ShareSaveCommentLifestyleTravelLisbon’s Beach Playground: Where To Eat, Chill And Dance In Costa Da CaparicaByAnn Abel Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Ann Abel is a Lisbon-based writer covering luxury travel with a soulFollow AuthorMay 24 the Costa da Caparica—a long stretch of Atlantic beach just across the Tagus River from Lisbon—was something of an afterthought; Lisboetas saw it merely as a low-rent suburb when the surfers caught the waves and a group of bohemian mostly international scene-makers caught onto the region’s potential some with chilled-out afternoons and others with booming parties that last until sunrise Two years ago, the opening of Casa Reîa cemented Costa da Caparica as a glamorous destination for Lisbon’s global set and well executed by Brazilian chef Pedro Henrique Lima Standouts include baba ghanoush with pistachios and roasted seafood rice with octopus and prawns Other dishes are cooked simply in the Josper charcoal oven There’s a boutique selling all sorts of posh beachwear and extensive programming including everything from morning surf lessons to nighttime ecstatic dance parties The biggest addition for 2024 is the Cabana na Reîa a relaxed chiringuito-style restaurant with savory snacks and cocktails to be enjoyed barefoot in the sand It was arguably Praia Princesa that put Caparica on the map when it opened in 2014 The place the laid-back answer to flashier beach clubs around the Mediterranean but steady design upgrades have enhanced its style and it’s grown a following of regulars who feel like family It’s kept an emphasis on tasty lunches and languid afternoons beside the waves; sometimes DJs spin at sunset While beach-bar classics like garlicky Bulhão Pato clams and whole grilled fish are spot-on the menu also includes more unusual fare like shimeji mushrooms with egg yolk grilled leeks with romesco and chirashi bowls with marinated fish There’s no shortage of (so-so) sushi along this cost, but Buya Beach’s take on Portuguese-Japanese fusion is a bit different The Caparica restaurant is a spinoff of the Buya izayaka and ramen restaurants that started in Florida and expanded to Berlin and the Portuguese edition has the same globe-trotting It aims to foster a diverse community of artists foodies and “life enthusiasts.” The menu has some novelties including Japanese-style oysters with citrus ponzu and ikura and a miso Tomahawk steak grilled over a wood fire Hippie vibes are on full display at Irmão which is celebrating its fourth birthday this summer It’s the project of three brothers—the word irmão means “brother” in Portuguese”—who infused the place with peace and love and a “save the world” ethos with homemade 48-fermented dough and top-quality toppings from France largely sharable small places—oxtail tacos but most people are there for the community and the aesthetics The dining room and lounge area are festooned with feathery plumes daybeds and other treasures collected in Morocco There’s also a lively late-night dance party scene While the decoration at Clássico is as laidback as it is anywhere along the stretch—classic with Brazilian-style hammocks and cushions—the cuisine is often a step up That’s because it’s part of the empire of chef Olivier (a one-name-only kind of guy) the proprietor of some of Lisbon’s trendy big-night-out restaurants The cooking standards and many of the suppliers are the same resulting in fish that’s the quality of the sashimi at Olivier’s sushi restaurant Yakuza and the wagyu burgers and classic steaks match what’s found at his carnivorous joint and the nearly two dozen varieties of fish and seafood that come straight from the market each day are as fresh as can be “Magic” is the watchword for Kailua another beach club with sun-drenched boho vibes a hipster surf school and a lifestyle boutique Guests are served a full manifesto about caring for one another and the planet While many typical Portuguese beach dishes are available including dishes like loaded vegetarian nachos One of the few fully Portuguese-owned places on the coast, Casablanca has the same sort of weathered-wood decoration and classic dishes as its flashier neighbors but often at a more democratic price point meant to attract a diverse clientele with different environments including an indoor dining room for private events a beach bar for sunset cocktails and a DJ setup where international acts perform until late in the night yoga with some of the city’s top practitioners and a pop-up Moroccan-style souk for shopping This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email The fire that broke out on Tuesday (21 January) night and destroyed a restaurant on Cabana do Pescador Beach The commander of the Cacilhas Volunteer Firefighters highlighted in statements to journalists at the scene that the fire was declared under control at 00:10 today and that the operators would move on to the aftermath phase "The resources will be used until there is no longer any active flame then the debris will be removed," he said at 00:30 today Maximino Viegas highlighted that when the resources were called to the fire the space was already completely