One of the best perks of visiting Portugal’s capital is certainly the Lisbon beaches. The city center is never too far away from a few of the local beaches and always make for a great day trip. The summer months often get pretty hot, so what better way to cool off than a dip in the Atlantic ocean.
The beautiful sand and turquoise waters of Lisbon’s beaches are only a train ride away. It’s one of the best things to do when visiting. I think what took me by surprise was how going to the beach was part of the local’s weekend routine — it seemed that it was what everyone was going to do!
On one of my trips to Lisbon, we spent a full day exploring all that Cascais had to offer. The charming town had a beautiful beach, boats floating off the coast, and endless fresh seafood to enjoy. My time exploring Lisbon’s coastline couldn’t have been more idyllic.
Ready to explore these Lisbon Beaches? Here’s a quick guide for your summer travels!
How far is Lisbon from the beach?
The closest beach is around 30 minutes away by public transportation from the main train station. It really all depends on how far you want to travel, if you’re using the public transportation system or if you’re going to self-drive.
Of course, the summer months, the beaches closest to the city are the most packed like Cascais. So if you’re looking to beat the crowds, the further away from the city, the better.
Best Lisbon beaches accessible by public transportation for a day trip
- Praia de Carcavelos (train 30 minutes) *This is your most popular beach.
- Costa da Caparica (bus 30 minutes)
- Praia da Conceição, Cascais (train 45 minutes) *Great for families.
- Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras (train 20 minutes)
- Praia do Tamariz, Estoril (train 40 minutes)
Best Lisbon beaches accessible by car for a day trip
- Praia do Creiro (Serra da Arrábida) *The waters here are incredible and one of the most beautiful beaches.
- Praia das Maçãs
- Praia de Guincho *Head here for windsurfing.
- Praia da Adraga
Weather for Lisbon Beaches
The warmest time of year to visit the beaches in Lisbon is from May to September. The water is refreshing and the summer heat is in full blast. Be prepared to bring some shade covering for yourself as the sun can be very strong on the coast.
To read all Lisbon posts, head here.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
