Lisbon Beaches, Portugal: The Only Guide You Need

Beautiful sandy beaches, amazing sunsets, delicious food. These are all reasons travelers flock to the stunning Lisbon beaches (Portugal). However, because there are so many to choose from, it’s challenging to decide where to spend a day soaking up the sun near the city. 

Plus, there are beaches for sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers, making the choice all the more challenging. 

Well, we have you covered. Check out the list of the best beaches nearby below. 

A Bit About Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant city right on the coast of the Tagus River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Unfortunately, while there is a ton to do in the heart of the city, there are no beaches in the city itself. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, though, worry not! There are plenty of great options that are completely doable for a day trip or a few nights’ stay. 

So without further ado, check out the best beaches by Lisbon.  

Beaches West of Lisbon

Beaches Near Cascais:

Praia de Carcavelos

Best beach for day-trippers.

Carcavelos Beach is the closest beach to Lisbon, which is 100% on the Atlantic coast. (Many other beaches, while beautiful and enjoyable, are located on a mix of river and seawater). The two-kilometer (1.2 miles) stretch of sand draws in all kinds of travelers and sun worshipers. 

Young locals love it because there are good waves for surfing and sports facilities to play beach soccer or volleyball on the sand. In addition, many surf schools operate here year-round, making it the perfect place to learn how to surf while you enjoy the refreshing Atlantic waters.

If you plan your trip during the official sunbathing season, you’ll be treated to plenty of spots for drinks or a good meal. And all the massage stands make Carcavelos one of the best public beaches in Lisbon, Portugal. 

Several different kiosks rent out bikes, E-scooters, and stand-up paddleboards. That makes the crowds worth it!

Because it is only 35 minutes from the city, this beach is usually really crowded on the weekends. However, getting from Lisbon to Carcavelos is pretty simple. 

Praia do Guincho

Best beach for water sports enthusiasts.

Known as one of the windiest Lisbon beaches, nearby Praia do Guincho is the perfect spot to surf for the day. It is also a popular windsurfing location. In fact, they regularly host national surfing and windsurfing competitions here.

Not interested in surfing? 

Not to worry! 

This beach is located in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which is absolutely stunning. Beautiful golden dunes back the beach, and the sea is the perfect shade of azure. 

Praia do Guincho is also great because it is less crowded than some of the other nearby beaches, allowing you to feel like you have the place to yourself. 

It’s hard to believe because not only is this spot gorgeous, but it is also famous! If you’re a James Bond fan, you’ll recognize this beach from the opening scene of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. How cool is that?

Travel 65 km (40 miles) west from Lisbon to Praia do Guincho by car or bus. It will take you about an hour.  

Praia da Conceição

Best beach for swimming and amenities.

If you are looking for calm waters and plenty of amenities, head to Praia da Conceição. 

Located right outside of Cascais, this beach is popular with tourists and young, local Portuguese alike. Here you can spread a towel on the soft, white sand and relax while enjoying the cerulean waves that lap along the shore. Conceição is perfect for wading in the sea, taking long walks on the beach, or simply soaking up the sun.

There are lifeguards, bathrooms with showers, umbrella rentals, and plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, so this beach is a great choice when visiting the Lisbon coast of Portugal. 

Praia da Conceição is located in Cascais, about 30 km (~18.5 miles) west of the city. You can find tips for the best way to get to Cascais below.

Other Beaches Near Cascais:

• Praia da Caxis—best for beachgoers looking to stay close to Lisbon.
• Praia da Torre—best for swimming and stunning views.
• Praia da Duquesa—best for history buffs who also want to enjoy the sea.
• Praia da Rainha—best for convenience to Cascais and beach bums looking for a vibrant spot

Beaches Near Estoril:

Praia do Tamariz 

Best beach for having it all.

Located along the charming seaside resort town of Estoril, Praia do Tamariz is one of the ultimate beach destinations and one of the nicest beaches near Lisbon, Portugal.

Known as one of the cleanest beaches, it is no wonder Tamariz attracts tons of tourists, holidaymakers, and local sun worshipers each year. The beach has blissfully warm, shallow waters, perfect for wading, and the honey-colored sand is the best spot for relaxing in the sun. 

Unable to sit still? 

Check out some of the outstanding leisure amenities in the area. 

Praia do Tamariz has a promenade lined with boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants overlooking the ocean. As well as a paddle boat and sea kayak hire station and a PADI diving school to keep you entertained and active. The beach also comes equipped with plenty of showers and toilets.

In case you need any more convincing, Estoril has an excellent nightlife scene. There are lots of bars that serve up delicious, cold drinks while pumping great tunes. There is even a free fireworks display over the beach on Saturday nights during the summer. Talk about your day going out with a bang!

You’ll find Tamariz Beach 26 km (16 miles) west of Lisbon. Take the A5 highway if you’re driving–it will only be a 30-minute drive. There is also the 19001 train, which drops you right in the center of Estoril. The beach is a short walk from there.