engulfed in flames The restaurant is located close to the beach Asked by journalists if the fire started because of the storm the fire chief highlighted that it is up to the entities to carry out the investigation now We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time Send us your comments or opinion on this article Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal these are the best beaches in Portugal for every occasion Leave the hustle and bustle of Lisbon behind over the imposing Ponte 25 de Abril and soak up the sun on a more southerly beach – even if just for the day Portinho da Arrábida’s proximity to the capital makes it a popular summer hangout among tourists and locals alike but thanks to the size of the sweeping swathe of sand you’ll rarely struggle to find a spot for your beach towel you’ll find a series of equally charming coves to the east toward Setúbal such as Praia da Anixa and Praia de Galapinhos Get there: Fly to Lisbon and drive for 45 minutes Praia da Mata with its scattering of reed umbrellas and Praia do Berto – a southerly corner that feels apart from the city altogether Praia de Odeceixe appears to be a mighty body of sand in the shape of a ‘thumbs up’ stemming the ebb and flow of water from the North Atlantic Ocean into the Ribeira de Seixe the river dividing Portugal’s Beja and Faro districts It’s a great place to lay down a towel and relax over a picnic spread in the shoulder season and the dramatic views across the endless ocean winding river and surrounding lush hills are so rewarding if you’re up for a bit of a hike There’s a small town where the sand meets the countryside a gift shop and a rustic guesthouse offering super affordable rates You may be familiar with Praia da Marinha without even knowing it As one of the best beaches along the Algarve it’s often the cover girl across holiday brochures and tourism campaigns many come here to admire the beauty of the ‘secret’ coves on either side a small quiet cove backed by a dramatic cliff face hopping in and out of sea caves and snapping the Martian rock formations that rise out of the depths so arrive early to secure a spot beside the waves especially on weekends when locals and holidaymakers take to the sand There’s a snack bar for light bites and drinks during summer and enough amenities to keep even the most rambunctious toddlers entertained for weeks Get there: fly to Lisbon Portela then a one-hour drive Close to the Spanish border, Moledo’s beach has been attracting visitors for more than a century with its long stretch of sand, pretty landscape panoramas of the Camarido Forest and views across the bay to the hills of Spain. Often windy and with strong waves, it’s ideal for kite surfers. Porto-born photographer Eduardo Leal The surf is good and it has lovely scenery Get there: fly to Francisco de Sá Carneiro then a 50-minute drive Praia de São Jacinto’s long stretch of sand is a place of escape The dunes are home to unique plant and bird life the waves are good for surfing and the seemingly endless stretch of sand feels pleasingly wild and deserted: bring a book switch off your phone and savour the sound of the waves Taking the boat from Aveiro across the river is the fastest and simplest way to get there Get there: fly to Porto then a 90-minute drive has become popular with the chichi families of the capital with its long stretch of white sand abutting the turquoise sea including umbrellas and sun loungers to rent a tent for massages and a small library with books for all ages and daily Portuguese newspapers to read on the rustic terrace run by a former fisherman and famous for its excellent fish dishes and casual barefoot feel Get there: fly to Lisbon Portela then a one-hour-15-minute drive You need to park the car then walk 1km or so to Praia da Amália – across small streams along a sandy path to the cliff edge and down rough-hewn stairs to the beach itself This short walk often guarantees you’ll have this wonderful beach to yourself: along with a lovely stretch of sand there’s a waterfall tumbling down the cliffs in one corner rocks to explore and surf in which to play so bring a picnic and take care in the water Get there: fly to Faro then a one-hour-45-minute drive Rodrigo Machaz has been visiting the Algarve since he was a child and today runs Memmo Baleeira in Sagres, the hotel of choice for international surfers ‘My favourite spot for surfing and a great beach day is Praia da Cordoama,’ he says ‘Start at the Miradouro da Cordoama viewpoint which has amazing views of the coast the long sandy stretch is perfect for a walk at low tide and the sand banks make for good surfing Bring a bottle of wine: the sunset here is wonderful Get there: fly to Faro then a one-hour-25-minute drive Portugal’s best beaches are undeniably beautiful but the Atlantic water that borders them can often be chilly at the easternmost point of the Algarve beside the Spanish border is your best bet for warmer bathing and Praia do Barril is a family favourite with its long stretches of white sand bordered by dunes and calm The area’s fishing history is evident in the many anchors that decorate the sand and