Best beaches near Lisbon, Portugal: stunning coastal escapes just a short trip away

You’re probably familiar with the quintessential pictures of Lisbon: colourful streets with the iconic, yellow tram and beautiful blue waters in the background. Naturally, this idyllic image makes you wonder how to visit the best beaches in the Portuguese capital. Well, this may be less straightforward than you think, as Lisbon doesn’t actually have a direct beach, it isn’t even surrounded by the sea. The water that gives these images that blue water backdrop is the Rio Tejo (Tagus River) running into the Atlantic Ocean. So, technically Lisbon does not have a direct beach or nor does it overlook the sea. BUT lucky for us, the shores of the Atlantic Ocean are just a short trip away from Lisbon, so you can easily visit some of the most breathtaking beaches in a day trip.

I’d say if you have 3-4 days minimum in Lisbon, I would recommend using one of these days for a day trip. Some of the beaches listed below are easier to reach than others, but I will give you detailed descriptions, so that you can pick your favourite ones. Some of you may already know that Lisbon is a place I called home for about 6 months, so I managed to explore the area for myself, especially the beaches. So, without further ado, let's see the best beaches near Lisbon. These are my top recommendations based on a variety of factors such as beauty, facilities and accessibility. 

Praia da Ribeira de Cascais 

Starting with the obvious choice, the beach of a little town just outside of Lisbon, loved by many tourists. This is probably the easiest to reach, it only takes a 40 minutes train ride from central Lisbon. The town Cascais itself is already worth a day trip, so why not combine it some time spent by the beach. On weekends and hotter days this beach gets busy, so just prepare for that. However, the good thing about it is that there are so many restaurants and cafes near by, so you don’t need to pack any food with you if you decide to spend a beach day here. 

A long stretch of sandy beach, close to some of the cutest cafes and restaurants

Praia da Adraga

This is one of my picks that really delivers when it comes to looks. A direct view to the magnificent ocean is impressive enough to make this worth your while. This is further out from Lisbon, so I think spending a day here is advisable. It’s easiest to reach by car or an Uber (if there are a few of you going this can actually be more budget friendly than you think). Alternatively, you can use the public transport via Sintra, followed by a walk or quick Uber ride to find this beautiful beach. There is one restaurant near by, so I think it’s easy to spend a whole, leisurely day here. 

So much beauty around, even on a cloudy day

Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo

This is a true, hidden gem. And probably the most difficult to reach, and I don’t only mean the public transport. This beach is located outside of Sesimbra, which you can reach via bus or car/taxi. Once you get to Sesimbra you need to walk out of the town and work through a tougher hike down to the beach. The way down is pretty rocky and steep, so only do it if you’re fit for such an adventure. But if you can do the hard work, the views really do pay off. Some claim this to be one of the most beautiful beaches, not just in Portugal, but worldwide. If you are feeling adventurous, add this to your itinerary. The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s super secluded, so you have to bring food/drinks with you, because there is nothing in sight. 

No filter on this one!

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas 

This is another one that’s quickest and easiest to approach by taxi or a rental car, but this long stretched beach can be the perfect addition to a slow holiday. There are cafes and restaurants nearby, so you can enjoy a nice drink or meal after a long beach walk. 

Endless shades of blue

Praia Nova

To reach this beach you will need to cross the famous 25 de Abril bridge, but it isn’t a long trip at all. I think this has to be the longest stretched, continuous beach in the area. It starts with Praia Nova, but as you move down to the South, the beach names will actually change, but the view remains the same: breathtaking. This is also an ideal place for long beach walks with a nice coffee in hand, which you can get from the many nearby cafes/restaurants. Another thing I love about this beach is that not too far from the shore it has an epic trail to walk around, a very unique activity to do in the area. 

My favourite beach near Lisbon for a long beach walk

And the beach views from the trail nearby, Passadiço Mata do Medos

Praia do Guincho 

This may be my personal favourite for sunsets, although this beach isn’t as big as some of the ones I mentioned above, the atmosphere is majestic. You can approach it by taking a train to Cascais and then taking an Uber. Another place where aren’t many facilities around, so just be prepared. 

+1 if you are short on time: Carcavelos 

This would not be my first choice, as if you have more time any of the above locations are much nicer. But. If you’re short on time Carcavelos is probably the first decent beach that you can easily reach via train from Lisbon. It’s the same line that would take you to Cascais, but closer in distance, so if you’re short on time, go for this one. There are several other ones of this train line, but some of them aren’t the nicest at all, because as I mentioned above they are more of a river shore, than a beach.