Lisbon is the only European capital with beaches close by. We put together a list of our favourite beaches worth a visit form Lisbon. There is a great variety, from the crowded party beach in Cascais to the hidden romantic bay on the Sintra coastline. Some are very close to OUTPOST - Casa das Arribas, others will be a bit further away. Here is our current top ten:
1 Praia da Adraga
Follow a winding road down where the Sintra hills drop to the sea. The beach is sandy with rocks arching into the sea. On hot summer days, the cliffs provide welcome shade and there’s a small cave to explore at low tide. A walking trail follows the cliffs for 5km south to Cabo da Roca, the most western tip of mainland Europe.
To round it all up there is a fish restaurant right on the beach. Nothing too fancy but fish and seafood is fresh and well prepared, and the view on the ocean and the sunset is second to none.
15-minute drive from OUTPOST
2 Praia da Aguda
This is our secret number 1. It’s just 5 minutes walking distance from OUTPOST – Casa das Arribas and it is matches our idea of the perfect Atlantic Ocean beach. From the small parking, steep stairs with approximately 240 steps lead down to the beach, dramatic cliffs provide some shelter from the wind. It’s wild and always empty, with zero facilities. At low tide you can walk barefoot in the sand all the way to the next beach Praia do Magoito (see number 10 of this list). At the right conditions there is a nice surfable wave breaking here too.
5-minute walk (!) from OUTPOST
3 Praia de São Julião
São Julião, a few kilometres to the south of Ericeira, is one of the more picturesque beaches on the Ericeira coastline. If you catch it at low tide, it can be several kilometres long – an unbroken stretch of sand beneath very high cliffs. It’s one of our favourite surf options around Ericeira and still works when the swell is relatively small in summer.
20-minute drive from OUTPOST
4 Azenhas do Mar
Described as the ‘Santorini of Portugal’ by some, the fishing village of Azenhas do Mar has the most picturesque setting. Its white houses reach down along the cliffs almost all the way to the sandy beach. The beach is small but features an ocean pool which is filled and re-filled by the waves clashing against its stone walls. In summer the scene turns into a laid-back hangout with a beach bar frequented by a healthy mix of locals, cool crowds from Lisbon and international visitors. The perfect place for a sun-downer before dinner in the fish restaurant, one of the best on the whole coast.
10-minute walk from OUTPOST
5 Portinho da Arrábida
The beach of Portinho da Arrábida is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Portuguese coastline, with bright thin sand and luminous crystalline waters, contrasting with the green vegetation of the Sierra da Arrábida. The beach can get quite crowded during summer months, also because it is sheltered from the coastal winds and the general roughness of the Atlantic. It has a more Mediterranean feel to it.
1.5-hour drive from OUTPSOT
6 Praia da Ursa
Unspoilt and wild, this little beach is one of the most special in the area. It is a little off the beaten track, a 30-minute hike down from the Cabo da Roca parking (expect up to an hour to hike back up!). It’s undoubtedly worth the effort. The name of the beach comes from the "Roca da Ursa" (bear rock) one of two huge sea stacks at the northern end of the beach. The rock is said to resemble a bear with its cub…
25-minute drive from OUTPOST
7 Praia de Carcavelos
Carcavelos is the largest stretch of sand on the Estoril coast near Cascais and regularly hosts beach volleyball and football as well as surfing competitions. Given its proximity to Lisbon and easy access, Carcavelos is highly popular during the summer months. Next to the Beach, there is a wide choice of lively restaurants and bars with terraces in the sun.
45-minute drive from OUTPOST
8 Praia Grande
Just as its name suggests, this is a grand and large beach. Because of its size it never really feels full, even in the summer months. The surf is very consistent here and it has become a regular venue of championship events but it’s also very suitable for surfing beginners. All facilities such as lifeguards, surf schools, cafes and restaurants are available.
10-minute drive from OUTPOST
9. Praia do Meco
This endless sandy beach invites for long beach strolls. Right by the village of Meco is Praia do Meco or Praia do Moinho de Baixo. It’s the last of the many beaches on the sands that begin at Costa de Caparica on the other side of the river Tejo form Lisbon. It’s wild and quiet, with easy laid-back atmosphere and plenty of space for everyone.
1.5-hour drive from OUTPSOT
10 Praia do Magoito
This relatively quiet beach comprises a long stretch of golden sand dotted with numerous rocks. To the south imposing cliffs rise straight up from the beach. The sea here has a beautiful turquoise colour and is reputedly richer in iodine than any other beach in Europe.
10-minute drive from OUTPOST
