Lisbon Beaches
A tour of Lisbon is not complete without a visit to any of the beaches
surrounding this European capital. Spending time at the beach is such an
essential part of Lisbon life that the most popular beaches are rarely empty
even off-season. It is common for the residents of Lisbon to head to the coasts
during weekends or on holidays—sometimes even just for a couple of hours to
relax at the end of a workday.
Facing the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic, the shores of Lisbon are lined
with miles of sand and secluded coves. Each beach offers a different experience
from the other—from water-sports like diving and surfing, to the exciting
nightlife offered by the various establishments frequented by both locals and
tourists. There are beaches that boast of long stretches of sand, perfect for
just lounging under the sun, and others that provide a little more privacy.
Although the waters are not as warm as can be found in the southern part of
Portugal, Lisbon beaches never fail to attract beach lovers with their natural
beauty. And despite the countless number of guests that visit all year round,
most of the resorts are kept clean and some even have the European Union's Blue
Flag of excellence.
Carcavelos Beach
Carcavelos Beach is the most popular beach in Lisbon and is usually the most
packed with people, especially in the summer. It has more than 1 Km of sand
lining the coast, which makes it perfect for sun bathing and beach activities.
Young Lisbonites often go here to play beach football. Carcavelos is also a
favorite among surfers, and you can find numbers of them here throughout the
year. There are plenty of bars too so you can expect the night life to be quite
colourful.
Getting to Carcavelos is easy enough. Most of the beaches are located along the
line of the Lisbon-Cascais train. The Carcavelos Beach is about 600 meters south
of the Carcavelos station. You can also take the bus coming from Amadora that
will drop you off just 200 meters away from the beach.
Costa de Caparica Beaches
Costa de Caparica is another popular destination accessible from Lisbon.
Situated on the southern bank of the Tagus River, the beaches of Costa de
Caparica are not only attractive because of its golden sand and fresh sea
breezes, but also because of the exciting night life it offers. Bars here close
very late, catering to crowds of beach enthusiasts who love to party, especially
in the summer. There are also numerous cafés and restaurants along the coast, so
you'll never run out of good things to try. One famous restaurant is the "O
Barbas" ("the bearded guy"), which serves a traditional fish dish called
caldeirada.
It takes about 45 minutes to get to Costa de Caparica by bus from the Praça de
Espanha terminal in Lisbon. The stop in Caparica town is only five minutes away
from the beach.
Praia da Adraga Beach
If the beauty of an unspoiled beach is what you are looking for, then Praia
da Adraga would be an ideal destination for you. Secluded by tall cliffs and
facing clear blue waters, it has been named by the BBC as one of the most
beautiful beaches in Europe. It is a relatively private spot compared to the
more popular beaches, which makes it a perfect place for couples or other people
who crave relaxation away from the crowds. Adraga is located close to Sintra, 15
Km north of Guincho.
Guincho Beach
Another beach that is a must-see for nature lovers is Guincho Beach, which
rests below the hills of Sintra. The shoreline enjoys a backdrop of pine trees,
making the sea breeze fresher with their scent. Among the many sights to see
here is the famous cavern of Boca do Inferno.
The waves of Guincho, driven by strong winds of the Atlantic, are perfect
breakers for surfing. Windsurfing has also become a popular sport at this beach.
Amateur swimmers should, however, think twice about braving its waters.
Guincho can be reached by bus from the Cascais station, which is only 5 Km away.
Tamariz Beach
If you are visiting Estoril from Lisbon, you can include nearby Tamariz beach
in your itinerary. A train leaves every hour from Cais de Sodre and passes by
Estoril station, from which you can reach the beach.
Tamariz is surrounded by opulent surroundings, from rich hotels to elegant
mansions that include a castle owned by the royals of Monaco. The grand Estoril
Casino and its luxurious gardens are also close by. |
