Lisbon, which is situated on the Atlantic Ocean coast, is endowed with a variety of beautiful beaches in Lisbon, the majority of which are easily accessible from the Portuguese city.
Outstanding rail service provides access to the Lisbon coast. Regular trains run 34 kilometers to the west, or about 40 minutes, to the resort town of Cascais from the city’s Cais do Sodré train station.
Numerous beaches are easily located close to railroad terminals, making spending the day by the sea even more alluring.
In the summer, a trip to the beach is a lovely complement to your vacation. There are some of the best beaches in Lisbon’s vicinity. The Lisbon region’s beaches stretch along four distinctly different coastlines and range from untamed surfing beaches to serene family-friendly beaches and quaint resort communities. This article will provide you with a general overview of Lisbon’s beaches, highlight the top ones, and give you tips on how to make the most of your beach day trip.
Table of Content:
- Beaches in Lisbon – Let’s Keep it Simple:
- The Coastline of the Lisbon Region:
- 13 Best Beaches in Portugal Near Lisbon:
- FAQs
Beaches in Lisbon – Let’s Keep it Simple:
Particularly if you are a newcomer to the Lisbon region, the extensive selection of beaches there can be a little intimidating. It is advised that you visit Praia de Carcavelos, Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras, or Praia de Conceicao if this is your first beach vacation from Lisbon.
The best beaches in Lisbon that can be easily reached using public transport:
- Praia de Carcavelos beach ( just 30 min train journey from central Lisbon)
- Praia da Conceicao – in Cascais (train – 14min)
- Costa da Caparica (bus – 30 min)
- Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras (about train 20 min)
- Praia do Tamariz – in Estoril (just 40 min train journey)
- Paraia Sao Pedro (train 40 min)
The most beautiful beaches of Lisbon, which require a car:
- The Serra da Arrabida (48km from Lisbon)
- Lagoa de Albufeira (41 KM from Lisbon)
- Praia do Guincho (32 km)
- Praia das Macas (43 km)
- The Troia Peninsula (55km + ferry ride)
The Coastline of the Lisbon Region:
There are four different coastlines close to Lisbon: What to see in Portugal
- The Oeiras-Estoril-Cascais Coastline – where most tourists will head for a day on the beach, and the beautiful beaches in Lisbon will appeal to the majority of visitors
- The Costa da Caparica – This coastline comprises a single 23km continuous stretch of beach, and the region offers beautiful beaches, outstanding surfing, and a trendy nightlife beach-bar scene.
- The Serra de Sintra Coastline – This coastline lies within the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, and this has protected the beautiful natural scenery.
- Serra da Arrabida Coastline – is one of the most picturesque beaches in Portugal, with soft golden sands, turquoise sea water, and surrounded by the hill of the Serra da Arrabida. On the southern side of the Setubal Peninsula is where this shoreline is located.
Best Beaches in Portugal Near Lisbon:
The majority of Lisbon’s beaches have received the coveted Blue Flag, a symbol of the area’s compliance with strict management and sustainability standards and the high caliber of its water.
It’s difficult to choose where to go for a day of sun, sea, and sand because of the variety of beaches in Lisbon, on the several coastlines around Lisbon. It always depends on whether you want to use the bus or rent a car, as well as whether you only want to sunbathe, swim, or surf. The region’s top beaches are listed below, taking into consideration their popularity, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal.
With this list of the best beaches close to Lisbon, you can take a break from exploring the city to learn about the greatest destinations along this stunning coast.
Must see in Portugal- Beaches in Lisbon:
1. Praia de Carcavelos
2. Praia do Guincho
3. Praia do Tamariz
4. Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras
5. Praia da Ribeira
7. Praia da Conceicao (Cascais)
8. Praia da Poca
9. Praia da Rainha
10. Praia da Duquesa
11. Praia de São Pedro do Estoril
12. Praia de Caxias
1. Praia de Carcavelos:
A leisurely beach day in Carcavelos is perfect for lazing in the warm sun and cooling off in the chilly water. It is the longest beach along the 1.5KM sandy shoreline of the Lisbon-Estoril-Cascais coastline.
