Lisbon is filled with incredible food, music, history, architecture, and nightlife. On top of that wonderful list of things to do in Lisbon, there are endless stretches of beach just outside of the city center. You’ll have plenty of beaches in Lisbon to choose from.
Whether you’re in the city and trying to catch the sunset across the Atlantic or are ready to check out the southern Portuguese coastline, there is something for you. There’s even a local train that will take you from one beach to the next that is very popular in the summer months.
When you look at a map that lists all beaches near Lisbon it’s easy to get overwhelmed and assume that all the beaches offer the same experience. It’s important to know that each beach throughout the Lisbon area has a different climate, crowd, and amenities.
Here are top 20 beaches in Lisbon organized into several categories to simplify your search. Starting with the beaches near Lisbon, we also include the perfect beach hopping day, the beaches that have something for everyone, the best nude beaches, and much more. Read to the end for the hidden gem beach of Lisbon!
Lisbon Beaches Near City Center
Lisbon Urban Beach – Praia Urbana de Lisboa
The only reason this beach in Lisbon is on this list is because tourists often confuse this club for a real beach. It is on the water, it does have a pool and it is called Lisbon’s Urban Beach, but it does not have sand and is not a real beach.
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a young crowd, a unique and fun club bar, stop by the one and only beach in Lisbon, as all other beaches are outside the city itself.
Do you want to stay right in the city center near Lisbon’s Urban Beach? Consider staying at the Palacio do Governador for a five-star experience in Lisbon.
Praia de Algés
Also known as the Praia de Pedrouços Beach, this beach in Lisbon is flanked by two piers and is fairly small compared to the other beaches farther from the city center.
The best thing about Praia de Algés is that it is only a 15-minute drive from the city center of Lisbon and is the perfect beach for that sunset photo without having to leave the city! Although it is too small for that perfect beach day filled with sunbathing and swimming.
If you want to stay right next to Praia de Algés, consider staying at Villa Marques near Tejo River. This incredibly picturesque hotel is right by the beach and is still very close to the city.
Praia da Princesa
This small beach is only a 20-minute drive from the city center of Lisbon, making it the closest beach to Lisbon that actually has sand! It is a part of a lounge and restaurant so you will have to make reservations beforehand. This beach is great for sunbathing or experiencing a massage right on the beach. You can make reservations at Praiaprincesa.com
Ready to have Praia Princesa directly at your fingertips during your stay in Lisbon? If you stay at Costa de Caparica while in Lisbon you will not be disappointed. Just feet away from the beach itself, Costa de Caparica has affordable rooms without sacrificing luxury.
The Starting Point For Your Beach Hopping Day
Praia da Conceição
Hopping on the local train early in the morning to sample the many beaches lining the Portuguese waterfront is a favorite activity for young locals and tourists.
Just 45 minutes north of Lisbon is the town of Cascais. If you decide to dedicate a day to checking out the best beaches in Lisbon then make sure you start in Praia da Conceição.
This is a busy beach so it can be hard to find a spot for peaceful relaxation, but it’s great for people watching and getting started on your beach-hopping adventure.
Make sure you also explore the town of Cascais. Its old town is perfect to wander through and is designed to be walked rather than driven. There are many bars, restaurants, and cute shops along the beach and through the town.
You will be plenty entertained on your day sampling the beaches of Lisbon. Once you’ve seen enough of Praia da Conceição, hop back on the train for even more Lisbon beaches.
If beach hopping is high up on your priority list during your Lisbon vacation, you can be right at the starting point if you stay at the Albatroz Hotel. Get ready for such a fun time and one of the best views in Portugal!
Beaches In Lisbon With Something for Everyone
Praia de Carcavelos
This beach in Lisbon is by far the most popular for locals and tourists simply because of its size and proximity to the city. Only 25 minutes outside of the city center, this is considered the best beach in Lisbon by many.