the former fishermen’s cottages Get there: Fly to Faro then a 40-minute drive The sea that surrounds Portugal's Costa Azul ('Blue Coast') certainly lives up to its name – it's startlingly blue against the white rockface this secret cove is an undiscovered gem and ideal for those who like to skinny-dip it remains off-the-radar due to its small size and steep climb down the wild hills of the Setúbal Peninsula fall away to the searingly blue sea and make this cape perfect for the adventurous beach hunter The famous 18th-century Cabo Espichel Lighthouse and Nossa Senhora do Cabo church nearby are also worth seeing – as are the 145-million-year-old dinosaur footprints that chase up the cliffside Get there: Fly to Lisbon then a one-hour drive The Algarve coast can be over-run in the high season but Praia do Carvalho is a beautiful sandy cove and Sandstone cliffs flank the golden beach and the sea resembles a sapphire shard wedged in between Come at low tide to laze on the sand and explore the cliffside riddled with caverns and more tunnels and shoots spray out through blowholes in the cliff path This secluded beach lies by the sandy banks of the Mira river as it meets the sea. A little further inland is the ancient fishing village of Vila Nova de Milfontes. The river meanders widely before the sea here and the beach is protected from the wilder waves further out. Try canoeing up the Mira River (contact Surfmilfontes) or head into the village to feast on some of the Alentejo region's finest fish dishes is particularly good at Restaurante Porto das Barcas Getting there: Fly to Beja then a 90-minute drive the Costa Vicentina has sparked the curiosity of adventurous people down the ages As one of the most westerly parts of Europe this was often the last shore that sailors would see as they set sail for foreign lands and the first to emerge on their return Praia de Cavaleiro is one of many secret beaches here and has dramatic A goat track with wooden railing leads down to the sands Come here in spring to see storks building their nests Fishermen's trails and smugglers' tracks weave their way over this coastline and the Rota Vicentina which totals 400km of hiking routes along this coast the most westerly promontory of the Alentejo region Head over the high seas from the Peniche coast to this mysterious archipelago Berlenga Grande is the largest of these islands Pink rock and green grass slope to the water's edge while hundreds of seagulls wheel and caw overhead An enigmatic 16th-century fortress built on the monastic remains of a rocky island can be reached by a zig-zagging bridge out over rocks or by a short swim There are a couple of beautiful small beaches here and caves with silvery fish can be reached by swimming Cova do Sonho is one of the best caves lit by aquamarine water The coastline of the eastern Algarve says goodbye to cliffs and caves sun-drenched dunes and sandy islands between the Ria Formosa and the open sea Ilha da Fuseta is the most beautiful of these sandy islands protected by a little inlet (known as a barra) you can walk across the sand to the island There are many shallow pools with warm water Just inland are the tidal marshes of the Ria Formosa Natural Park so look out for hundreds of pink flamingos that gather near these salt marshes Getting there: Fly to João Paulo II then a 30-minute drive Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Lisbon These beach areas are beautiful – and less than an hour from Lisbon When it comes time to book a summer holiday people can usually be divided into two groups: beach bums who are determined to flop on the sand and enjoy the sun and city lovers looking to soak up the energy and excitement of a new place. But never fear: in Lisbon This guide was written by the editorial team at Time Out Lisbon. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines Fotografia: Inês Calado RosaThe 10km of coastline that makes up the Costa da Caparica boasts beaches to suit all tastes with classic destinations and less obvious spots The pre-summer season is the perfect time to visit don’t let the queues put you off – pick a beach Praia de São João and Praia do CDS Mariana Valle LimaCascais is just a train ride from Lisbon and there’s no shortage of places where you can soak up the sun on the sand or take a dip the main attraction for those heading to Cascais don’t settle for just a beach snack – the area has some wonderful seaside restaurants and bars ©Duarte DragoSintra’s climate can be a bit unpredictable so don’t be surprised if it’s scorching hot in Lisbon but you find yourself reaching for extra layers when you get here the stunning scenery is sure to reward all beachgoers whether you’re braving the cold waters or staying cosy on a terrace you’ll be in good company – with its many palaces Praia da Ursa and Praia de São Julião ©Arlindo CamachoLess than an hour from Lisbon, Arrábida is a postcard-perfect spot nestled between the mountains and the Atlantic offering beaches for everyone: from those bringing kids along and wanting to park right at the entrance to those willing to tackle more challenging trails that lead to truly heavenly beaches