The Atlantic Ocean has a significant impact on the sea’s temperature, which is constantly chilly and ranges from a high of 18C (64F) in August to a low of 14C (57F) in February.
Carcavelos features good medium-sized waves that are perfect for bodyboarding or beginner to intermediate surfers. Equipment can be rented for a fair rate of between 15 and 20 euros. a bodyboard or surfboard, a wetsuit, and adequate showers and change rooms are available.
Due to its sporting facilities that allow you to surf, play volleyball, or play beach soccer on the sand, it is also the biggest and currently the most well-liked destination with young tourists.
Beach for: Surfers, Sports
Transportation: Train from Lisbon
Time from the center of Lisbon is approximate: 35 minutes
Where to Stay: Riviera Hotel
2. Praia Do Guincho – Beaches in Lisbon
The Praia do Guincho is a gorgeous beach known for its enormous surfing waves that are situated in the beautiful Serra de Sintra hills and exposed to the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
Although the beach has a rough and rugged feel to it, it also has adequate services, including two sets of beach cafes, restaurants, showers, and parking lots on either side of the beech tree.
A coastal trail that winds around the cliff tops begins at the beach. Additionally, it serves as the terminus of the 9-kilometer Ciclovia do Guincho, which leads to Cascais.
Guincho is a fantastic place to go kitesurfing or surfing, but it’s not the best place to spend a relaxing day at the beach. Since there is little protection from strong strong gusts on the beach, it is advised to check the weather before going to the beach.
Since there is only one bus service from Cascais to Guincho beach, there is very little public transportation available there, hence most tourists drive themselves there. Due to the strong sea currents and violent waves, the Praia do Guincho is never advised for children, but the beach is lifeguard protected throughout the summer.
Since the waters are coming in from the Atlantic Ocean, they are exceptionally clean but also very frigid, only getting up to 21C in the summer.
3. Praia do Tamariz, Estoril:
Estoril’s Praia do Tamariz is situated in the city’s center, across from the casino and Jardim does Estoril park. The eastern half of the beach, which has a 380-meter beachfront, offers the best sand. Large rocks that are submerged along the water’s edge can be found in the western section and are excellent for rock-pooling.
In the tourist destination of Estoril, the Praia do Temariz is a lovely sandy beach with clear seawater that is unaffected by waves or currents. This beach is great for kids and most likely the first one you visit while on vacation in Estoril.
The Piscina Oceanica do Tamariz and a sea wall are on the eastern side. Children enjoy swimming in this very simple, saltwater pool because the water is warmer than the sea and frequently contains crabs and fish that are collected when the tide goes out.
The Forte da Crus is located behind the beach. This was once a fort built in the 17th century but was converted into a luxurious mansion by Portuguese nobles in the 19th century. The structure is now a wedding venue.
The urban train service that connects Lisbon to Cascais stops at the train station, which is only 50 meters from Tamariz beach.
4. Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras:
The Santo Amaro beach is conveniently situated and accessible from a number of locations. The Passeio Maritime, which links Paco de Arcos and Carcavelos, is how we typically travel there. You may find everything you need to enjoy a pleasant day at the beach right there.
The Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras, the town’s major beach, is a lovely sandy bay that faces the Tejo Estuary’s mouth. While there are always an equal number of families and elderly couples, this beach tends to draw younger visitors, including overexcited Portuguese teenagers and 20-somethings.
If you want a quick excursion from Lisbon or are vacationing close to Oeiras, Santo Amaro is an excellent beach to visit. Regular trains go frequently from central Lisbon to the beach, and the trip takes about 25 minutes. Ideal if you simply want to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Portuguese weather.
