The summer days are upon us and with the heat we really want to take a dip in the sea and relax a bit, and if it can be away from the hustle and bustle of the most popular beaches, even better. For example, one of these! Read on because we're going to give you our pick of the 10 best beaches on the outskirts of Lisbon.
When the hot days arrive, everyone remembers the same thing! And when we get to a beach, we don't even have a place to lay out a towel, let alone relax. But perhaps there is a solution to get away from the hustle and bustle. Try to find those half-hidden beaches away from the crowds. If you do find them, remember to leave them as you found them. The locals don't like it when tourists leave rubbish behind - after all, you're in a country that's not their own. This way you'll be sure to enjoy a day well spent and when you can come back next time.
São Julião Beach in Mafra
The northernmost beach in the municipality of Sintra, 45 kilometres from Lisbon, São Julião beach is right at the end of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Where the Falcão River divides the beach into two municipalities, Sintra and Mafra, it has the longest stretch of sand in the municipality of Sintra, with around 2 kilometres of white sand and a blue sea that invites you to swim. This beach is very popular with water sports enthusiasts, such as bodyboarding and surfing, and is also excellent for sport fishing as it has many fishing grounds.
A short hop from Ericeira is the municipality of Mafra, a small fishing village where you can always have a good lunch, especially the fresh fish, and get to know the town centre. A great view for a late afternoon watching the sun go down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy our private tours of Lisbon, as well as our Sintra tour, with a local guide.
Magoito Beach in Sintra
In the heart of Sintra, Magoito gives the impression of being a wild beach. This beach is a frequent destination for those who live in the Sintra region, but it has always been relatively quiet, as it has never attracted many tourists, due to the fact that it is not as well known as others in the area.
It's a long beach with golden sands, where the sea is a beautiful shade of turquoise blue. Its greatest peculiarity is a consolidated dune of solidified sand, created over millennia by the action of the sea and the wind, which is classified as a geological monument. The almost vertical cliffs also reveal sedimentary rocks formed millions of years ago, when the sea level was much higher than it is today. There are therefore plenty of elements to hold the attention of those interested in geology and natural history
Although very beautiful, we warn you that the waters are cold! For those who like calm and natural beauty, it's only 40 kilometres from the city.
Samarra Beach in Sintra
The best kept secret on the Sintra coast, it is located in a narrow cove and is formed by a sharp indentation in the cliff. After an almost steep descent, the breathtaking beauty of Praia da Samarra doesn't let you catch your breath.
The sand is small, but the place is a true paradise for solitary holidaymakers and lovers of almost virgin nature, where the noise of bathers is replaced by the waves crashing on the rocks.
Adraga Beach in Sintra
The last of Sintra's beaches is in the middle of the rocks (it has sand, don't worry), and has a breathtaking landscape.
This beautiful beach, set whimsically between two cliffs sculpted by the sea, is in a natural environment with very few traces of human presence. Access is via the village of Almoçageme, on the road from Cabo da Roca to Colares. It has the designation of Accessible Beach because it has equipment and monitors that make it easier for people with reduced mobility to enjoy the sea and sunbathing in better conditions.
If you happen to go to the beach on the third Sunday of the month, don't forget to stop by Almoçageme market, which is one of the access points to the beach.
Abano Beach in Guincho
Everyone knows Guincho beach well, but what about Abano beach?
It's less popular, not only because of its small stretch of sand but also because of the difficult access. It is characterised by strong waves and strong winds.
It's a micro beach hidden away from the grandeur of Guincho, but with exactly the same qualities and a strongly naturalised image, and only 33 km from Lisbon!
Arrábida harbour in Setúbal
Now we're talking about warmer waters and that Thai beach vibe. Portinho da Arrábida is the perfect combination of mountains and sea!
It's in the middle of the Arrábida Natural Park (Portugal is full of Natural Parks), which makes it one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Its fine white sands and the varying shades of blue of its clear waters contrast with the verdant vegetation of the Serra, forming a beautiful setting that invites you to relax.
In this tranquil bay you can go snorkelling to observe the marine diversity, although spearfishing is forbidden as the seabed is also considered a Nature Reserve.
This little paradise is 46 kilometres from Lisbon, and is a beautiful trip for any day of the week.
Galapos Beach in Setúbal
Or Galapa beach, right next to Portinho da Arrábida.
Portinho has its charms, but in the event of a busy day, Galapos is an excellent alternative. The same sea, the same sun, the same landscape, it's a beautiful beach with golden sand and a calm, transparent sea, and offers bathing support, a restaurant, and thatches and sunbeds for hire.
Surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of the Serra da Arrábida, Praia de Galapos is one of the most beautiful in the region and is sheltered by cliffs that protect it from the winds, maintaining the tranquillity of its waters.
Ribeiro do Cavalo beach in Sesimbra
Just 40 kilometres from the city and very close to Cape Espichel, Ribeiro do Cavalo beach is only now becoming better known. It's an isolated beach and relatively difficult to access, but its spectacular scenery is what makes Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo one of the best beaches you can find near Lisbon.
It's a little difficult to access (it's for the adventurous!) and can't be reached by road, so you have to hike down the mountain. But you get your reward when you get there. It's one of the few beaches that has no human hands, no shops or ice-cream stalls.
Tróia Beach in Setúbal
Going to Tróia is a worthwhile adventure in itself. There are lots of ways to get there, but the most fun is to take the ferry across the river Sado at Setúbal.
The beach has a considerable stretch of sand and some facilities, such as wooden walkways and parasols. Above all, it invites you to contemplate the beauty of the Serra da Arrábida and all the surrounding dunes, it's one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and if you're very lucky, you might see a dolphin passing by!
It's 50 kilometres from Lisbon, that little bit further, but it's worth it. For the most attentive, but above all for the luckiest, there's the chance to see the noble dolphins in full swing..
Fonte da Telha, in Costa da Caparica
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Costa da Caparica, head further afield to Fonte da Telha.
It's located at the southern end of Costa da Caparica. Its beach has a beautiful landscape of white sand, dunes rich in vegetation, an imposing cliff and several bars and restaurants facing the sea for a great evening out.
Endless metres of sand just for us, and above all, it's the closest option to Lisbon, just 25 km away.
We hope you enjoy our suggestions for beaches around Lisbon, we're sure you'll love them! And your summer will be unforgettable.
Enjoy your dives!
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