Want a break from the city? These beach areas are beautiful – and less than an hour from Lisbon
When it comes time to book a summer holiday, people can usually be divided into two groups: beach bums who are determined to flop on the sand and enjoy the sun, and city lovers looking to soak up the energy and excitement of a new place. But never fear: in Lisbon, everyone can get their way.
The beach areas below are around an hour from Lisbon, so they make for a perfect day trip if you're based in the city. That means you could enjoy one of Lisbon's best brunches before you hit the road, then make it back in time for dinner at one of the city's best restaurants. If that's not the perfect summer day, we don't know what is.
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This guide was written by the editorial team at Time Out Lisbon. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
The 10km of coastline that makes up the Costa da Caparica boasts beaches to suit all tastes, with classic destinations and less obvious spots, too. The pre-summer season is the perfect time to visit, as it can get busy during the summer. If you are there in summer, don’t let the queues put you off – pick a beach, pack your suncream, and enjoy.
Best beaches: Praia da Cova do Vapor, Praia de São João and Praia do CDS
Cascais is just a train ride from Lisbon, and there’s no shortage of places where you can soak up the sun on the sand or take a dip. From Carcavelos to Guincho, the beaches are, frankly, the main attraction for those heading to Cascais, no matter the time of year. When hunger strikes, don’t settle for just a beach snack – the area has some wonderful seaside restaurants and bars.
Best beaches: Praia de Carcavelos, Praia de São Pedro, Praia das Avencas
Sintra’s climate can be a bit unpredictable, so don’t be surprised if it’s scorching hot in Lisbon but you find yourself reaching for extra layers when you get here. Whatever the conditions, the stunning scenery is sure to reward all beachgoers, whether you’re braving the cold waters or staying cosy on a terrace. Plus, you’ll be in good company – with its many palaces, Sintra has quite the royal history.
Best beaches: Praia da Adraga, Praia da Ursa and Praia de São Julião
Less than an hour from Lisbon, Arrábida is a postcard-perfect spot nestled between the mountains and the Atlantic, offering beaches for everyone: from those bringing kids along and wanting to park right at the entrance, to those willing to tackle more challenging trails that lead to truly heavenly beaches.
Best beaches: Praia do Porto da Baleeira (Praia do Paraíso), Praia do Penedo (Praia do Inferno) and Praia da Cova da Mijona
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