Apart from being Portugal’s capital, Lisbon is also home to some stunning beaches. With a sunny climate, scenic coastline and many public transportation links, it’s a great seaside city escape.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best beaches in Lisbon and its surrounding area. From the popular Carcavelos Beach in Lisbon to the wilder shores of Praia do Guincho, each one offers a different way to enjoy the Portuguese coast, all within easy reach of the city.
The best beaches in Lisbon
When you have completed all the things to do in Lisbon, enjoying the coast is ideal. From surfing hubs to nature reserves, here are our picks for the best Lisbon beaches to visit on your next holiday.
1. Praia de Carcavelos
One of the most iconic Lisbon beach destinations, Praia de Carcavelos has more than 1.5 kilometres of golden sand. It’s known for its wide shoreline and is a hotspot for both locals and tourists. If you enjoy sports like surfing, bodyboarding, and beach volleyball, this is the ideal Lisbon beach location for you. It has excellent facilities, including beachfront cafés, restaurants, showers, and changing rooms. Praia de Carcavelos is located just 25 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré station in central Lisbon, making it an easy day trip.
2. Praia do Guincho
Located near Cascais and surrounded by the rugged scenery of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Praia do Guincho is famous for its untamed beauty. Because of the strong Atlantic winds, it’s a world-class destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with international competitions frequently held here. There are dramatic dunes around the beach and plenty of seafood restaurants to enjoy.
3. Praia da Adraga
Praia da Adraga is located by the cliffs near Sintra and is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. This beach is great for walking and relaxing rather than swimming, as the water here can be rough. It is therefore much less crowded than other nearby urban beaches.
4. Praia de São Pedro do Estoril
This beach near the Estoril coast is a much quieter alternative to Carcavelos. We suggest this Lisbon beach for families and couples looking for a relaxed experience. It has calm waters and soft sand, making it ideal for families with young children. There is direct access from the São Pedro do Estoril train station, and it has many amenities. You will find restaurants, restrooms and parking.
5. Praia da Cresmina
Located just north of Praia do Guincho is Praia da Cresmina. This is a smaller and more sheltered beach with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is typically less windy than nearby Guincho beach, so it’s a better pick for families. There is a scenic boardwalk and many beachfront restaurants and bars to enjoy fresh seafood and a cocktail. Praia da Cresmina is within a protected natural area.
How to get to these Lisbon beaches?
You can reach all five of these beaches from Lisbon using public transport. However, not all beaches are equally accessible by bus; some are better reached by train or car. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to arrive at these beaches in Lisbon.
Best reached by train:
Praia de Carcavelos: Take the Cascais train line from Cais do Sodré to Carcavelos Station. This takes approximately 25 minutes, then walk 10 minutes to the beach.
Praia de São Pedro do Estoril: Also on the Cascais line, get off at São Pedro do Estoril Station.
Reachable by Bus:
Warning: We must point out that although the following Lisbon beaches are accessible by bus, there is an effort that needs to be made with this transport option.
Praia do Guincho: You can take the train to Cascais, then bus 405 or 415 to Guincho. Total travel time is about 1.5 hours.
Praia da Adraga: Take a bus from Sintra, then walk 20–30 minutes. It’s scenic but remote – great if you like adventure!
Praia da Cresmina: Like Guincho, take the train to Cascais and then bus 405 or 415. Walk about 10 minutes from the stop to the beach.
Reachable by Car:
Not all of these Lisbon beaches offer easy or ample parking, especially in high season.
Praia de Carcavelos has ample free public parking, while Praia de São Pedro do Estoril has limited free parking but allows a lot of public street parking.
Praia do Guincho and Praia da Cresmina also offer parking options; however, you will need to search for lots near nearby restaurants or roadside.
Praia da Adraga is the only beach that has very limited parking, as this is a protected natural area. There is a very small parking lot near the entrance of the beach, but it is often full by mid-morning. Arrive early if you are coming by car.
When's the best time to visit Lisbon's beaches?
Since Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy beach weather from spring to early autumn. However, the best time to visit Lisbon beaches depends on what kind of experience you want.
June to September: Peak Beach Season
This is the most popular time to visit. Average daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, and water temperatures range between 20 to 22°C. Expect lively and large crowds, especially at Praia de Carcavelos and Praia de São Pedro do Estoril. Lifeguards, restaurants, and beach bars are fully operational.
May and October: Shoulder Season
Still warm, but much less crowded. Temperatures hover around 20 to 24°C, and the water remains swimmable. We recommend these months for enjoying a peaceful walk.
November to April: Off-Season
The winter months are not ideal for sunbathing or swimming; however, they bring large Atlantic swells to the shoreline. This attracts surfers to beaches like Carcavelos Beach Lisbon, and Praia do Guincho.
Why visit Lisbon's beaches?
The beaches near Lisbon offer the perfect escape from the city without ever really leaving it. With easy access by train, bus, or car, and a beach season that lasts much of the year, you can explore Lisbon’s beaches anytime.
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