Carcavelos Beach: Lisbon's Surf Beach

Carcavelos is Lisbon’s favourite city beach: a big, sandy stretch with a 17th-century fort, beach bars and consistent waves that make it one of the best places in the region to learn to surf. It’s just 25 minutes from Lisbon by train.

Quick answer: take the Cascais line train from Cais do Sodré to Carcavelos (about 25 minutes), then walk about 10 minutes to the beach. It’s great for surf lessons, sunbathing, beach volleyball and sunset drinks. Go on a weekday or early, as summer weekends get very busy. See surf lessons near Lisbon.

Things to do

• Surfing: surf schools line the beach, with lessons for beginners. See surfing in Portugal.
• The fort: the São Julião da Barra fort sits at one end of the bay.
• Beach bars: drinks and food on the sand, especially at sunset.
• The promenade: a seafront walk with cafés.

Tips

• Crowds: very busy on summer weekends.
• Flags: swim between the flags and follow the lifeguards.
• Combine with Cascais further along the line. See Cascais.

More: the best beaches near Lisbon and the best beaches near Cascais.

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