Other Beaches Near Estoril:

• Praia de São Pedro do Estoril—best for surfers, anglers, and summer sun seekers.

Best Beaches South of Lisbon

Beaches Near Sobreda:

Costa da Caparica

Best beach for those looking for some nightlife.

Another fantastic option for a day out of the busy city is Costa da Caparica, a gay beach in Lisbon, Portugal, that is part of the longest stretch of sand along the area’s coastline. And for the not-so-shy, it’s right next to a nudist section for sunbathers. 

There are plenty of hip, trendy bars, great restaurants, and umbrellas to rent.

During the summer, a tourist tram connects all of the beaches in the area and goes past many different bars. This is really helpful in the evenings, as Costa da Caparica is the place to be for a good cocktail and a live DJ.

Costa da Caparica is 16 km (10 miles) southwest of Lisbon. You can easily reach the beach by car or public bus in about 30 minutes.

Beaches Near Sesimbra:

Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo

Best beach for sun worshipers and Instagram travelers.

If you are looking for a hidden gem, Praia do Ribiero do Cavalo is it! 

This once well-guarded secret is becoming a bit more popular with tourists and locals thanks to Time Out Lisbon, and it is absolutely one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. 

Picture sparkling, crystal-clear cerulean waters, powder-soft golden sand, and a backdrop of picturesque rock formations.

While it is difficult to access (you’ll have to follow a trail down a cliff to access the beach), Ribeiro do Cavalo is definitely worth the trek. 

What you lack in convenience, you’ll make up for in scenery. Seriously, the beach here looks like it belongs in the Maldives or Thailand, not Europe. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the stunning surroundings with fewer crowds.

Getting to Riberio do Cavalo is pretty quick and easy. Grab a car or a seat on a shared minibus from Lisbon to Sesimbra. From there, it is only a 12-minute taxi directly to the beach. You can drive in about 40 minutes or take a train + taxi combination, which will take about 45. 

Beaches Near Setubal:

Praia da Figueirinha

Best beach for families and children.

If you’re traveling with your family, head to Praia da Figueirinha. 

This is one of the best beaches in Lisbon for families due to the calm waters and plenty of umbrellas with sun loungers. You’ll be able to relax in the shade and cool off with a dip in the sea as often as you like. 

The beach is tucked away in a sheltered lagoon with lots of shallow water for small children to splash around. There is also a lifeguard on duty during the summer and a café nearby, so you’ll have all of your bases covered when visiting this beach. 

The view is pretty breathtaking too. The cerulean waters are so clear you can see straight to the bottom of the ocean and gorgeous jade green hills back the beach. 

Figueirinha Beach is near Setúbal, 58 km (36 miles) south of the capital. You take a bus or a train or hire a private ride to get from Lisbon to Setúbal. The ride will take about an hour, no matter which option you choose. Once you arrive in Setúbal, it is another 20-minute taxi ride to the beach.

Praia dos Galapinhos and Praia dos Galapos

Best beaches for raw beauty.

Head south from the city to Parque Natural da Arrábida—a jaw-droppingly beautiful place with rolling, forested hills that cascade into white-sand beaches. 

Crowned as the best beach around Lisbon, and maybe even all of Europe, Praia dos Galapinhos is a spot you cannot miss. 

You can make your stay even more memorable by visiting the neighboring Praia dos Galapos as well. Praias do Galapinhos is a popular destination, with tourists desperate to see its shores. 

However, Praia dos Galapos is located nearby and remains a hidden gem–for now. Set along a secluded bay, the water here is calm and fantastic for snorkeling. 

Both dreamy beaches are located south of Setúbal and 60 km (37 miles) south of Lisbon. If you’re driving, take the A2 highway. A bus and train are also available, both of which take around an hour.

If you enjoy visiting beaches in nature reserves, you should also check out Fonte da Telha. It is only a thirty-minute drive northwest of Parque Natural da Arrábida. 

Other beaches near Setúbal:

Praia do Creiro

Best for swimmers looking for calm, clear waters and a beautiful beach.

• Fonte da Telha—best for natural beach lovers.
• Troia—best for beach bums looking for seclusion and who are up for an adventure getting there.

Best Beaches North of Lisbon

Beaches Near Sintra:

Praia da Adraga

Best beach for foodies.

North of Lisbon, you’ll come to Sintra, a UNESCO city renowned for the best cuisine and amazing beaches. Praia da Adraga is one of those beaches. It’s a cove nestled below the forested hills and amongst the craggy cliffs. 

Because it is still undeveloped and has far fewer crowds than neighboring beaches, you’ll actually get some rest and relaxation here. 

Another big draw to Praia da Adraga is the food. There is so much fantastic seafood in the area, and many restaurants offer ocean views while you enjoy your meal. 

The best way to get to Praia da Adraga is to drive. The beach is located 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Lisbon and will take about 40 minutes to arrive by car. Another option is to take the train to Sintra and taxi to the beach. It will take about an hour and a half.

Praia da Ursa

Best beach for seclusion and incredible sunsets.

Looking for a beautiful beach that is far away from noisy crowds? 

