I totally love being based in Lisbon. It gives you the nightlife and the business connections that come with being in a capital city, but within half an hour you can easily get to some amazing beaches! Some of my favourites include Sesimbra and Carcevelos. I hope you enjoy this article on the best beaches near Lisbon.
The Best Beaches near Lisbon
Sesimbra
Location: Sesimbra, Costa de Caparica (in Lisbon district)
Best for: surfers and families with children
The gorgeous beach of Sesimbra is an authentic gem on the Portuguese coast. It preserves a small fishing village atmosphere, offering visitors clean water and golden sand, hard to find in many beaches in the region. Sesimbra is a safe family beach, welcoming even to those travelling with infants and toddlers.
Sesimbra boasts several restaurants and cafés near the shore that offer delicious fresh seafood, such as the typical grilled sardines or fish soup. Lifeguards are present every day of the year from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and lifebuoys are available on both sides of the bay, in case you need them. The beach has showers, toilets (kept clean), and parking facilities nearby (although it fills up quickly during weekends).
Because Sesimbra is quite remote from Lisbon, we advise you to spend the night in one of the hotels nearby, such as Marina de Sesimbra , so that you can enjoy a relaxed day at the beach.
Costa Caparica
Location: Costa da Caparica (in Almada district)
Best for: surfing and windsurfing lovers and families with children
The local people call Costa da Caparica the “Portuguese Hawaii,” because it has stunning beaches, a wide offering of accommodations and restaurants, gorgeous nature reserves, easy access to Lisbon and other historical cities from all over Europe (by bus or train), but also because of its year-round sunny weather.
Costa Caparica beach is one of the most popular in the country, with golden sand and clear water. The area is equipped with lifeguards (every day from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and first aid services; it also has several showers and toilets, as well as parking facilities nearby (although during weekends it fills up quickly).
Costa Caparica is a safe place for families, since it’s not very crowded during the weekends and it has less tourist activity than some other beaches in the country.
The beachfront offers several outdoor activities such as surfing (besides windsurfing), kite flying, mini golf, etc.
Carcelvelos
Location: Estoril (in Cascais district)
Best for: surfing and windsurfing lovers, families with children
Carcelvelos beach is one of the most beautiful in the country. It’s about 30-minute drive from Lisbon airport or from downtown, but it’s totally worth it! You can also jump on the train from Cais do Sodre and be there in half an hour.
The coast offers stunning views of Caparica’s bay and a huge pine forest, as well as golden sand and clear water (sport activities include surfing, windsurfing and kite flying).
Carcelvelos is a calm beach (except during weekends) that welcomes both families with children and surfers/windsurfers thanks to the presence of lifeguards, first aid services at the beachfront, showers, toilets and a lot of parking spaces nearby.
The beach is surrounded by restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine or order some fresh grilled fish with chips. Carcelvelos also has a children’s playground and volleyball courts.
Estoril
Location: Estoril-Praia do Sol (in Cascais district)
Best for: surfing, windsurfing and kite flying lovers and families with children
Estoril is a popular beach on the Portuguese coast. Its golden sand and clear water make it an excellent place to spend your free time (especially during summer months).
Free outdoor activities are offered at Estoril, such as surfing (besides windsurfing), kite flying, beach volleyball, paddle surfing and kayaking. Lifeguards are available everyday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., as well as showers, toilets and free parking facilities on both sides of the coast (the beach is quite big).
Estoril is a safe family beach, but it can get a bit crowded during the weekends and holidays, so we advise you to spend the night near the area so that you can enjoy your day in peace.
Cascais
Location: Cascais-Praia de Belém (in Lisboa district)
Best for: surfing and windsurfing lovers, families with children
Cascais is one of the most beautiful cities by the sea in Portugal. If you plan on spending a relaxing day at an amazing beach, this one should be on your list. It’s a popular place for expat families, but due to it’s beauty and proximity to Lisbon and its beauty, the prices have skyrocketed in recent years.
Cascais has several outdoor activities such as surfing (besides windsurfing), kite flying, paddle surfing, volleyball, beach tennis and kayaking. Lifeguards are regularly available from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., as well as showers and toilets on the beachfront (some of them are free).
The area has several restaurants where you can enjoy fresh grilled fish with chips or some delicious Portuguese sweet cakes served at the terrace or in the interior (and you can also order some fresh grilled fish with chips).
This safe family beach has lifeguards, showers and toilets in the area.
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