The beach has a 720-meter shoreline, however, the majority of people choose to gather in the area closest to the O Amarelo beach bar. The waters of the Tejo Estuary, which run near the beach and are partially mixed with those of the Atlantic Ocean. Consider beaches that are past the mouth of the Tejo Estuary if you want to spend a lot of time in the sea.
The O Amarelo beach restaurant/bar is on the sand, and during the summer, a few pop-up bars are present.
5. Praia da Ribeira – Beaches in Lisbon
Due to its prime location in the heart of Cascais, the Praia da Ribeira beach is a favorite among tourists. Historically, it was the fishermen’s beach, but today’s boats are moored in the harbor. If you want to relax nearby for a few hours but don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of taking the train to one of the bigger beaches in the area, the Ribeira is a good choice. It is a modest beach with a 120 m beachfront.
The old fishing pier is on one side and the coastal wall leading to the fishing harbor is on the other. One of Lisbon’s most protected beaches is this one, moreover, there are no sea breezes, currents, or waves. Although clean and regularly checked, the water is relatively close to the fishing harbor.
While it was delightful on the day we visited, the nice sandy beach near the marina in the center of the town presumably gets very congested in peak season. There are other more picturesque beaches in Lisbon, nearby with equally good sand and safe swimming if you have transportation or want to stroll.
The beach was busy and energetic even in the winter, with volleyball matches and colorful umbrellas. A little beach that is surrounded by stone walls is located directly beneath the town’s central square. We enjoyed observing the beach activities while sitting in the sun with our legs dangling over the high wall. If you have some free time, you could easily stay around here for a bit.
6. Praia da Conceicao (Cascais)
The largest beach in the Cascais/Estoril area is made up of two parts connected beaches called Praia da Conceicao and Praia de Duquesa. Both beaches include beautiful golden sands, clear waters, a wide variety of amenities, and a variety of water sports.
When we talk about beaches in Lisbon, this beach is ideal for kids of all ages, making it the greatest choice if you’re traveling with your family. Children can swim to and climb over a big sea inflatable that is placed in the sea during the summer.
It is the Cascais beach that is nearest to the train station. This is not the beach for you if you’re seeking peace and quiet by the water and lots of room to spread your towel, but you’ll still want to make it your first stop on a beach-hopping day along the coast that’s closest to the center of Lisbon.
Beach for: Use the beach for swimming, paddling, and seaside strolls.
Visit Nearby: Condes de Castro Guimares Palace and Museum are nearby.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Albatroz
7. Praia das Moitas:
Moitas Beach has an Atlantic saltwater pool and is a little beach that is surrounded by the coastal promenade.
This beach is perhaps only a little bit closer to Cascais than it is to Estoril, but it’s still fair to state that it is between these two cities, and as a result, it’s probably less popular than the beaches closer to the city center.
Praia das Moitas is mostly targeted toward people who are content to lie around all day in the sweltering sun while unwinding. It has relatively quiet and clean seawater, making it perfect for kids or families.
The beach has grown up against a lengthy concrete jetty that is located at one end of the area. The sea wall, which is made of concrete blocks and is located at the opposite end of the jetty, is a favorite spot for walkers to pause and relax while traveling along the promenade from Cascais to Estoril.
There are several bars and café terraces that can be reached straight from the promenade, and the beach is near the Monte Estoril train station.
Similar to Praia do Tamariz, which is nearby, this beach’s primary area is a triangle of sand that gathers close to the east of a long stone jetty. These jetties not only give the neighborhood youngsters a place to jump off, but they also keep the sand in place!
8. Praia da Poca:
It is an oceanic beach in the northern hemisphere, bathed in the Atlantic Ocean, and is situated in the municipality of Cascais on the Portuguese coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
The popular small beach Praia da Poça often referred to as So Joo do Estoril, is located at the beginning of the Estoril-Cascais coast. Like all the beaches along this line, this one has a broad promenade behind it that has a few dining options.