Praia de Carcavelos has medium-sized waves which are perfect for both swimmers and beginner surfers. It also has massage stands during the official bathing season. You can also find sports facilities to get all the gear you need for surfing, volleyball, paddle boarding, and beach soccer.
If you can go during the week in the busy season, you should be able to get a spot to soak up the sun rays for as long as you like. Since this is one of the best beaches near Lisbon, it does get pretty crowded over the weekends.
You can stay right on Praia de Carcavelos but you won’t find many hotels close to the beach. There are some incredible apartments and rooms for rent like this one that is close to the water and provides the local Portuguese experience as well.
Cascais Beach
We did already mention Praia da Conceição, which is a section of Cascais Beach. It is the best place to start your beach hopping day. However, there are some sections of this very long stretch of beach that deserve their own trip.
Only 45 minutes outside of Lisbon, there are two coastlines that border the town of Cascais, and the two coasts have very different climates.
If you’re looking for a calm beach for swimming and sunbathing, stick to the western coast of this beach. If you want some great waves for surfing then head to the northern beaches that are further inland. Regardless of what you are looking to experience while visiting the best beaches in Lisbon, this long stretch of beach has it all.
Farol Hotel is directly between the two coasts and would be the perfect hotel for those of you who want to explore the contrasting shores. It has all the amenities you could need and provides an incredibly comfortable stay while you’re away from home.
Costa da Caparica
To the south of Lisbon is a wide stretch of beach that is 30 kilometers long. Costa da Caparica takes up 15 kilometers of this coast and is divided into three general sections. As this beach really does have something for everyone, you will most likely find something interesting when you wander to the other sections.
If you’re looking for the best beach in Lisbon for family vacations, then stick to the northern end of the beach. This section also has the best waves for surfers so while it is family-friendly, maybe don’t let the young kids wander in the water.
The middle section of Costa da Caparica is the most trendy, has the best views, and is very popular with younger tourists. This Lisbon beach has some of the best nightlife for those of you who love outdoor clubs and bars.
The southern end is one of the most popular gay beaches in Portugal and is also a favorite of naturists (nudists). There is also a tourist train that runs the length of the beach so if you want, you can experience all three sections with ease!
One of the best stays along Costa da Caparica is Fonte da Telha Cliff House. This hotel is right at the center of the long stretch of beach and offers a beautiful experience and all the accommodations you need.
Praia do Tamariz
This Lisbon beach has an absolutely good mix of things. Praia do Tamariz sits below a medieval castle and across from Europe’s largest casino. This beach was considered “Lisbon’s postcard beach” of the mid-20th century and is surrounded by many classic hotels and beach bars.
Only 35 minutes outside of Lisbon, this is one of the best beaches near Lisbon for those who just love the view, are looking for history, or are ready to soak up the sun before hitting the bars and casino.
This beautiful area, of course, has many wonderful hotels to choose from. You’ll be happy with any of your choices but check out Casscais/Estoril Beachfront Apartments. They are closest to the beach and have some of the best views of the ocean in the area.
Best Beaches Of Lisbon For Couples And Nudists
Praia do Meco
Portugal’s most famous nude beach, Praia do Meco is popular for naturists, couples, and tourists. While this is certainly not a beach for families, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lisbon.
Meco is surrounded by cliffs and a dense pine forest and is just over an hour from Lisbon. There is no public transportation so you will need to rent a car. This may seem like a hassle but it does mean that the beach will be much less crowded.
Meco is known for its picturesque, crystal waters and enclosed beaches, creating the perfect private beach for sunbathing. It’s important to know that the water is too rough for swimming but still is not popular for surfers since the beaches are usually occupied by naturists.
Don’t worry though, there are plenty of other beaches in Lisbon that cater to surfers.
For those of you who may need more time at Praia do Meco, you can stay at Casa do Moinho de Baixo. This beautiful hotel is simple, comfortable, and is perfect after a long day at the beach.
Praia da Fonte da Telha
This Lisbon beach was originally a nude beach for the bohemian crowd in the 70s and 80s. It wasn’t until the late 90’s that they created a “family” section. It is still very popular with naturists though.