Best beaches: Praia do Porto da Baleeira (Praia do Paraíso) Praia do Penedo (Praia do Inferno) and Praia da Cova da Mijona Photograph: ShutterstockIf you ever find yourself stuck in terrible traffic on the way to Caparica you’ll wish you’d headed to Meco instead There are several beaches to choose from – and some are busier than others The most popular is Moinho de Baixo Beach (the official name of Praia do Meco) which offers car parks at varying prices (depending on how close they are to the sand) and the famous Bar do Peixe where the garlic butter limpets come highly recommended Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! facebookinstagramAbout us Contact us With the eggy cream filling of a pastel de nata and the puffy the claudino in Costa da Caparica is worth seeking out Many tourists visiting Lisbon never leave the city center unable to tear themselves from the tile-lined buildings and — of course — the picture-perfect pastéis de nata served on every corner Few are willing to cross the iconic Golden Gate-esque 25 de Abril Bridge to reach Costa da Caparica even to stick their toes in the pale beige sand of the closest beaches to the Portuguese capital And that’s just fine with residents; more claudinos for the locals flaky pastry filled with velvety cream is ubiquitous on the south bank of the Tagus River It originated at local pastry shop Papo-Seco before spreading to other nearby shops generates long queues that snake out the front of the shop on warm summer days The pastry has even hopped the river and breached Lisbon gaining ground in a city already overloaded with sweets as diverse as the azulejos patterns covering ancient walls Though you might spot one on your next tour of Lisbon the best way to enjoy a claudino is in its native environment in Costa da Caparica claudinos are an iteration of that tireless duo of sugar and egg yolk which come together in a rich pastry cream along with warm milk and some sort of starch to provide structure claudinos weren’t developed centuries ago in a monastery or convent an unidentified pastry chef at Papo-Seco was testing new recipes when they decided to sprinkle sugar on their puff pastry before baking The result turned out better than expected and it became an instant hit with locals When Papo-Seco closed its doors 10 years later some of the former cooks remained in Costa da Caparica and found work just down Rua dos Pescadores at O Capote — and they took the claudino recipe with them to their new employer delivering the perfect little hit of sugar But the modern claudino has an advantage over its ancient round competitor: A claudino is the “perfect shape to be enjoyed with a coffee in the other hand,” says Magda Costa which is easier to grab and fits perfectly in the mouth,” agrees designer Rita João editor of Fabrico Proprio: The Design of Portuguese Semi-Industrial Confectionery which traces the creation of many Portuguese sweets She explains that the recipe that appeared at O Capote is a version of another traditional Portuguese sweet “Because it has less surface area [compared to a parra] without the use of semi-industrial egg creams that are already so common across the country.” Since the recipe calls for puff pastry instead of the pâte à choux common in French pastries making it easier to balance the proportion of dough to cream to sprinkle sugar over the dough before putting it into the oven Claudinos attract people from all over the country especially during summer when Costa da Caparica receives hordes of tourists But claudinos are not restricted to the hottest days of the year There isn’t a day that we don’t sell at least one,” says Costa The sweet has become so popular that O Capote receives orders for giant claudinos (up to two kilos each) to serve as birthday cakes claudinos have gained space on countertop displays in pastry shops in downtown Lisbon a cafe opened in 1912 in the Campo de Ourique neighborhood and the southern sweet represents 10 percent of daily sales “More and more people order a claudino here They know that we do it and come looking for it,” says manager Carlos Faria The original recipe remains a well-kept secret at O Capote but a general standard has circulated among competing shops — although some prefer to use egg cream as a filling Batches of claudinos come out of the ovens at O Capote all day long Stop by at breakfast to enjoy one with a meia de leite when a claudino makes the ideal post-beach snack Pastelaria Copacabana opened five decades ago in Costa de Caparica it serves claudinos with traditional pastry cream to ensure the pastry is crispy when the first guests arrive.3-4 Rua dos Pescadores Xandite has three branches in Costa da Caparica The one on Rua Dom João is the classic location with hand-painted tiles covering the walls The chain concentrates production in their central kitchen delivering fresh claudinos (made with egg cream) each morning — but they don’t last long.11 R Rafael Tonon is a journalist and food writer living between Brazil and Portugal He is the author of the book The Food Revolutions Humberto Mouco is a Portuguese photographer and resident of Lisbon Dispatches