Best Beaches Near Lisbon
Lisbon is more than just a city of cobblestone streets and iconic trams. Are you looking for the perfect beach destination? The Portuguese capital is famous for some of the most stunning beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Lisbon has a mix of beaches along four different coastlines and you’ll find everything from wild surf spots to calm, family-friendly shores and charming beach towns.
You can easily blend a city trip with a day at the beach. Many of these Lisbon beaches are also just a quick ride on public transport, which makes them perfect for a day out from the city center. Here’s your guide to the best Lisbon beaches with tips on how to get there, what to expect, and practical luggage solutions for a seamless and fun-filled day.
Our Top Picks for the Best Beaches Near Lisbon
Portugal’s got tons of beaches with soft sand and wild waves. If you think about it, it’s a surfers’ paradise. But Lisbon isn’t just about catching waves—there are also calm little bays where you can just kick back and relax. Here are some of the best beaches near Lisbon, perfect for a day of sun, sea, and Portuguese charm:
- Praia de Carcavelos
- Praia da Ursa
- Costa da Caparica
Praia de Carcavelos
The sea at Carcavelos is always on the chillier side, thanks to the Atlantic. You can expect temperatures around 18°C (64°F) in August, dripping to about 14°C (57°F) in February. This lively spot attracts a young, active crowd, so you’ll often find a game of beach volleyball or a serious beach football match in full swing.
Plus, there are plenty of shore's beach bars and cafes along the promenade—perfect for grabbing a light lunch or taking a break from the summer sun.
How to Get There?
Carcavelos is super easy to get to—it’s just 20 minutes from Lisbon’s center.
If you’re driving:
- Take the A5 highway towards Cascais.
- Exit for Carcavelos.
- Follow Avenida Marginal (the coast road) to Carcavelos Beach.
- There are a lot of free car parks nearby.
If you’re taking public transport:
- Hop on the subway to Cais Do Sodré (green line).
- Head to the Cascais train line (downstairs).
- Take the train to Carcavelos (about 20 minutes).
- Walk 700 meters to the beach.
What to Expect?
Even though Carcavelos is popular, big hotels or ugly apartments haven’t taken over the area, and the town, just 1 km inland, keeps a laid-back vibe. The waves here are medium-sized, which is great for beginner to medium surfers and bodyboarders.
The waves get a bit more powerful in autumn and winter, while summer crowds can make surfing a little tricky. You can rent equipment for a reasonable price (about €15 to €20 for a bodyboard or surfboard with a wetsuit), and there are changing rooms and showers on the beach.
Make the Most of Your Day: If you’re planning to surf all day, there’s an easy solution! Bounce offers convenient luggage storage solutions, so you can stash your bags and enjoy the beach without the hassle. This way, you can focus on catching those waves and soaking up the sun!
Praia da Ursa
Ursa Beach gets its name from pretty unique rock formations that resemble a bear. The well-known Rocha da Ursa, or ‘Bear Rock’, looks like a mother bear with her cub. The legend has it that during the Ice Age, a mother bear and her cubs lived here.
When the ice melted, the gods told all the animals to leave the coast. While everyone else left, the mother bear stayed behind, which led the gods to turn her and her cubs into stone and rocks. You can still see them on the right side of the beach today.
How to Get There?
If you’re driving:
- It’s just a 40-minute drive from the Lisbon city center.
- You can park in Cabo da Roca or on the gravel road where the trail down to the beach starts.
If you’re taking the bus:
- Starting Point: Take the Cascais train from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon. (It leaves from the station every 20 minutes).
- Travel Time: The train ride takes about 40 minutes to reach Cascais.
- Bus Connection: Once you arrive, cross the road to CascaisVilla shopping mall and head to the bus terminal.
- Bus Details: Catch the Scotturb bus 403 (which leaves every 30 minutes) heading towards Sintra; it stops at Cabo da Roca in under 25 minutes.
- Final Walk: From the lighthouse, walk 10-15 minutes to the trail leading to the beach.
