Lisbon Beaches
Lisbon is on the River Tagus but the beaches are not far away
Lisbon lies on a river so you’ll have to take a relatively short journey to get to the beach but they are all accessible by train. So the first thing you need to do is get to the train station at Cais do Sodre and take the coastal train which runs from Lisbon to Cascais. The trains run every 20 minutes from there and carry a mixture of urban commuters and tourists.
The beaches are well serviced by restaurants and toilets and there will be options to rent sun beds and parasols.
There is a 3km promenade which runs along the sea wall from Cascais to Estoril. Along the promenade there are various beaches, and some seawater pools but when in the sea make sure you know where you are swimming and that there is a lifeguard on duty to make sure that you are not swimming in the rip-tide.
There are lots of small restaurants dotted along the promenade and they are great to take a break from the sun and cool down a little. As always, remember to take lots of sunblock and a good hat.
Here are three great beaches to try when on holiday in Lisbon.
Carcavelos Beach
This is the largest of the local Lisbon beaches and stretches approximately 1.5 km in length.
Carcavelos is the most popular of the Lisbon beaches with the locals and this is their beach of choice when the temperature rises.
Carcavelos Beach is about 15 mins out from Lisbon by train and a great beach for bathing, swimming and hanging out for the day. It's a busy beach, especially at weekends but if want to get out of the city for a quick dip, then this is your best option. It’s a great beach for families with excellent shower and toilet facilities.
Carcavelos Beach is located Here
Estoril Beach
Renowned for Formula One and the casino which inspired the James Bond movie, Casino Royale, Estoril is also home to magical beaches and a promenade which is the envy of world capital cities.
The promenade stretches for 3 km and is straddled on one side by restaurants & cafes and on the other by sandy beaches, piers and rocky inlets. Why not take a leisurely stroll along the promenade into Cascais, explore the town and use your return rail ticket to get back to Lisbon.
There are plenty of changing and toilet facilities along the promenade and you are sure to have a great day out in Estoril.
Estoril is easily reachable by the coastal train from Lisbon and only takes about 40 minutes from the station at Cais do Sodre.
Estoril Beach is located Here
Cascais Beach
Cascais is a wonderful finishing town and it’s easily reached by taking the train at Cais do Sodre in Lisbon. It’s a pleasant short coastal journey taking 50 minutes, with lovely views along the way.
The small beach at Cascais is the focal point of the town. It’s perfect for the solo traveller or couples who’d like to mix up their city break and take in some culture, shopping and magnificent fresh seafood in the multitude of great restaurants.
The town beach is called Praia da Duquesa and if you you take just a few minutes walk in ether direction you’ll find alternatives.
Walk away from Lisbon, staying by the coast you’ll find a stunning cove located under a bridge, it’s rarely busy and unforgettable. Walk towards Lisbon along the promenade and there is a great natural seawater pool, plus another larger beach with water sports on offer and excellent changing facilities.