from the Eater staff about the world’s culinary destinations worth planning an entire trip around The first phase of public participation in the Metro Sul do Tejo (MST) expansion project to Costa da Caparica and Trafaria will begin in the coming weeks The process will be mediated by the Faculty of Science and Technology of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (Nova FCT) mediate and produce an independent report on citizens' contributions details in a statement the Metropolitan Transport of Lisbon the Municipality of Almada and the Lisbon Metro The route under study for the extension of MST line 3 will be 7.16 km long Várzea de Pêra (with connection to Funchalinho) Bombeiros Voluntários da Trafaria and Estação Fluvial da Trafaria the project foresees the requalification of public spaces as well as the creation of a route dedicated to active mobility (pedestrian and cycling) linked to the connections planned at the Municipal Cycling Network level the Minister of Infrastructure said that works to extend the Metro Sul do Tejo to Costa de Caparica and Trafaria should begin within five to seven years seven years we could be thinking about works on the ground and rolling stock acquired” said Miguel Pinto Luz on the sidelines of the signing ceremony of the cooperation protocol for the expansion of the metro to Costa da Caparica and I would cheat are among the favorites of Lisbon residents There is plenty on offer to suit all tastes Every year the same thing happens: a april 25 bridge is filled with cars heading for some of the most beautiful beaches in our country We’re talking about the 15 kilometers of sand on the Costa da Caparica This coastal area, located in the municipality of Almada, is known for its long sandy beaches lapped by the often cold waters of the Atlantic Costa da Caparica is one of the most popular destinations at this time of year (summer) not only for Lisbon residents but also for tourists if we consider Cova do Vapor Beach as the first on this coastline Today we decided to take a trip to the south bank to get to know each of the many beaches around Almada better The result is this list of the 10 best beaches on the Costa da Caparica where you can spread out your towel and relax to the sound of the tides We’ll start with the last of the Costa da Caparica line which is characterized by its long sandy beach and an imposing cliff that delights those looking for a beach to rest from an intense working week EXTRA TIP: arrive early so you don’t hit too much traffic on the way to this destination This is Costa da Caparica’s favorite beach for young people it’s a delight for families with children who find this beach a great source of entertainment EXTRA TIP: Take advantage of the Borda d’Água terrace It’s the best place to eat and drink while keeping your feet in the sand It is one of the first beaches on the Costa da Caparica It’s quite extensive and has a very pleasant beach support (Grão d’ Areia) an ice cream or a cold beer before your next dip so it may not be too difficult to find a space It’s the Costa da Caparica beach that has all the safety conditions (with concessions it’s guarded and has a Blue Flag) that is closest to the capital and one of the first beaches on the coast to welcome surfers There are several versions of the name CDS: some say it comes from Centro Desportivo de Surf EXTRA TIP: Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the Serra da Arrábida It is the first beach on this coastline on the south bank This is where those who want to make the most of the day gather without having to travel along the coast in search of parking spaces you’ll still have time to try the freshly grilled sardines Praia do Infante has one of the longest stretches of sand on the Costa da Caparica It usually has fewer people than its neighbors Morena or Sereia EXTRA TIP: at the Casa Blanca Beach Lounge you can try the coolest drinks of the summer it has a long stretch of sand and is excellent for water sports EXTRA TIP: The popular Waikiki bar is worth a visit but that doesn’t mean you’ll have more space to spread out your towel Praia da Cabana do Pescador is usually very crowded especially for those who like to play sport and is the meeting place for many beach volleyballenthusiasts EXTRA TIP: Try the fresh fish at the Cabana do Pescador restaurant It’s called Dezanove because it’s the 19th stop on the Transpraia the train that crosses almost the entire Costa da Caparica and is very close to Praia da Fonte da Telha EXTRA TIP: this is the gay community‘s most popular beach surfers and bodyboarders are the main people you’ll see on the last beach on this list It is one of the best known in Costa da Caparica and its name comes from the house you can see from the road EXTRA TIP: take the opportunity to have lunch at the beach restaurant Uma viagem de comboio pelas praias da Linha de Cascais a city break – but there are also plenty of beaches in Lisbon loved by locals that you can easily get to even if you’re only on a short weekend trip to the capital Portugal is known for its vast stretches of sand and wild waters making it an ideal spot for surfers; and