Lisbon is the only European capital located so close to sandy beaches. Although the waters are not as warm as in the south of the country (Algarve), the Lisbon coast offers beautiful beaches that range from sheltered coves to miles of dune-backed sands. Most of them are clean and fly the European Union Blue Flag for excellence and are ideal for a refreshing day in the sun.
Lisbonites usually head to the beach every chance they get, on holidays, weekends, or even for an hour or two after work, including during the winter months, if only to gaze out at the sea.
Along the railway line linking Lisbon to Cascais are several broad beaches that attract working-class locals and that are usually packed in the summer (especially Carcavelos which is popular among local youngsters, who play beach soccer and Tamariz Beach in Estoril).
In the center of Cascais are Praia da Conceição and Praia da Rainha. These are within 20 to 30 minutes from the capital, ending at Guincho, a beautiful beach known world-wide for surfing.
The coast here is rough and rocky but in the coves you find nice beautiful spots, some hidden others visible from the road. Adraga, for example, is easily accessible while Urso requires a steep downhill hike.
The longest and far less developed beach Costa da Caparicastretches from the town of Caparica across the bridge and 40 km to the south. A string of great nature beaches. Generally you will find less people the further you go south. Fonte da Telha is one of the nicest. If you look for solitude drive southwards along the beach as far as you can drive and walk on from there.
Another great beach further to the south is the legendary Meco Beach.
People with children or those who like to swim in calm waters should go to Lagoa de Albufeira. An inland, at times rather shallow, saltwater lake which is fed by the ocean at high tide. Lots of kite- and wind-surfers come here as well.
