Best Beaches Near Lisbon – Easy Day Trips Without a Car
Discover the Top 5 Lisbon Beaches for a Perfect Day Trip
If you’re wondering “does Lisbon have a beach?”, the answer is yes, and more than one. While the city itself sits along the Tagus River, just outside Lisbon you’ll find several gorgeous Atlantic beaches that are perfect for a day trip to escape the city hustle and enjoy some swimming, sunbathing, or surfing.
If you’re feeling tired after exploring the city’s landmarks and viewpoints, a relaxing beach day might be just what you need, and we’ve picked 5 of the best beaches near Lisbon that are easy to reach by public transport.
And if you’re planning a longer escape from the city, don’t miss our guide to the best day trips from Lisbon for even more ideas.
1. COSTA DA CAPARICA (Almada)
Costa da Caparica is one of the longest and most popular Lisbon beaches, divided into over 20 officially named praias and stretching along 26 km of golden sand. You won’t need a car to get here as it’s fully reachable by public transport. The easiest way is to take a direct bus from central Lisbon (routes 3710 or 3709), which takes about an hour. You can also take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (around 15 minutes), then hop on bus 135 for an extra 30-minute ride to the beach.
The beach is split into different zones, each with its own vibe. The northern part is more developed, with beach bars, surf atmosphere and more crowds in summer. Head south if you’re after a quieter day, you’ll find scenic dunes, calm water and traditional fishing huts. The area is also known for xávega net fishing, a traditional technique still used today. If you are feeling active, the coastline has hiking routes along the cliffs and dunes.
Costa da Caparica has essential facilities like toilets, showers, and beachfront cafés. It’s also accessible for those with mobility needs or prams, with paved walkways, ramps, adapted toilets and amphibious chairs at key beaches. As part of Portugal’s “Praia Acessível” initiative, it offers inclusive access with lifeguard support and reserved parking.
While Costa da Caparica might not have the same historic charm as the beaches in Cascais or Estoril, it’s still one of the best picks for a Lisbon beach day trip if you’re after plenty of space, natural surroundings and lots of different beach spots to explore.
2. PRAIA DE CARCAVELOS
Praia de Carcavelos is the closest beach near Lisbon by the Atlantic, just 25 minutes away from Cais do Sodré by train, with an extra 10 minute walk from the station to the sand. It’s 1.5 km long and as it’s outside the Tagus river mouth, the water stays clean and swimmable all year long. Its proximity makes it one of the top Lisbon beaches for both locals and visitors, so you can expect some crowds in summer.
It’s packed with useful facilities like showers, toilets, cafes and restaurants. There are also places to rent umbrellas, loungers, surfboards and paddleboards.
On top of that, Carcavelos beach Lisbon is one of the most accessible beaches in Lisbon as it has ramps, wide walkways and a smooth path from the station straight to the sand, making it a good option for visitors with mobility concerns or a family-friendly beach Lisbon visitors love.
If you’re planning a quick Lisbon beach day trip, this is an easy choice. And if you’re looking for a surf beach near Lisbon that’s easy to get to, this is the one as they have clearly marked zones that keep swimmers and surfers separate.
3. PRAIA DA CONCEIÇÃO & PRAIA DA DUQUESA (Cascais)
Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa form one of the most popular beach areas in Cascais. They sit right next to each other and feel like one long stretch of sand.
Travel time by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré to Praia da Conceição (via Cascais station) typically takes around 33 to 40 minutes, depending on the service and time of day, plus an extra 5 minute walk.
It’s a top family-friendly beach in Lisbon, with calm water most of the year great for swimming or paddling with kids. You can also rent paddleboards or let kids enjoy the sea inflatable playground that’s set up during peak season.
In terms of amenities, there is plenty of restaurants, shops and beach bars nearby, as well as parasols and loungers that you can rent for the day.
The promenade that starts here links Cascais to Estoril and is perfect for a flat walk or bike ride. With paved walkways, it’s one of the most accessible beaches Lisbon has.
Cascais is also considered one of the best day trips from Lisbon so you can end your day relaxing on this beach after exploring the town.
4. PRAIA DO TAMARIZ (Estoril)
Praia do Tamariz is another great choice if you’re looking for beaches near Lisbon that are quick and easy to reach without a car. The train from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon takes about 35 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most direct Lisbon beach day trips. It’s located in Estoril and sits right in front of the train station so no need for a walk once you arrive.
This beach has around 380 metres of golden sand, with calm and shallow waters that are safe for kids. During summer, you’ll find on the eastern end a seawater pool (piscina Oceânica), a popular spot for kids to watch small fish and crabs in warmer water, which is free to access.
The facilities include toilets, showers and places to rent parasols and loungers for the day. As it’s so close to the centre of Estoril, there is plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. The beach is also equipped with accessibility features, including ramps, paved walkways and an amphibious chair for assisted access to the water.
If you fancy a scenic walk or bike ride, there is a paved beach promenade that links Praia do Tamariz and the historic centre of Cascais (1.7 km) and takes about 30 minutes, passing by other beaches along the way.
5. PRAIA DO GUINCHO
If you’re after a raw, scenic beach that’s far less developed than other Lisbon beaches, Praia do Guincho is the one. Stretching about 750 metres, it’s known for its wild Atlantic waves, dramatic cliffs, and the surrounding dunes of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Guincho was also ranked one of the “7 Wonders of Portugal” in the sport beach category.
You can reach Guincho by taking the train from Lisbon to Cascais (about 40 minutes), followed by a 20-minute bus ride (lines 405 or 415). It’s not the easiest beach to get to, but it’s one of the most rewarding if you’re after adventure and natural scenery. There are a few marked hiking trails with amazing coastal views.
Thanks to the strong Atlantic winds, it’s one of the favourite beaches for surfers, with a few surf schools in the area. Nearby you’ll also find showers, a couple of cafés and restaurants. Right above the beach sits the 17th-century Fortaleza do Guincho, now a hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant with ocean views.
It’s not an accessible beach, as the terrain is sandy and uneven, and there are no ramps or easy walkways for strollers or wheelchairs.
Lisbon Beaches Map
Lisbon Beaches: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lisbon near a beach?
Although the city itself is located by the Tagus river, you can reach several beautiful beaches near Lisbon in as little as 20–30 minutes by public transport. Popular beaches like Carcavelos and Cascais are all accessible by a direct train from Cais do Sodré station. You can also take a bus across the 25 de Abril Bridge to enjoy the extensive beach of Costa da Caparica.
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