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If you’ve chosen Lisbon as your holiday destination, Costa da Caparica is the beach for you.
As soon as summer arrives, people from Lisbon escape to this paradise, where the best beaches of Lisbon are found just half an hour from the capital by car. More than 25 kilometres of fine sand to soak up the sun, and rough sea where it’s common to find surfers trying to make the most of the Atlantic.
How to arrive at the coast from Lisbon
Although there’s some public transport options such as buses, without a doubt the best option is to choose a rental car in Lisbon, because this beach is just 30 minutes from Lisbon, crossing over the river Tajo by its famous 25 de Abril Bridge in the direction of Almada.
You should follow the signs to Costa da Caparica for about 10 kilometres. Take advantage of travelling by car and don’t stop at the beaches at the beginning. Continue following the road along the coast and see how it is transformed into an increasingly wild landscape until you arrive at the most relaxed and least crowded beaches and enjoy your day and the views!
Tell me who you are and I’ll tell you the beach for you
Among the beaches of Lisbon you can find some dedicated to water sports, some with the best food and others where your children will have the most fun. Here’s some suggestions depending on your tastes.
For surfing fans: Praia de São João, la Praia Nova, Tarquínio-Paraíso, la Praia da Saúde…
The Costa da Caparica is a true paradise for lovers of surfing. Pack your board in your hire car or drive to one of the schools and conquer the fierce waves of the Atlantic.
Praia de São João, Praia Nova, Tarquínio-Paraíso, Praia da Saúde, Praia da Riviera, Praia do Castelo and Praia Morena… are beaches located to the north which bring together the ideal features for a good day’s surfing.
But this isn’t the only sport you can practice, you can also enjoy others such as kitesurfing, flyboarding and windsurfing, for example.
For the most daring: Praia da Bela Vista, Praia 19, Praia da Adiça…
If you’re looking for a nudist beach, you can’t miss the Praia da Bela Vista, Praia 19 and Praia da Adiça, which are suitable for this. In addition, Praia da Adiça is part of the Costa da Caparica Fossil Cliff Protected Landscape, an ideal place to watch the sunset while peacefully enjoying the nature of the area.
For families: Praia de Fonte da Telha
For family trips, the best option is to drive your hire car to Fonte da Telha beach, where you’ll find peace of mind on its supervised beaches as well as restaurants, bars and water activity schools to have a good time with your friends and family.
For gourmets: Praia do Tarquínio-Paraíso, Praia do Dragão vermelho, Praia Nova…
Bacalhau (cod), octopus, its famous grilled sardines, cheese, wine and the famous pastéis de Belém (pastries). If you love good food, you’ll find many bars along the Costa da Caparica where you can take a break and enjoy these Portuguese delicacies.
The beaches with the largest concentration of restaurants are those at the start of the Costa da Caparica, close to the city. Praia do Tarquínio-Paraíso, Praia do Dragão vermelho, Praia Nova… choose your favourite and enjoy!
And wherever you are, you can’t leave without enjoying the spectacular sunsets from anywhere along the Costa da Caparica. Seeing the Atlantic tinged with orange is priceless!
+ Info:
- What to see in a day in Sintra with your hire car
- What to see in Cascais by car
- What to see in Estoril with your hire car: places to visit
- Your rent-a-car in Lisbon: the best way to explore the city
