Sintra hills.
Carcavelos
This is probably the best option if you want to get to a beach to surf, quickly. Carcavelos is about half an hour with the train from Lisbon (leaving from Cais do Sodré station). And you get out very close to beach, which is only a 10-minute walk away from the station. The conditions in Carcavelos are usually good for surfing and its proximity to the city center makes it a popular beach with some nice bars and good vibes.
Peniche
If you don’t mind to take a bit more time and you want to surf where the world champions do, then you should definitely head to Peniche. You can take a bus from Campo Grande station, which will bring you to Peniche in about 1,5 hour. If you have a car you can get there in about 1 hour. In Peniche, the world famous Supertubos beach is waiting for you to ride Portugal’s finest waves!
If you are a family with young kids...
If you are bringing your kids, we assume you prefer a beach where the water is usually quite calm and where there are some bars and restaurants around to have a little snack. We have got you covered with our personal tips.
Estoril
Estoril is easy to reach by train from Lisbon (leaving from Cais do Sodré station). The train literally stops next to the beach! Just make sure to get out at São Pedro de Estoril station. This little beach has calm and beautiful blue water and some nice restaurants.
Cascais
Cascais is the last stop of the train coming from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station. This seaside town is quite a fancy area and you are sure to find many shops, restaurants, bars, and events happening here. So, if you are looking for a nice beach with calm water, but also seek some other things to do nearby, Cascais is your best pick.
Costa da Caparica
Since Costa da Caparica has such a big stretch of beach and so many nice beach bars around, this is also a very good spot for families. Here your kids have all the space to play, run around and build sand castles. And when it is time for lunch there are many spots to choose from. One of our preferred beaches on the Costa da Caparica coastline is Praia da Cova do Vapor, with its beautiful view on Lisbon. For lunch, we really like Grão d’Areia.
If you are feeling adventurous...
You have probably seen some stunning pictures of the hidden beaches around Lisbon. There are quite some amazing spots not too far from the city, where you will feel like you are stepping into a movie scene. Pick one of these if you feel like having a unique beach get-away.
Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo
You really need a car to get here. If you have that arranged, the fun can begin! Head towards Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo by following Google’s orders. When you reach the parking area, you need to walk down about 20-30 minutes. And then you are there. This beautiful beach takes a bit of work to get to, but it so worth it. Clear blue water, beautiful cliffs, astonishing rocks in the water and nothing else. So no, also no beach bars. Make sure to bring your cooler with some food and drinks and enjoy a day at this hidden beach.
Praia da Ursa
Also for this beautiful beach, you have to make a little hike. Praia da Ursa is located in the Sintra national park, which is an amazing, green area. You can get here by taking a train to Cascais and then take a taxi or bus (bus 403) to Cabo da Roca. Here you will find the start of the trail that takes you down to the stunning hidden beach in about 30 minutes on foot. Be aware there is nothing here, so make sure to bring enough water, snacks and all the other things you need for a lovely day on the beach!
If you want a relaxing beach day...
If you are looking for a ‘normal’ beach where you can set your parasol early in the morning and enjoy the full day then pick one of these beaches. There are some beach bars around, there is enough space for everyone and you will be sure to have an amazing day.
Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica is frequently mentioned in this list. It simply is the area where you have so much choice and space, and it’s very near to Lisbon. Within 30 minutes you are on the other side of the bridge and with your feet in the sand. Costa da Caparica is always a good choice.
Praia Grande
A very beautiful beach in Sintra. Expect big cliffs, a wide stretch of beach and some bars around to enjoy lunch or a drink. The best way to get here is by car. You could also take a train to Sintra and get a taxi from there towards the beach. The train to Sintra leaves from the Rossio station in Lisbon.
Meco
A bit further out of the city but such an incredible spot: Meco. This calm beach is set in the national park of Arrábida, south of Lisbon. And it is good to note that parts of the beach are for nudists. But there are also enough areas where this is not the case. There is enough space for everyone! To get to this beach you definitely need a car. It will take you about 45 minutes to get to Meco beach from Lisbon. It is really worth the trip. Make a day out of it and go have a diner in the seaside town of Sesimbra, before heading back to Lisbon.