Despite the G-rated beach at the center of this stretch of sand, you can still find a very thriving nude beach in both the northern and southern sections. Praia da Font da Telha is off of the bustling fishing community which is also lined with bars and restaurants that are popular for their seafood.
If you’re looking for a fully extravagant experience while visiting Lisbon, you can rent your own villa with five bedrooms and a private pool. The Delux Aroeira Villa is right next to Praia da Fonte da Telha and is perfect for families or groups of friends.
Praia da Ursa
Known as one of the most romantic beaches in Europe, this Lisbon beach takes a bit of effort to experience but is 100% worth the time. Praia da Ursa is by far the most secluded beach in the Lisbon area as you have, an easy, 20-minute hike downhill to get to the shore. It is a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, or 1 hour and 25 minutes by bus or train, and is Europe’s westernmost beach.
Soak up the sun at the edge of the continent and enjoy the extreme privacy of this immaculate beach. You may not be able to swim here, as the water is usually too rough, but you’ll have plenty to explore on the shore surrounded by sea stacks, white sand, and crystal waters.
It’s important to note that this is not officially a nude beach. However, don’t be surprised if you see the occasional local choosing to go without a suit at this beach in Lisbon.
You may think that given its remote location, it would be hard to stay nearby. Surprisingly, there is a well-loved hotel, O Moinho da Roca, nearby! If you already know you’ll love Praia da Ursa you should consider staying at this beautiful hotel.
Praia da Adraga
If you are a foodie traveling through Lisbon then this is the best beach in Lisbon for you! Praia da Adraga is an hour minute drive from the city and is considered “the wild beach.”
Surrounded by steep cliffs with hidden, ancient castles, thick forests, and endless sea stacks, this Lisbon beach has endless coves to explore.
Once you’re done with the beach, try some of the best seafood and Portuguese restaurants in the area right on the water! This is an incredible getaway for couples and while it can get crowded on the weekends it does stay fairly empty during the week.
This is definitely one of the beaches in Lisbon that is frequented by naturists, but at this point, you may have noticed that most beaches in Europe at least have a “nude section.”
If Praia da Adraga sounds too good to be true, consider staying at Arribas Sintra Hotel. This nearby stay would allow you to fully explore the beautiful area surrounding one of the most intimate beaches of Lisbon.
Best Beaches In Lisbon For Families
Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira
Just a 40-minute drive from central Lisbon Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira is one of the best beaches for families with young children. It is positioned right on the corner of the coast where the sea meets the mouth of the Lagoon.
The side of the beach that faces the ocean is a well-known spot for windsurfers, kite-surfers, and sailors, while the inland beach is the best beach in Lisbon for families.
Protected by the natural structures that separate the mouth of the Lagoon from the ocean, the water is calm enough for young children and perfect for families.
There aren’t many hotels in this area, but you do have a wide variety of houses that are available to rent if you want to stay close to the Lagoon. Akivillas Sesimbra Ocean Home is a great option for small families and is within walking distance from the beach.
Praia do Creiro
Praia do Criero and the three surrounding beaches are some of the most popular beaches near Lisbon. A one-hour drive from the city, this is one of the best beaches for families as the water is extremely calm and you still get a beautiful view of the horizon. It is definitely worth it to take a day for this excursion to explore the surrounding beaches as well!
As this is a bit of a drive from Lisbon, you may want to consider spending at least one night by Praia do Creiro. There are several stays you can choose from, but we suggest staying at Casa da Adoa, a beautiful bed and breakfast right off the water.
Best Beaches In Lisbon For Sports
Praia do Guincho
Known as the windy beach, this is one of the most popular beaches in Lisbon for surfers, windsurfers, and kite surfers. Praia do Guincho is one hour away from Lisbon and can only be accessed by car, so will definitely be less crowded than other Lisbon beaches.
But be warned! This beach is a favorite of the sporty crowd because of the winds, so this is not the beach for sunbathing and swimming. Praia do Guincho is also one of the best beaches in Lisbon for foodies, as it is lined with incredible seafood restaurants.