while the country's capital has plenty of places to catch a wave Lisbon is also home to several small bays for those looking for some relaxation on their next trip Whether you want a quiet bay to relax and unwind or a wide-open space with nobody else around these are the Lisbon beaches that are well worth a visit on your next trip The seaside town is one of the quieter areas of Lisbon and can be busy on weekends during the summer months there are plenty of spots to rest for a day along Caparica with many choosing to perch close to one of the shore's beach bars which cater to both relaxed beachgoers and those looking to sip cocktails and soak up a party atmosphere as that sun goes down The further away from the town of Caparica you wander the more sparsely populated the beaches become so consider what you're looking for before your visit It's worth knowing that the waves are particularly strong here – making it a great surfing beach – but if you're planning to swim it's sensible to do so where lifeguards are on duty Getting there: If you choose to take public transport buses run from Lisbon to Caparica and take around 30 minutes the beach is a 30-minute drive from the city centre the stunning natural area about an hour's drive from Lisbon It's also the easiest to reach from the nearby city of Setúbal thanks to a helpful bus route which makes this beach extremely popular with locals It's known to be very slightly warmer than other nearby beaches thanks to its shallow waters but the beach isn't as busy as some of the others so come prepared with snacks if you're picky Getting there: The beach isn't particularly accessible via public transport from Lisbon but if you have access by car it's about an hour and 10 minutes from the centre it's not the best place in Lisbon for swimming – however for those looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach is the stunning view of Lisbon – you can see from the north to the south of the city from the sands Getting there: The beach can't be accessed via public transport It takes an hour to drive from the centre of Lisbon but you'll be surrounded but sunbathers There's something nostalgic about this beach in that it almost feels like a British pier – except with much more sun – meaning you can expect cafes serving up classic seaside food (but with more sardines) locals playing rounders on the sand and couples strolling along the shoreline Getting there: Trains from Lisbon's major station driving takes around 40 minutes from the city centre That's not to say it isn't worth a visit though; the affluent area used to be a fishing town and was historically the summer retreat of Portuguese nobility and its cobbled streets and charming traditional houses remain The Praia de Ribeira beach is in the centre of Cascais traditionally where boats were moored and unloaded but now the sands are used for sunbathers and those enjoying a swim in the still waters It's one of the main beaches in the area so best to be avoided on weekends during the summer months – if you find yourself in Cascais around this time stop for lunch at one of the area's delicious restaurants and find a smaller bay to enjoy without the crowds Getting there: Trains run regularly from Cais do Sodré to Cascais and back or the town is a 50-minute drive from the city centre which begins at the bottom of Costa da Caparica is known for its long stretches of pristine sand and natural surroundings Praia do Meco is located on a stretch of protected coastline which means developments in the area are limited so you can expect just a couple of restaurants serving up local seafood dishes Praia do Meco is infamous for being the first nudist beach in the country – today while the rest is designated as family space there can be high winds and strong currents in the area so it's recommended that you visit on a less windy day to take advantage of the space and remote setting Getting there: You’ll need a car to access the beach from Lisbon as crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge can be stressful at peak times which means you’ll be vying for a spot of sand when the summer months come a less tourist-heavy but equally beautiful small beach but the smaller size means calmer waters for swimming and it’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of the area – Estoril is home to the largest casino in Europe which inspired Ian Fleming to write Bond’s Casino Royale Getting there: Trains run regularly from Cais do Sodre station in Lisbon city centre so you can easily take public transport there and back Getting there: It is possible to take the train from Lisbon to Cascais, and then take a taxi to the beach. However, it’s probably best to make the journey from Lisbon via car. A 'live cam' broadcast from Bar Kailua shows the moment when the 4.7 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale hit Praia da Fonte da Telha The earthquake occurred at 1:24 pm this Monday with its epicentre approximately 14 kilometres southwest of Seixal According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) the earthquake "so far has not caused any personal or material damage and was felt