Head to Praia da Ursa in Sintra. The beach is about a 30-minute walk from Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the Sintra mountain range and a popular viewpoint. From there, it is only accessible by a steep descent along a rocky slope. However, the scenic walk down to the sea and the seclusion along the shores make the trek totally worth it and one of the best beaches near Lisbon, Portugal. 

The beach is only about 50 meters wide, but this narrow cove is perfect for watching the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, it casts impressive shadows over the limestone hills, making it a picture-perfect place to spend an afternoon.

There aren’t any amenities here, so bring a picnic, set yourself up along the champagne-hued sand, and enjoy the sun. Note that swimming isn’t recommended here, as the waves and currents can be intense. 

Ursa Beach is 40 km (~25 miles) northwest of Lisbon. Your best bet is to drive along the A5, which will take about 45 minutes. 

Other Beaches Near Sintra:

• Praia Grande—best for epic views, surfing, and beach bars.
• Praia do Meco—best for those looking for a clothing-optional beach.

Beaches Near the Peniche Peninsula

Praia do Baleal, Norte

Best beach for adventure seekers.

Only an hour’s drive north of the capital, Praia do Baleal is another surfer’s paradise. 

Actually, much of the Peniche peninsula is famous for surfing.

This beach is particularly fascinating because it is dotted with rocks and cliffs, creating several private bathing lagoons and nooks to lay out and enjoy the sunshine. In addition, you’ll notice the backdrop of limestone cliffs, which dip into sea caverns, making this area great for rock climbing. 

You can take the bus or hire a private car to drive you the 103 km (64 miles) from Lisbon to the Peniche Peninsula. Then, it is a 12-minute taxi ride on to Baleal do Norte beach.  

Other Beaches Near the Peniche Peninsula:

• Praia do Baleal, Sul—best for sunbathing and body surfing. 
• Praia da Pedras Muitas—best for a local beach experience.

No matter which option you choose, you are bound to have an amazing time. The best beaches around Lisbon, Portugal, all have something magical to offer. 

Weather at the Lisbon Beaches in Portugal

The best time to visit the Lisbon beaches in Portugal is during the summer. 

Official bathing season is from mid-June through the end of September when the city feels like it is baking in the heat, but coastal towns are a bit cooler. Temperatures rise to 25-28℃ (77-82℉), so this is the perfect time to head to the coast to enjoy a sea breeze and spend some time in the ocean. 

March through May and October are also good times to consider traveling. Temperatures fluctuate between 20-26℃ (68-80℉), so it is often still warm enough to enjoy the beach and go for a dip. Plus, you may find some great discounts because it is shoulder season. 

Just be aware that some restaurants and amenities may be closed because you are not traveling in season. 

Winter in Portugal is relatively mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below 8℃ (46℉). It is, however, gloomy, gray, and rainy. This doesn’t make the best beach weather, so if fun in the sun is what you are after, avoid traveling between late autumn through February. 

Winter can be a great time to visit if you are looking for peaceful walks on the beach and more time in the city, though. You will find that almost all restaurants and amenities are closed, though, because the Portuguese love to take their holidays during this time.

Packing List Essentials for Lisbon’s Beaches

When planning a trip to Portugal and the surrounding Lisbon beaches, you’ll want to pack the following:

• Bathing suit
• Sunglasses/hat
• Sunscreen
• Water shoes to protect your feet
• A portable safe/theft-proof bag (just in case)
• Waterproof case for your phone
• Sand-resistant towel
• Wetsuit—if you want to surf
• A perfect fluffy towel to dry off after a dip in the chilly Atlantic waters

Map of the Best Lisbon Beaches

Whew! There are a lot of beaches near Lisbon. See them all on a map so you can plan out all your beach hopping days.

How to Get to the Lisbon Beaches

Luckily, there is an amazing rail system that serves the coastline. 

Cascais is one of the most accessible beach towns near Lisbon, Portugal. Regular trains depart the capital’s Cais do Sodré train station for the seaside town 34 km (~21 miles) away throughout the day. Train journeys take between 30-40 minutes.

A few beaches, such as Praia de Carcavelos and Praia da Conceição, are also located along this train route.

It is also possible to grab a seat on a shared minivan from Lisbon to Cascais. This will take about 30 minutes as well, making it the perfect place for a day trip.  

If you plan to visit Praia do Tamariz, you’ll need to head to Estoril. It is an easy 30-minute drive, so if you have your own car, you can quickly get to the beach for an afternoon of sun, sea, and surf. However, if you’re traveling and do not fancy renting a car, you can hire a ride from Lisbon to Estoril and the beach for a reasonable price. 

Sintra and its nearby beaches are other locations easily accessed from the capital. Only a short 28 km (~18 miles) north of Lisbon, you can quickly get to the beaches in less than an hour. Local buses run between the two cities, or you can book a private car to get you from the city to Sintra. From the city center, it is another 30-minute drive to the Atlantic coast.

To complete your itinerary, check out all the other cities in Portugal that Bookaway can take you to. 

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