The best beaches in and around Lisbon
A trip to Lisbon is, for most, a city break – but there are also plenty of beaches in Lisbon loved by locals that you can easily get to, even if you’re only on a short weekend trip to the capital.
Portugal is known for its vast stretches of sand and wild waters, making it an ideal spot for surfers; and while the country's capital has plenty of places to catch a wave, Lisbon is also home to several small bays for those looking for some relaxation on their next trip. Whether you want a quiet bay to relax and unwind or a wide-open space with nobody else around, these are the Lisbon beaches that are well worth a visit on your next trip.
Getty ImagesCosta da Caparica
Just 30 minutes from Lisbon’s centre is the stunning stretch of white sand in Caparica. The seaside town is one of the quieter areas of Lisbon, but for that reason, it’s a local favourite, and can be busy on weekends during the summer months.
Stretching over nearly 10km, there are plenty of spots to rest for a day along Caparica, with many choosing to perch close to one of the shore's beach bars, which cater to both relaxed beachgoers and those looking to sip cocktails and soak up a party atmosphere as that sun goes down. The further away from the town of Caparica you wander, the more sparsely populated the beaches become, so consider what you're looking for before your visit. It's worth knowing that the waves are particularly strong here – making it a great surfing beach – but if you're planning to swim it's sensible to do so where lifeguards are on duty.
Getting there: If you choose to take public transport, buses run from Lisbon to Caparica and take around 30 minutes. If you're driving or in a taxi, the beach is a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
Mauricio Abreu / Alamy Stock PhotoPraia da Figueirinha
Figueirinha is the biggest beach in Arrábida Natural Park, the stunning natural area about an hour's drive from Lisbon. It's also the easiest to reach from the nearby city of Setúbal thanks to a helpful bus route, which makes this beach extremely popular with locals. It's known to be very slightly warmer than other nearby beaches thanks to its shallow waters, so the months of May and June, when Portuguese waters tend to be cooler, are the perfect time to visit. There are nearby restaurants, but the beach isn't as busy as some of the others, so come prepared with snacks if you're picky.
Getting there: The beach isn't particularly accessible via public transport from Lisbon, but if you have access by car it's about an hour and 10 minutes from the centre.
Mauricio Abreu / Alamy Stock PhotoPraia da Ponta dos Corvos
Known by locals as Praia dos Tesos or Ponta de Mato, this is actually a river beach. While bathing is allowed, it's not the best place in Lisbon for swimming – however, for those looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach, this quiet location is perfect.
The biggest selling point of this beach, though, is the stunning view of Lisbon – you can see from the north to the south of the city from the sands, and it's a stunning, quiet place to watch the sun go down.
Getting there: The beach can't be accessed via public transport. It takes an hour to drive from the centre of Lisbon.
Mauricio Abreu / Alamy Stock PhotoPraia de Carcavelos
Carcavelos is a lively beach that comes into its own during the summer months; you may struggle to find a spacious spot, but you'll be surrounded but sunbathers, families, surfers and good vibes aplenty.
There's something nostalgic about this beach, in that it almost feels like a British pier – except with much more sun – meaning you can expect cafes serving up classic seaside food (but with more sardines), locals playing rounders on the sand and couples strolling along the shoreline. It's this charm, and the soft, soft sand, that makes Carcavelos a bit of a gem.
Getting there: Trains from Lisbon's major station, Cais do Sodré, run all day. Alternatively, driving takes around 40 minutes from the city centre.
Getty ImagesPraia da Ribeira de Cascais
Cascais is Lisbon’s equivalent of Brighton; a major seaside town full to the brim with tourists, particularly during the summer months. That's not to say it isn't worth a visit, though; the affluent area used to be a fishing town and was historically the summer retreat of Portuguese nobility, and its cobbled streets and charming traditional houses remain.
The Praia de Ribeira beach is in the centre of Cascais, and was the main fishing beach, traditionally where boats were moored and unloaded. The boats remain, but now the sands are used for sunbathers and those enjoying a swim in the still waters. It's one of the main beaches in the area, though, so best to be avoided on weekends during the summer months – if you find yourself in Cascais around this time, take a stroll through the town, stop for lunch at one of the area's delicious restaurants, and find a smaller bay to enjoy without the crowds.
Getting there: Trains run regularly from Cais do Sodré to Cascais and back, or the town is a 50-minute drive from the city centre.
Getty ImagesPraia do Meco, Sesimbra
Sesimbra, which begins at the bottom of Costa da Caparica, is known for its long stretches of pristine sand and natural surroundings. Praia do Meco is located on a stretch of protected coastline, which means developments in the area are limited, so you can expect just a couple of restaurants serving up local seafood dishes, and little else. For most locals, Praia do Meco is infamous for being the first nudist beach in the country – today, though, there’s a small, separate area reserved for nudist bathers, while the rest is designated as family space. However, there can be high winds and strong currents in the area, so it's recommended that you visit on a less windy day to take advantage of the space and remote setting.
Getting there: You’ll need a car to access the beach from Lisbon, and it’s about a 45-minute drive. However, it’s best to avoid rush-hour traffic, as crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge can be stressful at peak times.
Getty ImagesPraia do Estoril
The fishing village of Cascais is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon, but its beaches are small, which means you’ll be vying for a spot of sand when the summer months come. However, just 10 minutes down the road is Estoril, a less tourist-heavy but equally beautiful small beach, where locals spend warmer days. There’s not much space to stroll here, but the smaller size means calmer waters for swimming, and it’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of the area – Estoril is home to the largest casino in Europe, which inspired Ian Fleming to write Bond’s Casino Royale.
Getting there: Trains run regularly from Cais do Sodre station in Lisbon city centre, so you can easily take public transport there and back. However, if you decide to drive, there are plenty of car parks nearby.
Getty ImagesPraia do Guincho
As one of the largest beaches in Portugal, you’re guaranteed to have plenty of space to yourself at Praia do Guincho. Part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this is a beach with crystal clear waters and white sand, although the waves can be strong; it’s a favourite of surfers and bodyboarders for that very reason. Surrounded by dunes, and with the Serra de Sintra hills in the background, it’s undoubtedly an impressive landscape, and makes for a great day trip from Lisbon – be sure to stop at a nearby restaurant to enjoy some freshly-caught seafood.
Getting there: It is possible to take the train from Lisbon to Cascais, and then take a taxi to the beach. However, it’s probably best to make the journey from Lisbon via car.