This coastal town between Lisbon and Cascais has a wide sandy beach and a 16th-century fort. Known for its surf spots and local fortified wine production.
Carcavelos sits 12 kilometers west of Lisbon, where surfers catch waves at its 1.5-kilometer golden beach. You'll find surf schools teaching beginners, a 16th-century fortress guarding the coastline, and peacocks wandering through Quinta da Alagoa park. In the 18th century, the local fortified wine was considered valuable enough to be gifted to the Emperor of China.
Surfing at Carcavelos Beach
The waves at Carcavelos break consistently throughout the year, making this spot work well for both beginners and intermediate surfers. Five surf schools operate directly on the beach, where you can rent equipment or take lessons. The water temperature ranges from 14°C in February to 18°C in August. During summer months, the beach has designated areas for swimming and surfing.
Getting Around
Trains run every 20 minutes from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station to Carcavelos, taking 26 minutes. From Carcavelos station, walk 10 minutes through a pine-lined street to reach the beach. The same train line continues to Cascais, connecting you to other coastal towns. While local buses run to Lisbon, trains are more frequent and reliable.
Thursday Market and Local Life
Every Thursday morning, vendors fill the area between the church and train station with stalls selling clothing, fresh produce, and household items. Many locals come here for affordable clothing, including copies of designer brands. The indoor section opens daily, selling fresh fish, meat, and bread.
Quinta da Alagoa
This former wine estate now serves as a public park with wide lawns and a lake. Peacocks walk freely around the grounds, which include tennis courts and two playgrounds. You can still see parts of the original forest and ruins of old winemaking buildings surrounded by boxwood hedges. Local families often gather here for picnics and children's parties.
Fort of São Julião da Barra
Built in 1553, this fortress protected the Tagus estuary entrance. Spanish forces attacked it in 1580, and later it became a prison for Jesuits and political dissidents. Now it serves as the official summer residence of Portugal's Minister of Defense. While you can't enter the fort, you can view its stone walls and battlements from the beach.
Wine Production
Carcavelos produces a fortified wine made from up to nine different grape types, which has earned DOC status (Denominação de Origem Controlada) - Portugal's highest wine classification. In 1782, King Pedro III sent a case to the Chinese Emperor. While most vineyards have been replaced by buildings, a few small producers still make this wine, aging it in oak barrels for three to five years to develop its tawny color and nutty flavor.