There are numerous stops along this stretch of coast, and the route concludes in Cascais. It’s very nice to stroll down the promenade here; it’s incredibly soothing.
Although the shoreline is mostly rocky, the beach is sandy except for the middle. This may make paddling less than ideal, but it also means that there are many rock pools to discover while the tide is out.
9. Praia da Rainha – Beaches in Lisbon
A charming tiny beach called Praia da Rainha stands out from other beaches nearby since it is largely encircled by low cliffs and the town above. This serves to provide a certain elegance to the beach, one of the loveliest in Cascais, in addition to offering abundant cover.
There are numerous apartment complexes and opulent houses beside the shore. Additionally, there is the Largo do Praia da Rainha, a square with a view of the beach from which you may sit and have a snack.
This is the beach you want if you want a picture-perfect Instagram setting with quick access to the city. Despite being very small, Cascais is at its most beautiful there, perched between rocks with a harbor view and pristine waters.
Beach for: Swimming, Couples, Families/Children, Instagram Time from the center of Lisbon: 45 minutes
Visit Nearby: Casa de Santa Maria
Where to Stay: Hotel Baia
10. Praia da Duquesa:
Between the Chalet Faial and Chalet Palmela, two sizable seafront homes (built-in 1868 as the summer residence of a duke).
Due to the shallow water, this tiny beach, which has a frontage of only 60 meters and is nestled within a rocky promontory, is perfect for families with young children. With the low tides, swimming is quite challenging due to the abundance of rocks on the beaches.
this is very tidy beach amenities including a bar and restrooms. extremely quiet and pristine water Even though the beach is not the largest, it is the best because it is only 5 minutes from the main Cascais station and has extremely affordable roundtrip flights from Lisbon.
Due to its proximity to Cascais’s downtown and train station, this beach can become congested during the summer. From Lisbon, trains take just 40 minutes to reach Cascais. Every 20 minutes, they leave from Cais do Sodré station. When you arrive in Cascais, head towards the seafront. You’ll first see Praia da Conceiço; just continue walking past the mansion to the east, and you’ll arrive at Praia da Duquesa.
However, if you continue along the promenade past Chalet Palmela, you’ll find quieter beaches as well as outdoor cafés and restaurants that go all the way to Estoril (just over a 15-minute walk away).
11. Praia de São Pedro do Estoril:
All of the beaches in Lisbon, this one is an active beach that is less busy than those at Cascais, is easier to park, and the water temperature in the Atlantic is where it should be at this time of year.
The beach here is lovely and sandy, and it’s conveniently close to a railway station. Excellent surfing waves may be present in the appropriate weather, and the limestone headland offers protection from any brisk sea breezes. The main drawback to the beach is how narrow it is during high tide and how many boulders are submerged beneath the surface of the ocean.
In addition to being a lovely beach, this area is also a great place for a meal or an evening drink. There is also a charming coastal trail that runs along the cliffs of Marinha Protegida das Avencas.
The sandy Praia de Sao Pedro do Estoril beach has a 330m shoreline. The Pedra do Sal headland provides some protection from the surf on the beach’s western side. The beach is well-liked by Portuguese families and is excellent for kids.
For fifteen euros per day, per person, you can rent a parasol and a sun lounger. Even at high tide, this is pricey but does give you room on the beach.
12. Praia de Caxias – Beaches in Lisbon
The beaches here aren’t the prettiest, but they’ll do, and there are free showers available as well. Also, check out the adorable little fort nearby. It’s one of the closest beaches to the city of Lisbon, and it’s simple to reach by train. However, I actually walked because most of the way is along a pleasant riverside pedestrian-only road.
The 17th-century star-shaped fortification known as Forte de So Bruno is just over 15 minutes drive from the city of Lisbon to the nearest actual beach. This beach wouldn’t be among the top picks in the area because there are bigger and nicer ones further down the coast, but it is close enough to the city center that you can take in the sights while you dip your toes in the water.
