Discover the Best Beaches Near Lisbon

It’s summer, and it goes without saying that Lisbon weather is truly fantastic. You get a range from 25 to 35°C of summer weather, and there’s nowhere else you’d like to be but to visit the great beaches in and around Lisbon region. Thankfully, being located in close proximity to the Tejo estuary and the Atlantic ocean, we get to have an easy access to coastal landscapes and long sand bars. Which are all perfect for summer vacations for you and your loved ones. That’s why we’ve listed the Best Beaches Near Lisbon! We featured the Best Beach for Families, Best Beach for Surfing, Best Beach for Nature Lovers, Best Hidden Beach, Most Stylish Beach, and  Most Popular Beach Near Lisbon. We even take you to the southern part of the Peninsula, to Troia and Comporta!

Lisbon is open and yes, beaches are open, too! Here at our Lisbon boutique hotel Cheese & Wine, we look after your safety and comfort and we are rated “Clean & Safe” by Turismo de Portugal. From our suites, with means of public transport such as trains or by Uber, you can definitely reach these beaches quite easily and without too much hassle. That means you’ll be lounging on the sparkling shores and sunbathing in no time.

Here’s a list of the easily accessible beaches near Lisbon:

Best Beach for Surfing & Kitesurfing – Guincho Beach

Located along the coast of Cascais and Sintra, Guincho Beach has a reputation for the adventurous. This is an incredibly popular spot for advanced surfing, wind and kite-surfing! Because of its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean, the beach is characterised by strong winds, therefore excellent for adrenaline seekers. Guincho also has this untouched feel to its landscape, with sand dunes and rocky cliffs, that make it look like a picture postcard.

Best Hidden Beach – Praia da Ursa

Once you’re in Cabo da Roca, the European continent’s westernmost point, a short hike away is this spectacular beach with rock formation that’s perfect for your Instagram snapshot. Praia da Ursa is still wonderfully preserved, and even considered by the Michelin Guide as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You just need to be careful when you hike all the way down, as you’d need to traverse a rocky path to descend into this stunning beach.

Best Beach for Nature Lovers – Galapos Beach and Arrábida Beaches

This used to be Portugal’s well-kept secret, but not any longer. in 2017, the Galapos Beach in Serra da Arrábida was voted Best Beach in Europe, as voted by the Best European Destinations website. It’s not surprising, as this beach offers the most tranquil waters, beautiful paradise views, calm environment and just perfect for romantic getaways and nature lovers. It’s also surrounded the natural park of Arrábida, so you can really indulge in the nature surroundings with hiking and exploring the coast.

Best Beaches for Families – Costa da Caparica Beaches

Once you leave Lisbon and cross the Tagus River, head further south of the municipality of Almada and you’ll discover the 15-kilometer long coastal beauty of Costa da Caparica. Offering beaches for all types of beachgoers, surfers and other water sport seekers, Caparica has plenty enough beaches to give you the summer satisfaction. From the beaches of Sao João, Praia do Castelo, Praia da Rainha, Praia de Saúde, you’ll end up with a great tan that will be the envy of the town. The beaches become even more beautiful the further go to the end of Caparica. Please don’t forget to bring your sunscreens!

Most Relaxing Beach – Praia do Meco

This wonderful spot, a long beach just after Caparica in the Alfarim area, south of Lisbon, is less crowded and vast. There’s lots of space for everybody, so it’s still quite relaxing to stay around. It’s at the edge of the natural park of Serra da Arrábida, and it’s also popular for the nudist crowd in some parts of this long beach, if you’re into naturism. Try the amazing green mud for the called “argil” for skin exfoliations, and then head to Mania do Peixe By Guladomeco for a splendid seafood lunch.

Most Stylish Beach – Praia do Tamariz, Estoril

If you’re on the fancier side, head to Estoril and lounge at the fashionable Praia do Tamariz – where Portuguese Riviera meets southern French Mediterranean vibes. The affluent frequent this beach, and you can tell by the look of this resort town, the restaurants, terrace bars, cafes and the well-kept, picturesque seaside promenade. There’s even an Atlantic pool for extra relaxation points.

Best Beaches on Southern Peninsula – Sesimbra, Troia & Comporta

Head further down on the peninsula, and you’ll come across these places named Sesimbra, in Setúbal, the Troia Peninsula and at the southern end of this, the incredibly long Comporta Beach. This region of Portugal, just under 2 hours from Lisbon, is swathed with long beaches with fine sands and calm waters that’s perfect for summer vacations, and even weekend breaks. It’s getting popular that it’s being discovered, with real estate popping up, making it even more fashionable. It’s also situated near Sado Estuary National Reserve, surrounded with wildlife and pine forests, making this region even more special.

Most Convenient Beach in Lisbon – Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras

Once you get the train from Cais do Sodre or Santos, which is closer to our suites, you’ll be gliding along several beaches along the Lisbon coast towards Cascais. The closest one we can recommend is Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras (train stop: Santo Amaro), and it takes you only less than 20 minutes on the train. This 700-metre long beach has sandy slopes which makes it perfect for swimming. It has excellent amenities such as a few beach bars and cafes, accessible toilets and showers, it’s also an activity beach popular with locals running along the coastal track.

Most Popular Beach near Lisbon, Great for Surfing – Praia do Carcavelos

Next up is perhaps the most popular beach near Lisbon, Praia do Carcavelos, with an expanse that stretches to 1.25km long. It’s frequented by beachgoers, as well as surfers, as this beach offers great ocean wave conditions ideal for surfing, bodyboarding or kitesurfing. It’s also popular for beach sports such as volleyball. Aside from being spacious and expansive, there’s a very good facility of a pedestrianised walkway, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, showers and toilets, too. You can even take your family to learn surfing, as there are surfing schools here that cater for beginners. It’ll make such a fun family day out.

Read our Journal for more Lisbon guides!