Ready to explore Praia do Guincho for more than one day? You’re in luck, there is a wonderful hotel right off the beach that is perfect for suffers. Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho is a favorite of those who travel to Lisbon specifically for the winds at Praia do Guincho.
Praia dos Galapinhos
One of the beaches surrounding Praia do Creiro, this Lisbon beach is “postcard-perfect” and a favorite for hikers. While it is safe to swim in the deep blue waters, Praia dos Galapinhos is less known than the surrounding beaches. However, it is perfect for paddleboarding, camping, and hiking.
The mountain range that surrounds the stretch of sand has many winding trails, including some of the best hiking routes in Portugal.
As the four beaches in this area are within the same cove, you can still stay at Casa da Adoa or somewhere surrounding like Casa do Farol da Arrábida while visiting Praia dos Galapinhos.
Praia Grande
The hour drive from Lisbon is absolutely worth it for this incredible beach. Praia Grande is surrounded by massive cliffs where you can see dinosaur footprints from 120 million years ago. This Lisbon beach also has Europe’s largest seawater swimming pool and is a very popular destination for surfers.
As the waters are lined with beach bars and restaurants, you may want to stay for longer than just one afternoon. Consider staying at Charm Nature just off of the beach. This guesthouse has a private pool and incredible views of the ocean and sunset.
Best Beaches Near Lisbon For Day Trips
Troia
For those of you who are taking your time exploring Lisbon, consider taking a day trip to some of the best beaches outside of Lisbon. Troia is the starting point of Portugal’s longest uninterrupted stretch of sand and simply feels massive.
This Lisbon beach is wide open and is so large that it never feels crowded. With an hour train ride from the city and a 15-minute ferry across the clear blue waters, you get to one of the best beaches in Lisbon. Troia is great for families and couples, it is worth a day or two to fully explore.
If you want to wander the giant beaches of Troia for more than one day then you’re in luck. There aren’t many hotels but you have several rentals to choose from on this peninsula. Soltroia Beach House is one of our favorites as it’s just a 10-minute walk from the beach!
Praia da California
California in Portuguese translates to “deep cave” and accurately represents this beautiful beach outside of Lisbon. A one hour and 15-minute drive from the city, Praia da California is tucked between two cliffs and a 17th-century fort, creating the perfect beach escape from the bustling city. It is also well known among locals for its extremely calm waters.
This beach in Lisbon is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. It can get crowded in the summers with locals, but it isn’t very popular for tourists since it is farther from the city.
Do you have a feeling you’ll need to see more? You can stay at Refugio da Falesia just off of the beach and extend your stay! Right on the beach, this apartment will give you the local experience with all the luxuries of a modern hotel.
The Hidden Gem
Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo
We have titled this beach near Lisbon the “hidden gem” because, for a very long time, it was one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo is popular with locals and the tourists who know how to get there and is our favorite of all the beaches in Lisbon.
After a 50-minute drive, you will have to hike 20 minutes down a cliff to reach the white sands and sea cliffs. It is definitely a harder hike than the one to get to Praia da Ursa, so it is frequented by younger couples rather than families or older tourists. We won’t say much more since some of the secrets of this perfect beach are still highly valued throughout Lisbon.
Since this is a hidden gem, you won’t be able to stay right on the beach. You can stay a short walk away at Senhora do Cabo Meco. This hotel is such a beautiful stay, you may want to make the trip just for this experience!
Discovering The Best Beaches In Lisbon
So, if you’re looking for a beach getaway in Lisbon, Portugal, you have plenty of options. The wide variety of beaches in Lisbon guarantees that no matter what you’re looking for, the Portuguese beaches will deliver.
From hidden gems to the most popular beaches in the area, these are some of the favorite spots among locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking for a calm and relaxing day by the ocean or an action-packed adventure with plenty of waves to surf, there is a beach in Lisbon that is perfect for you.
