Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 11, 2018
When the first signs of summer appear, going to the beach immediately becomes part of everyone’s plans in Lisbon. Here’s the 5 best beaches in Lisbon and local tips to help you have the best time in the sun!
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Local Tips for Enjoying Lisbon’s Beaches
- The best Lisbon beaches aren’t in the city, but are a short trip away. Jump in a car or onto a train or a ferry, and you’ll be soaking up the sun faster than you realize it.
- Not all stretches of sand by the water constitute a beach in Lisbon. That means that the riverside of the Tagus from Cais das Colunas near Terreiro do Paço to Cais do Sodré is not a place for stripping to your swimsuit to sunbathe nor swim, no matter how appealing it looks.
- Beach season officially starts at the beginning of June, but the warm weather typically comes sooner. The water might be too cold for a dip, and most beaches don’t have lifeguards working before the season starts, but you can still go for some sunbathing.
- The best local snack to eat at a Lisbon beach is a bola de Berlim, no questions asked. Even if you think a deep-fried dough, cream-filled pastry is not the ideal treat to eat at a beach just go with the flow. Bolas de Berlim are the beach version of Lisbon street food and vendors are one of the hallmarks of the season in Lisbon.
The 5 Best Beaches Near Lisbon
1. Cascais
The proximity of the Cascais’ beaches to the city center of Lisbon is so convenient! From the Cais do Sodré train station to the nearest beach is just a 30-minute trip.
Praia de São Pedro do Estoril and Carcavelos are perfect beaches to visit if your Lisbon itinerary must include one beach day. Check out our day trip itinerary to Estoril to learn more about this beautiful area of Portugal.
Insider Tip: The beaches can be busy and crowded, especially in the peak beach season (June to September). The best way to have a guaranteed quiet time is to go in the mornings, on weekdays. Get more tips in our perfect day trip to Cascais travel guide!
2. Barreiro
Barreiro is a former industrial city on the Southbank of the Tagus River, 20 minutes from Lisbon by ferry. For years, Lisboas saw no appeal in this place, as it always seemed to be engulfed in factory smoke, but those days are long gone!
Although Barreiro is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of Lisbon beaches, Praia da Alburrica is worth crossing the river to visit. The family-friendly river beach is a short 10-minute walk from the ferry boat station!
3. Costa da Caparica
In the summer, all locals roam south to Costa da Caparica. The popular beach area is also the location for one of the top summer music festivals in the main Lisbon area, Sol da Caparica.
With dozens of beaches stretching for almost 15 miles, space is not an issue! All frequent beachgoers will have a say at which one is the best, but Praia da Sereia (also known for the local café’s name, Waikiki) frequently makes the lists of the best Lisbon beaches for its family-friendly atmosphere.
4. Guincho
While a windy beach may ruin the day for some, for surfers it means time well spent riding the waves. The beaches at Guincho are the perfect location to surf, kitesurf, and windsurf!
This beach is located less than 40 minutes from Lisbon, and is a popular destination for surfers of all ages and expertise levels year round.
5. Sesimbra
A 45-minute drive from Lisbon, Sesimbra is the perfect beach destination for weekend trips. It’s probably off the scope of a Lisbon beach, but it’s worth the trip for the picturesque town.
There are wonderful seafood restaurants steps away from the sand, giving you a great excuse to stay for dinner. There are options for all budgets and tastes, but each restaurant sources their fish locally. (Check out our top 8 seafood restaurants in Lisbon if you love seafood!)
Explore Lisbon’s Food Scene on a Night Out
Hungry after a long day at the beach? Relax and enjoy Lisbon’s two greatest passions—food and fado—on our unforgettable Lisbon Food & Fado Evening Tour.
Wander the historic neighborhoods of Mouraria and Alfama with an expert local guide, stopping for petiscos, drinks, and even a taste of homemade ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) in a local’s home. Then, settle in for a three-course Portuguese dinner paired with an intimate live fado performance at one of the city’s most renowned venues.
Featured Review: Lisbon Food & Fado Evening Tour
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Excellent tour of the Moorish neighborhoods of Lisbon and (surprising!) history of fado with fun stops along the way. The food, wine, and ginjinha are all top notch. The fado dinner was a very cool experience. Felt like a very good mix of locals and tourists, plenty of Portuguese folks singing along (when invited by the singer) and several family birthday dinners. Helena was a terrific guide, bringing a wealth of knowledge to contextualize the importance and impact of fado, food, and suadade for the Portuguese people and their history.”
– Tim on Tripadvisor
Beaches in Lisbon FAQs
Does Lisbon have good beaches?
Yes! Lisbon has some of the best beaches in Portugal, located just a short ride from the city. While Lisbon itself sits along the Tagus River, you’ll find Atlantic beaches within 30–45 minutes. From the relaxed shores of Carcavelos to the dramatic cliffs of Praia da Adraga and the surfer-perfect waves of Guincho, there’s a beach for every vibe—whether you want to swim, surf, or just soak up the sun.
What is the nicest beach town near Lisbon?
Cascais is often considered the nicest beach town near Lisbon. This elegant seaside escape blends historic charm with coastal beauty; think palm-lined promenades, boutique shops, oceanfront restaurants, and several stunning beaches like Praia da Rainha and Praia do Tamariz. Easily reached by train from central Lisbon in under 40 minutes, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and sophistication.
Where do Lisbon locals go to the beach?
Lisbon locals love heading to Costa da Caparica, a long stretch of sandy coastline just across the 25 de Abril Bridge. It’s lined with beach bars, surf schools, and casual seafood spots that capture Lisbon’s laid-back summer spirit. Others prefer Carcavelos for quick after-work dips or Guincho for windsurfing and weekend adventures surrounded by natural beauty.
Very informative brilliant
Thanks for reading, Carl!