- Extra Tip: Ask the driver to stop just before Cabo for a shorter stroll.
What to Expect?
This is one of the most stunning beaches in Portugal, and once you see it, you’ll understand why! You’ll hike down from the cliffs to get there, and the views are just breathtaking.
As the westernmost beach of mainland Europe, it’s a fantastic day trip from Lisbon. The rocky landscape is perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and those looking for a little adventure—truly one of the best natural experiences near Lisbon!
There are no facilities available, so make sure to bring water and snacks if you plan to spend the day at Ursa Beach. Don’t forget a parasol for shade, and be careful around the cliffs because of the risk of falling rocks.
This beach isn’t ideal for families with young kids or older folks who might struggle with the hike. But, for everyone else, the breathtaking scenery makes the trek worth it—just don’t forget to wear some good hiking shoes!
Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica, also a major seaside town, is a stunning 15 km stretch of sandy dunes, just south of Lisbon. It’s a part of an even longer 30 km coastline. This beach is a popular spot on warm, sunny days, and you’ll find different vibes depending on where you go.
If you also love sightseeing, you should visit Cova do Vapor, often called Fishing Town. It is located just north of Costa da Caparica. This charming fishing village has a relaxed vibe and is known for its picturesque setting along the river and the Atlantic Ocean.
The northern area near Caparica town attracts surfers and families, while the middle section has a trendy vibe. Further south, you’ll discover a more laid-back naturist scene. The first five kilometers are more developed, but as you head south, the coast gets wilder and less crowded.
How to Get There?
If you’re driving:
- The route from Lisbon takes around 25 minutes by car, it crosses the Tagus River (“Tejo”) via the 25 of April bridge (“Ponte 25 de Abril”). It’s roughly 17 km (11 miles) from Lisbon.
- There is free parking close to the beach, but it can fill up quickly during the summer months.
If you’re taking a bus:
- Catch the direct bus from Lisbon (Praça do Areeiro) to the beach—it’s the 161 service, operated by Transportes Sul do Tejo (TST by Arriva).
- A single ticket costs €3.20, and you can buy it right from the driver.
- The trip takes about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic.
- The final station is at Costa da Caparica, located 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the beach.
What to Expect?
For many years, this spot was popular with families from Lisbon, but it’s now a hotspot for surfers and younger crowds, thanks to beach bars like Clássico Beach Bar, Lorosae Sol Nascente, and Pé Nu Beach Club. Expect big crowds on weekends! The southern end has a camping site, while the northern area is home to Cova do Vapor, a charming fishing community.
This area isn’t just about the beaches! You’ll also find some historical sites worth checking out like a 16th-century monastery that overlooks Caparica. If you venture further south, don’t miss the Arriba Fóssil da Costa da Caparica nature reserve, famous for its 15-million-year-old fossils.
Other interesting spots are the charming traditional houses at Medos (Quinta dos Medos) and São Miguel (Quinta de São Miguel), which were once home to Robert Gulbenkian, and the rock-and-limestone Casa da Coroa (House of the Crown).
Decided to Stay One Extra Day in Lisbon?
If you have an extra day in Lisbon, make sure to explore some amazing nearby beaches or other spots! Start your day at a river beach, like Praia de Ribeira Beach in Cascais. This beach is famous for its calm waters and great surroundings—ideal for a relaxing swim or lounging in the sun.
Then, head over to Sintra Cascais Natural Park for stunning landscapes and charming villages. You can also visit Arrábida Natural Park to enjoy Praia da Figueirinha and soak up even more sun for your last day in Lisbon. Don't miss Praia da Adraga, with its dramatic cliffs and great hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views.
If you're wondering about luggage storage solutions while you explore, think about how convenient they can be. Imagine checking out of your hotel in the morning but having a few hours before your flight. Instead of dragging your bags around, you could drop them off at a secure storage facility. This way, you can fully enjoy your day without the hassle of carrying your luggage.