Beaches: Cascais & Costa da Caparica

Lisbon is one of the few European capitals from which you can reach the beach in less than 30 minutes. Both to the west and south of the city stretch kilometers of sandy beaches — from elegant resorts to wild surf spots.

Cascais is 30 minutes west of Lisbon (train from Cais do Sodré, every 20 min., 2.30€ one way) and was once the summer residence of the Portuguese kings. Today, it is an elegant seaside resort with a charming old town, several sandy beaches, and a spectacular coastal promenade. The city beach Praia da Conceição is crowded in summer, but the nearby Praia do Guincho (5 km west, bus 405/415) is one of the best surf beaches in Europe — with mighty Atlantic waves that attract international competitions. However, the wind can be brutal here; windsurfers and kitesurfers love it.

From Cascais, a breathtaking coastal hiking trail (2.5 km) leads to the Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth), a dramatic rock formation where the Atlantic waves crash thunderously into a cave. During a storm, the spectacle is grand — but be cautious on the unsecured cliffs.

On the other side of the Tejo lies the Costa da Caparica — a 30 km long sandy beach stretching south from the Almada Peninsula. Accessible by ferry (Cais do Sodré → Cacilhas, 1.30€, 10 min.) plus bus 124/135, or by car over the Ponte 25 de Abril. In summer, a small beach train (Transpraia) runs along the coast, stopping at numbered beach sections: The first sections (1-8) are family-friendly with restaurants and lifeguards, from section 14 it becomes wilder and more natural, and the last sections (17-19) are known as nudist beaches.

If you want to learn surfing, Costa da Caparica is the right place: Dozens of surf schools offer beginner courses from 35€ (2 hours, including board and wetsuit). The waves are consistent and ideal for beginners — much more accessible than the wild Guincho. Recommended is the Costa Surfschool at section 10.