with a maximum intensity of V (modified Mercalli scale) in the municipalities of Sintra (Lisbon) and Almada (Setúbal)" 🇵🇹 [ PORTUGAL / LISBONNE ] Séisme de magnitude 4.8 Épicentre à Costa da Caparica 📍(17/02/25 📹 via RenderNature) pic.twitter.com/DGr7Ntsxiy "It was felt with even less intensity in the municipalities of Odemira (Beja) The camera is loose and the ocean is unimpressed If there's one thing we all like when we go to the beach it's that there's a beach bar nearby to quench our thirst on these hot summer days Although many people already go “equipped” with large bags of food and fridges with refreshing drinks it is still these beach bars in Lisbon that often “save” the day especially when our provisions run out or start to get warm and we have to go to one of these oases to get a cold beer or water… and even food And it was precisely these two stretches of beach that we visited in search of the best beach bars in Lisbon Come with us… We’ll buy the first round Along the huge expanse of beaches that exist on the wonderful Costa de Caparica (if you don’t think about the traffic you have to get there there are plenty of bars and restaurants right next to the beach There are so many that it would be tedious to mention them all in this article That’s why we’re going to focus on those we’ve already been to with the promise that we’ll update this article whenever we try out more and new of these beach bars We’ll start with one of our favorites which is special because it was here that we ate the freshest fish of the day very well grilled accompanied by other delicious delicacies and some of this summer’s most refreshing cocktails The wooden tones throughout the space make us feel connected to the land which is the area that this bar-restaurant best serves those who choose this beach Irmão is known for offering a magical and welcoming atmosphere with a commitment to promoting joy and well-being for all guests It is also known for its great music parties, of which we leave you with the calendar with the next events. It’s on the second line of Fonte da Telha beach right in front of the well-known Retiro do Pescador (which we haven’t tried yet) one of the most incredible terraces on the Costa da Caparica perfect for those delicious late afternoons with snacks and fish and meat dishes to suit all tastes especially if you’re looking for charcoal roasts Address: Praia da Fonte da Telha Reservations by phone: 936 783 663 He’s been around longer than most on this 15-kilometer stretch of beach It’s one of the best-known restaurants on the Costa but fortunately it’s still under the command of Benfica’s own Barbas who continues to make that special Caldeirada Address: Praia do CDS Menu+Reserves We close our list of beach bar experiences in Costa da Caparica with the no less famous Leblon which turned out to be a real gastronomic experience by the sea Surfers and lovers of beaches with waves will choose Leblon for lunch or dinner and it’s open all day for that cocktail or fresh beer in the middle of the afternoon It’s no secret that you often visit what we write in Secret Lisbon: we like practically all the beaches on the Cascais Line Although beach bars don’t often have a connection to the beaches as is the case with the places we visited on the coast the truth is that there are some places that are well worth a visit This was one of our first and favorite seaside bars and it stands out because it looks a lot like a beach hut It’s next to Praia de Carcavelos and Praia da Torre and they specialize in a variety of food and drink especially that Caipirinha at the end of the afternoon Address: Praia de Carcavelos/Praia da Torre the Bar do Guincho may well be one of the oldest in the region which also makes it one of the most classic The terrace facing the ocean and the beach are not forgetting the delicious list of late-night snacks which is also joined by the most refreshing drinks Address: Estrada do Abano 547 (Malveira da Serra) Menu+Reservations by phone: 918 500 041 Since Estoril’s São Pedro Beach is one of our favorites this terrace is part of our pilgrimages whenever we’re hungry or thirsty there’s no one who doesn’t want to stand right in front of it on the edge of the wall that overlooks this small sandy beach The Esplanada Xana Bar is one of our favorite restaurants on the Cascais coast not only for the range of grilled fish dishes but also for the view of the beach and the sea Address: Avenida Marginal (Praia da Parede) Bahia Beach Club has a lot of news and samba on Sundays plus you can take your four-legged friend with you people set up camp in this area of Oeiras who are looking for a large These beach bars not only offer a pleasant dining experience they also provide a relaxing atmosphere and stunning sea views making them perfect destinations for a leisurely day by the sea Rooftops em Lisboa: os melhores terraços para um fim de tarde incrível na cidade The Government has approved a resolution that authorises expenditure for the artificial replenishment of the beaches of Costa da Caparica The announcement was made at the end of the meeting by the Minister of the Presidency who