The metropolitan area of Lisbon offers many good beaches in a radius of 25 km.
Best beaches, in the Lisbon Guide's opinion, are in Costa de Caparica. The line from Lisbon to Cascais offers good sandy beaches in a more urban style. Guincho beach is a more human untouched place, searchen by beach-nature lovers (wich include lots of surfers!).
:: Costa de Caparica
Fine golden sand, fresh
air and a true beachy atmosphere attract legions of people on summer
week ends. There is a stroll along the beaches, very nice for jogging
fans. It is easy to spot the restaurant "O Barbas" (The beard guy) -
the name comes from the facial aspect of its owner. This restaurant is
a true Benfica (the football club) monument, as the beard guy is a big
fan. Main speaciality is caldeirada, a traditional fish dish.
Back to the beach - beware of the sea! Strong waves and currents are not a problem to surfers, but it is sometimes dangerous.
How to get there?
By car: Cross 25th of April Bridge, direction South. Then turn right in
exit "Caparica - Trafaria - Hospital" You'll get to the beach area
after around 7 km.
By bus: In Praça de Espanha, take bus 153 of TST. It takes about 45 minutes to Costa de Caparica.
Someone going from Lisbon to Cascais by the river/sea will pass a
variety of beaches after Cruz Quebrada. Although still debating with
some environmental problems, these are still a good place to be in. The
Lisbon Guide advises a visit to Carcavelos.
:: Carcavelos
With more than 1 Km of sand line and good transport acess, this
beach attracts crowds of sun burning people in summer and legions of surfers all over the year. A pleasant
stroll can take you from point to point along the sand, where you'll
pass by lots of beach bars. Parking your car is easy in one of the many
places available. There is a skate half pipe and a basket small field
in the parking lot.
How to get there? From Carcavelos train station, go south direction 600m. Bus number 106 comes from Amadora and stops 200m away.
:: Rainha Beach
Downtown Cascais, this small hidden beach is a favourite for many locals. Very pretty.
:: Guincho
Integrated in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this well preserved beach
attracts people looking for more natural environments. Surf lovers also
come here hoping the usually strong winds help carving the perfect
wave. If you are an unexperienced swimmer: beware of the water - it is
many times dangerous and kinda cold. There are beautifull sand dunes
formed above and the breeze is pure, sea temperated. Guincho is a must
see, if you are a nature fan.
How to get there? There are buses from Cascais center. You can also
go by the sea by bike or inline skates since there there is a proper
road painted in red along the sea shore (8 Km from center of Cascais).
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