Sand is present on both sides of the monument, which primarily draws residents who want to spend some time sunbathing. Locals also frequent the café facing the fort, which has outdoor seating under the cover of palm trees, for refreshments and a fast meal.
13. Praia da Adraga:
One of the nicest beaches along this rugged coastline is the lovely Praia de Adraga, which is located on the western side of the Serra de Sintra. A long-gone river valley that has created a gorge through the imposing cliffs of black volcanic rocks leads to the beach. Huge Atlantic waves break on the golden sand beach that is nestled in this partially protected cove. There is no public transportation, thus the only way to get to the Praia da Adraga is via automobile.
A wild beach with dark rocks can be found here. It is largely free of tourists because there is no direct public transportation, but a growing number of locals are becoming attracted by its natural beauty.
Beach for: Couples, Instagram
Transportation: Train from Lisbon + Bus from Sintra + Walk Where to Stay: Penha Longa Resort
FAQs:
Beaches in Lisbon vs Porto:
In actuality, Lisbon has some of Europe’s best beaches. From secluded coves and serene swimming lagoons to surf locations blasted by the Atlantic. However, Porto wins the prize for having the nicest beaches because of how accessible and nearby they are.
Which is the closest beach to Lisbon?
Praia da Caxias, is one of the beaches in Lisbon that is the closest to the city’s center, isn’t the longest or finest stretch of sand on the Lisbon coast, but it’s undoubtedly the most practical given that it can be reached by train in just 15 minutes west of the capital.
How far is Lisbon from the Beach?
Lisbon is only about 15 miles from the ocean, so if you book a resort nearby, you can simply travel to these beaches.
The distance to the beach from Lisbon is 30 minutes by car, but if you don’t have a car or are on a tight budget, you may take the 30-minute rail ride from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station to the Cascais stop.
The Paredo, or riverfront promenade in Oeiras, is a wonderful area to bike or walk in Lisbon. It passes via the pier, saltwater pool, and other beaches in the vicinity on its way from Paço d’Arcos’ beach to Praia da Torre.
How many Beaches are in Lisbon District?
According to “beaches in lisbon tripadvisor”, there are around six beaches that you can visit:
- Guincho Beach
- Praia do Tamariz
- Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas
- Praia da ursa
- Praia dos Pescadores
- Praia da Poca
Are there any Gay Beaches in Portugal?
Portugal is a reasonably well-liked vacation spot for homosexual travelers, particularly for gay summer travelers.
1. Praia do Meco
It is a beautiful beach surrounded by a forest, creating a real ‘mecca’ for travelers, while nudist tourism is growing fast here.
2. Praia da Manta Rota:
The beach’s unique geography helps to keep the water warm, making swimming and paddling more enjoyable.
3. Praia Verde:
Similar to Praia da Manta Rota, Praia Verde’s waters are warmer, making it another great place to swim.
Gay Beaches in Lisbon: Beach 19 is a sizable gay nudist beach that is situated within a Nature Reserve. Where is it? Beach 19 is located in the midst of Costa da Caparica, a very long stretch of sand, some 30 kilometers south of the center of Lisbon.
What is one is the best Surf Beaches in Lisbon?
Lisbon is an excellent starting point for a surfing vacation because, in addition to the beach, you can also visit the Oceanarium, the Sagres National Park, and adjacent cities like Ericeira and Cascais (great day trips). There is a great range of waves and surf sites all across the city, several of which are well-known worldwide, such as Carcavelos Surf Beach.
When visiting Lisbon, be sure to check out these 7 surf spots.
- 1. Carcavelos
- 2. Costa da Caparica
- 3. Praia da Poca
- 4. Lagoa de Albulfeira
- 5. Bafureira
- 6. Guincho
- 7. Sao Pedro
What to Read Next:
