Lisbon Beaches

Caparica itself is a lively if not particularly pretty town whose overwhelming popularity with holidaying locals from Lisbon and the surrounding area rests largely on the access she offers to some ten kilometres of sandy beach.

The beach, known as Costa da Caparica, is backed by acacia and eucalyptus trees and home to a string of campsites, packed out during the summer months.

Praia de Paço de Arcos is one of several sandy beaches that line the broad River Tejo as it leaves Lisbon to empty into the Atlantic. Like the other beaches it is backed by the busy N6 "Marginal" road and also within a couple of minutes walk of the nearest station on the Lisbon-Cascais train line. The downside of all this is that the water quality here is quite bad and personally I wouldn't swim here.

Beach 19 lies between the more traditionally named Praia da Bela Vista and Praia Fonte da Telha in Costa da Caparica. Just across the bridge from Lisbon this massive stretch of sandy coast is widely regarded as a beachgoer's paradise. 

Before we go on it is worth explaining the name of this beach. The beaches of Costa Caparica are served by a miniature train known as the "Transpraia" which runs from the town at the northern end, all the way to Fonte da Telha about 10 km to the south. There are a total of 21 stops along the way of which Praia 19 is the 19th.

Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras is located on the banks of the river Tejo roughly halfway between Lisbon and Estoril. This makes it one of the closest popular beaches to the Portuguese capital.

Separated from neighbouring Carcavelos beach by the small headland that is home to Forte de São Julião da Barra is the sandy little crescent of Praia da Torre.

If you don't fancy the surf at Carcavelos then Praia da Torre may be a better option as it is not only more sheltered from the swell but often less crowded. With a lifeguard service during the summer months this makes Praia da Torre a popular family option. 

The beaches of Costa da Caparica seem to be one long stretch of golden sand running from the river Tejo almost to the rugged promontory of Cabo Espichel. However, the miniature train (Transpraia) which drops visitors off at various points along this sandy coast only goes so far. 21 stops, and 8 km in fact which will drop you off at Praia da Fonte da Telha - the end of the line.

Carcavelos is the first wide, sandy beach on the Lisbon - Cascais coast. It takes just 20 minutes to get here from Lisbon by car (traffic permitting) along the Marginal road. There is also a train station around 10 minutes walk away, so as you can imagine this can be a pretty popular choice. Whilst the beach is fairly wide, it can barely soak up the throngs of beach-goers who flock here in the summer.

Parede beach is a small but pleasant stretch of sand which is often overlooked. Located midway between Carcavelos beach and Sao Pedro do Estoril it is tucked away below the main "Marginal" coast road that runs from Lisbon to Cascais. This makes it easy enough to get to and there are car parks at both ends of the beach. Access from the town or train station is via an underpass that leads directly to the beach.

Despite being right next to the main Lisbon - Cascais road, the "Marginal", Praia das Avencas is somewhat tucked away under the steep cliffs which overlook this beach. For this reason, unless you are actually looking for the beach you are unlikely to notice it.

Praia da Bafureira is a little beach tucked away just around the headland from Praia de São Pedro do Estoril next door. If it wasn't for the quirky looking restaurant and nightclub built into the cliff face not many people would know Bafureira existed.

The beach of São Pedro do Estoril is a small stretch of sand backed by cliffs and rocks at either end. There is a raised concrete esplanade running along the western end of the beach which runs past a couple of beach shops and cafes. The cafe nearest the car park has plenty of outside seating and has always been one of my favourite spots for a morning galão and tosta mista.

Praia da Azarujinha might be considered the first of the Estoril / Cascais "Riviera" beaches. Located in São João do Estoril this diminutive beach is the start of the broad promenade which runs all the way to Cascais.

The beach here is set in a kind of natural amphitheatre of cliffs. A high stone wall on the cliff front makes sure the cliffs are stable and also provides several stairways down to the sand below. Atop the cliffs are several fine villas and apartment blocks as well as a number of palm trees.

Praia da Poça, also known as São João do Estoril, is a popular little beach at the start of the Estoril - Cascais coast. As with all the beaches along this stretch there is the wide promenade running behind, with a couple of places to eat. 

Access at Praia da Poça is good. Just a short distance from the N6 "Marginal" road and about halfway between São João and Estoril train stations, getting here is easy too.

Tamariz beach is located in the popular and long established resort of Estoril at the Cascais end of the Lisbon - Cascais line. It's a lovely little stretch of sandy beach with plenty to do for all ages. There are rockpools for the kids and a host of bars, cafes and even a nightclub for everybody else. Running along the beachfront is a promenade which runs from just down the coast to Cascais - ideal for a gentle stroll and popular with joggers.

Set between the resort towns of Cascais and Estoril is the little strip of sand known as Praia das Moitas. The beach is actually located closer to Cascais but is very easily reached from Estoril train station by walking along the promenade that links the two resorts.

This popular beach gets its name from the Palace of the Dukes of Palmela (Palacio do Duque de Palmela) which overlooks it. Along with adjoining Praia de Conceição, this is the most easily accessed beach from Cascais town and the train station. As such it can get pretty busy in the summer months.

The first thing to know about Praia da Conceição is how to say it. The 'Praia' part is easy - just say as 'pry-a'. However, the Conceição is a little more of a challenge to those not familiar with Portuguese. Probably the best approximation for an English speaker would be along the lines of 'con-say-shown', with the last part rhyming with 'clown'.In case you were wondering the name comes from a nearby chapel - the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição dos Inocentes.

Located not far from the centre of the old part of Cascais is the little cove of Praia da Rainha. Literally translated as "The Queen's beach" the name is in honour of the last queen of Portugal, Queen Amélia, who frequented this beach.

Praia da Ribeira is the beach located closest to the square and old part of Cascais. Also known as Praia do Pescador (Fishersman’s Beach) there is often plenty of activity with small boats being launched and landed into the shallow waters of Cascais Bay. The waters here are calm as the beach lies within the shelter of a large breakwater. There is also a seasonal lifeguard service so this is a safe family beach. The water quality isn't perfect though as there are quite a few boats and fishing activity taking place here.

This cove with a small sandy beach is located just behind the Marina in Cascais at the western end of the town. It is part of the Parque Marechal Carmona and whilst not the best beach in Cascais by any stretch, it is perhaps the most interesting.