Among European capitals, Lisbon is one of the few located just minutes away from paradisiacal beaches that top the lists of the best across the continent. As such, many tourists planning to visit Lisbon arrive in the city confused by so many spectacular options. With that in mind, here are the 7 must-visit beaches to include in your holiday itinerary.
1. Portinho da Arrábida – Setúbal
Located near the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, this beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. With clear, fine sands, the sea at Portinho da Arrábida displays stunning shades of blue, highlighting the clarity and allure of its waters. At the same time, the surroundings, full of lush greenery, beautifully contrast with the ocean, creating a paradisiacal scene. Among the activities available for enjoyment is diving, which allows visitors to explore the region’s rich marine diversity.
2. Galapinhos Beach – Setúbal
Voted in 2017 as the best beach on the European continent by the European Best Destinations portal, Galapinhos Beach is a must-visit for those planning to visit Lisbon. With a more intimate atmosphere, the place feels like a private beach and offers a breathtaking sea view. Another advantage, especially for tourists traveling with children, is that this beach has no waves, making it possible to bring floaties and have fun as if in a large swimming pool.
3. Adraga Beach – Sintra
Located between Cascais and Sintra, Adraga Beach is an authentic natural retreat, surrounded by rocks and a picturesque, almost cinematic scenery. Less than an hour from Lisbon, the site has good infrastructure, close to parking lots and restaurants, making it one of the most popular beaches in the region during the high season. Throughout the rest of the year, Adraga Beach remains an interesting tourist spot to visit due to its unique geology.
4. Guincho Beach – Cascais
The beautiful Guincho Beach, in Cascais, is very diverse and appealing to all audiences. The northern part of the beach, called “Abano,” has calmer waters and is home to the traditional “Bar do Guincho” restaurant, which is quite popular among tourists traveling with families. The southern part, known as “Muchaxo,” is more popular among young people and surfers, as it offers the best waves. Those interested in learning the sport can even enroll in short courses offered right on the beach.
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5. Carcavelos Beach- Cascais
Also in Cascais is the famous Carcavelos Beach, which enchants tourists with its golden, soft sand. With more than one kilometer in length, this beach rarely gets too crowded, even during the high season, making a visit more pleasant. Accessible by car or train, Carcavelos Beach is also known for attracting many surfers in the winter, when giant and impressive waves form.
6. Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach – Sesimbra
For tourists looking for a more intimate and secluded spot near Lisbon, Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach is the perfect choice. Surrounded by nature on all sides and completely preserved, the location features a narrow strip of white sand and a turquoise-blue sea without waves, like a paradise pool. It is no surprise that this beach is compared to destinations in the Caribbean and Thailand by those who know it.
7. Fonte da Telha Beach – Costa da Caparica
On the south bank of the Tagus River, Fonte da Telha Beach features a wide stretch of sand and clear waters, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals throughout the summer. With bars and restaurants nearby, this beach offers a well-developed environment capable of accommodating large crowds. Depending on the time of year, the sea can become rougher with strong waves, which is why many surfers spend their holidays in this area.