A long stretch of Atlantic beaches near Lisbon, with a laid-back surf culture and fresh seafood restaurants along the beachfront. Popular with locals during summer weekends.
Costa da Caparica sits along 26 kilometers of Atlantic coastline south of Lisbon. You'll find wide sandy beaches where surfers catch waves year-round, the 70-meter-high Arriba Fóssil cliffs with 15-million-year-old marine fossils, and the active fishing community of Fonte da Telha. In summer, a beach train connects the swimming spots, and beach bars fill with music and parties after sunset.
Getting to Costa da Caparica
You can reach Costa da Caparica in 25 minutes by car across the 25 de Abril Bridge. To use public transport, take a ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, then catch bus 161 to Costa da Caparica's center. The direct bus service from Areeiro in Lisbon runs during summer months and takes about 40 minutes.
Beaches North to South
The northern beaches near the town center have showers, restrooms, and beach chair rentals, making them popular on weekends. Moving south, the beaches widen and buildings give way to sand dunes. The Transpraia beach train runs 9 kilometers along the coast from June to September, stopping at 19 different beaches. Surfers gather at Praia do Tarquinio, families settle around the central beaches, and the southern sections include naturist areas.
Surfing and Water Activities
Atlantic waves break consistently throughout the year at Costa da Caparica. Several surf schools operate around Praia do Tarquinio, where waist-high waves suit both beginners and intermediate surfers. At the southern beaches near Fonte da Telha, afternoon winds averaging 15-20 knots attract kitesurfers.
Arriba Fóssil Cliffs
The Arriba Fóssil cliffs rise 70 meters above the southern beaches. Stone pine and eucalyptus forests grow on the cliff tops, while marked trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic and Lisbon skyline. The cliff faces contain marine fossils up to 15 million years old, marking previous Atlantic shorelines.
Local Food Scene
Fishermen sell their daily catch along the streets, and local restaurants prepare caldeirada (fish stew) and grilled fish caught the same morning. The beachfront has casual bars and cafes that stay open until midnight during summer months.
Best Time to Visit
July and August see temperatures around 28°C (83°F) and minimal rain, making them the most active months at the beach. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) bring mild temperatures around 20°C (68°F), ideal for surfing and hiking. Winter months remain sunny but cooler, with temperatures around 15°C (60°F).
