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What makes the Lisbon district a great beach destination?
- The Lisbon district stretches along the coastline, offering a variety of beautiful beaches that are popular with both tourists and locals.
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What types of beaches can be found in Lisbon?
- Some of Lisbon’s beaches are built-up and lively, hosting special events and festivities throughout the year.
- Others are quieter and simpler, providing a calm, romantic atmosphere for couples.
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Can visitors find different types of beach experiences in Lisbon?
- Yes! Whether you're looking for an exciting, vibrant beach or a peaceful, secluded retreat, you’ll find the perfect spot in Lisbon.
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Where can I learn more about the best beaches in Lisbon?
- Read on to discover the best beaches in and around the Portuguese capital.
Best Time to Visit Beaches in Lisbon, Portugal
- June to September – Warm weather, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
- July & August – Peak season with lively beach vibes and plenty of water sports.
- May & October – Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and great for relaxing beach walks.
- November to April – Cooler but peaceful, perfect for coastal walks and enjoying scenic views.
- Early June – Great for enjoying mild weather before the summer crowds arrive.
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1. Figueirinha Beach
Swim calm waters or walk along golden sands on an easy summer trip.
With only the whitest sands and calmest waves, Figueirinha Beach is one of the most popular coastal spots around Portugal's capital city. Lisbon locals love to come here and tourists adore this beach as well, so it can get pretty busy at certain times of year, but it's quite a large beach with enough space to deal with big crowds. Various beach equipment can be rented here and the calmness of the water makes it just right for little kids to splash around in the water and play games with their parents. So if you’re in need of one of the best family beaches in Lisbon, Figueirinha Beach is the one for you.
2. Areia Branca Beach
Surf great waves or relax at beach cafés on an affordable weekend getaway.
A very lively Lisbon beach with a lot of activities always going on, Areia Branca Beach is a good stopping point for folks who like their beaches to be busy and fun, with lots of opportunities to move around and engage in all kinds of activities. There's a fun little mini-golf course right by the sand, soccer courts out on the beach, surfing coaches waiting to hit the waves with you, and rental stores offering all kinds of beach equipment. Lots of good eateries and bars are just a short walk off the sand as well, so this beach is a great place to spend a full day.
3. Galapos Beach
Snorkel clear waters or admire cliffs on a romantic and quiet beach day.
Galapos Beach wouldn't look out of place on a postcard; it's just that pretty. The sand curves gently around in a beautiful crescent shape and the whole beach is surrounded on almost all sides by rich green trees and bushes. The shimmering, glimmering waters at Galapos Beach are astonishingly clear. In fact, you can walk out a little way and still be able to see your feet, which makes this Lisbon beach a great place to do some swimming and diving. Map
4. Sao Juliao Beach
Explore rugged coastline or watch the sunset on an exciting coastal adventure.
A relatively small beach in terms of length, Sao Juliao Beach compensates for its shortness by offering very wide open sandy spaces for all to enjoy. It's a popular gathering spot with Sintra locals and provides some stunning views, with huge cliffs towering over the far end of this Lisbon beach and providing some nice shady spots which are very welcome on warm days. Adventurous beach-goers can even go climbing at this Lisbon beach in order to reach a higher vantage point and get even better views of the surrounding scenery. Map
5. Carcavelos Beach
Catch some waves or play beach volleyball on a fun day with kids.
Carcavelos Beach is actually located a short drive outside of Lisbon, but it's definitely worth the detour. Many of the inner city beaches tend to be crowded with tourists throughout the year, but Lisbon locals prefer to head out to Carcavelos Beach for its calmer, quieter atmosphere and friendly local bars. Some excellent eateries can be found just a short walk off Carcavelos Beach as well, so you can spend a full day out on the sand and then head into town for a delicious evening meal as the sun goes down.
6. Meco Beach
Enjoy a peaceful stroll or sunbathe freely on this unusual, scenic retreat.
First of all, it's important to note that Meco Beach is one of the most popular beaches for naturists in and around Lisbon, so if you're not comfortable with seeing other beach-goers wearing nothing at all, you might want to miss out on this one. However, if you don't mind about the naturism theme of this beach, it offers some mind-blowing views and impressive dunes to climb and explore. The northern end of the beach tends to feature less naturists and more families, so that's the direction you should head if you'd rather keep your clothes on. Map
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
InterContinental Cascais-Estoril – A luxurious stay with ocean views.
Visit Praia do Guincho – A wild, scenic beach perfect for surfing and wind sports.
Summer (June-August) – Hot weather and ideal beach conditions.
The Albatroz Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel in Cascais.
Relax at Praia da Conceição – A popular and easily accessible beach in Cascais.
Fall (September-November) – Warm waters with fewer tourists.
Arriba by the Sea – A serene oceanfront retreat in Costa da Caparica.
Explore Costa da Caparica – A long stretch of sandy beaches great for sunbathing and surfing.
Winter (December-February) – Cool but great for scenic walks.
Fortaleza do Guincho – A historic hotel with breathtaking coastal views.
Walk Along Praia da Adraga – A picturesque beach with dramatic cliffs and caves.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
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