Costa da Caparica: Lisbon's Big Beach

Costa da Caparica is Lisbon’s big beach: miles of golden sand just across the Tagus, lined with beach bars and surf schools. The further south you go, the quieter and wilder it gets. Here’s how to get there and which part to choose.

Quick answer: take the direct Carris Metropolitana bus from Areeiro in Lisbon (about 55 minutes), or the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas and then a bus. The town beaches are lively, with surf schools. Head south towards Fonte da Telha for quieter sand backed by fossil cliffs. Note that the little Transpraia beach train is not running in 2026.

Which part?

• The town beaches: busy, with promenades, restaurants and surf schools. Good for beginners. See surf lessons.
• The middle beaches: beach bars spaced along the dunes, each with its own vibe.
• Fonte da Telha: the southern end, quieter and more natural, below the Arriba Fóssil cliffs.

Tips

• Flags: it’s the open Atlantic, so swim between the flags.
• Weekends: very busy in summer, and traffic on the bridge can be slow.
• Blue Flags: Almada’s beaches have many Blue Flag awards for water quality.
• Sunset: it faces west, so sunsets over the ocean are superb.

Stay here?

A beach base close to Lisbon, though public transport into the city takes time. See places to stay in Costa da Caparica.

More: the best beaches near Lisbon, Cristo Rei and surfing in Portugal.

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