Best time to visit Lisbon

Beach Season in Lisbon

There are plenty of places for relaxation in Lisbon surroundings

Best time: May–September

Beach Season
Beach Season

It is easy to combine sightseeing in Lisbon with sunbathing. But there is one crucial thing to keep in mind before heading to the beach: the water in the Lisbon region remains pretty cold and windy even during the warmest days of summer—you can expect it to be around 15°C. Anyway, it shouldn't prevent you from spending time on the sandy beaches that surround the city.

The area around Lisbon connects four coastlines with different types of nature—the Estoril-Cascais coastline, the Serra de Sintra coastline, the Costa da Caparica, and the Serra da Arrábida coastline.

The first one—the Estoril-Cascais area—is the most popular destination for tourists. Being the closest one to the city, it can be easily accessed by public transport. The water is calm and clear, and the sand is white along the coastline. But due to its location and the popularity among tourists, beaches here can get pretty crowded during the high season. The most famous beaches are Praia de Carcavelos and Praia do Tamariz but you may also pay attention to Praia da Rainha, Praia de Conceicao, Praia da Duquesa, and Praia da Ribeira located near Cascais and to Praia da Poco and Praia das Moitas which are close to Estoril.

On the contrary, the Serra de Sintra coastline cannot boast a developed infrastructure for tourists. Thus, it would attract those who are looking for more wild and unspoiled nature. Praia do Guincho and Praia das Maçãs are probably the most famous beaches in the region.

The Costa da Caparica is a 15-km coastline of golden sands along the western side of the Setubal Peninsular. The area combines pristine beaches with trendy bar offers. The most developed area is located in the northern part and is centred around the resort town of Costa da Caparica. You can easily get to Costa da Caparica by bus from Lisbon.

The Serra da Arrábida coastline lies on the southern side of the Setubal Peninsular. The picturesque beaches are surrounded by the steep hills of the national park. This area boasts some of the finest beaches of Portugal, but they are the furthest from Lisbon, and it is better to rent a car to get there. Sesimbra is a good start point for exploring the region.

Practical info

When is a good time to visit the beaches close to Lisbon?

The period from May to September is an ideal time to enjoy and explore the beaches near Lisbon. Although the water temperature may still be relatively low during the warmest days, the weather is perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. This is a bustling season for beaches close to Lisbon, so there are many different coastlines to try around the city. Show more

What are some of the lesser-crowded beaches that can be found near Lisbon?

The coastlines Serra de Sintra and Serra da Arrábida are great off-the-beaten-path options for those who would like to escape crowded areas. Serra de Sintra features unspoiled beaches like Praia do Guincho and Praia das Maçãs, while the Serra da Arrábida coastline is surrounded by the steep hills of the national park. Both destinations offer their own unique natural beauty and views to any visitor and are less crowded than other beaches in the region. Show more

What can be said about the water temperature and beaches on the Estoril-Cascais coastline?

The Estoril-Cascais coastline has the most serene white sand beaches and clear water in the region, and it's the most visited destination for tourists. However, its water is fairly cold, around 15°C even during the warmest days of the season. Praia de Carcavelos and Praia do Tamariz are the two famous beaches in the area. Additionally, other beaches include Praia da Conceicao, Praia da Duquesa, Praia da Ribeira, and Praia da Rainha close to the city centre, and Praia das Moitas and Praia da Poco near Estoril. Show more

What makes the Serra de Sintra coastline beaches different from others?

The Serra de Sintra coastline has a natural environment that has been left untouched, making it ideal for visitors who want an experience in nature. Praia do Guincho and Praia das Maçãs are some of the most popular beaches on this coastline, boasting striking white sand beaches along with dune systems and cliffs. These beaches are ideal for people who want to see great scenery without the crowd and add a unique touch to their vacation in Lisbon. Show more

What is the transportation method to get to the Serra da Arrábida coastline and what make this beach unique?

A rental car is the best way to reach the Serra da Arrábida coastline, which is further away but one of the best beach destinations within Portugal. The beaches of the Serra da Arrábida coastline are surrounded by steep hills within the national park, and offer very tranquil and clear water. Among the popular beaches, there are Galapos, Figueirinha, and Portinho da Arrábida, all unique in itself and a must-visit for nature lovers looking for a nice getaway from the city. Show more

Ask a question
Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin