Lisbon and around

If you’re looking to escape from Sintra's well-trodden tourist hotspots, and find a quiet, contemplative spot, this former monastery is just the spot. Almost hidden in a shroud of greenery, it gives a glimpse of the simple lifestyle of 16^th century Franciscan monks and an opportunity to get away from it all. 

Praia do Meco is a fairly remote beach located within the Serra da Arrabida national park near Sesimbra. It occupies a 4km stretch of coast to the south of the beaches of Costa da Caparica, around 40km south of Lisbon.

This long, sandy beach was largely undiscovered until the early 1970s. There was no vehicular access and nothing in the way of development. Around this time travelling 'hippies' from around Europe and the U.S. set up camp at 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.

Just before you reach Ericeira from the Lisbon direction there is a deep valley through which the river Lizandro flows. At the mouth of the river ("Foz") is a wide sandy beach that extends inland, along the banks of the river for some considerable distance.

The beach at Foz do Lizandro is actually the biggest patch of sand in the area. This feeling of space is further added to by the fact the beach is not backed by cliffs. Instead there is a low headland to the south and behind the river meanders through a hilly landscape.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.