explained that this operation “is very important for the safety of people and property” who frequent the beaches in the municipality of Almada had already announced that it would invest €20.2 million in priority works to protect the coast protect coastal infrastructure and reinforce the most vulnerable beaches the Ministry of Environment and Energy highlighted that €13.9 million will be supported through the Cohesion/Sustainable Fund 2030 which approved the financing of 12 applications for coastal protection and defense interventions “which combine advanced engineering with nature-based solutions promoting climate adaptation and sustainable coastal management” One of the planned interventions is the artificial sand supply on the beaches of Costa da Caparica and S which aims to reinforce “coastal resilience in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area as well as the dredging of the Lagoa de Albufeira and the restoration of natural systems and minimising risk on Praia da Califórnia and Portinho da Arrábida” admitted that the sand replenishment of the beaches of Caparica is fundamental to preserving that natural heritage and recognised that it is a long and continuous process that needs to be maintained Beyond the money and replenishment of sand there should be laws regarding beach goers to keep off the dunes or risk a fine The dunes are the first line of defense to beach erosion by David Moura-George, Managing Director at Athena Advisers What happens when a tourism destination doesn’t have enough traditional accommodation a sun-drenched sweep of Atlantic coastline just a hop across Lisbon’s Tagus River 201 new AL licences were granted last year to property owners wanting to rent their properties on a short-term basis this figure from the National Register of Local Accommodation (RNAL) may seem modest it vividly illustrates the dynamic interplay between supply and demand in hospitality facilities these 201 new licences represented nearly half of Almada county’s total of 459 which itself marks a significant doubling of rental properties compared to pre-pandemic levels Costa da Caparica was considered a low-key suburb for Lisbon residents Surfers discovered the area’s impressive waves and soon after mostly international trendsetters recognised its potential This influx of creative energy sparked a laid-back beach club boom offering a spectrum of experiences – from beachfront fine dining and laid-back afternoons soaking up the sun to gatherings celebrating the latest music under a canopy of stars Ten years later there still aren’t enough hotels It was arguably Praia Princesa that put Caparica on the map when it opened in 2014 Ten years later it’s still an example of the area’s entrepreneurialism and potential And ten years later there are still only four hotels in nearby Costa Caparica and only eight in the entire wider Almada country We’ll be discussing this supply and demand dynamic in our live webinar this Thursday 18th July at 3pm Lisbon time It’s a dynamic that even with a lack of accommodation tourism is still growing and without enough accommodation the rental revenue being generated is naturally increasing Overnight stays across the Setúbal region grew by almost 20% in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year this wider tourism growth is clearly demonstrated by its own growth in rental income has increased by 30% since the pre-COVID era in Costa da Caparica this surge indicates strong demand and effective pricing making new hotel projects particularly attractive With so few hotels available within an area increasingly recognised for a special blend of Portuguese culture and modern beachside allure The owner of the only five-star hotel in the Setúbal region - Casa Palmela - was recently quoted in The Expresso magazine about the area’s demand and explained that "this summer has gone very well and with tourists from a great diversity of origins.” The Portuguese government will be pleased too Their hope is that some of the areas surrounding the capital will decentralise city-centric visits and bring more income to these areas it’s not only the tourism dynamic that’s appealing One of the most compelling aspects of Costa da Caparica is its undervalued real estate Despite being just a short drive from Lisbon property prices here remain significantly lower—about one-third of those in the capital but also other nearby coastal hotspots such as Comporta Costa da Caparica's transformation from a low-key suburb to a dynamic destination showcases its potential as a premier location for hotel investment Costa da Caparica’s story is only beginning and it will soon be down to a select few on how its next chapter is shaped.. Find investors to help build more Hotels and Motels That sound puts a smile on my face.” A deep whirring noise fills the car as Rita Picarra—Microsoft Portugal’s chief financial officer—drives across the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon Three lanes go each way across the suspension bridge Her electric car’s wheels roll across steel slats that look down 230 feet into the Tagus River a massive waterway that opens to the Atlantic Ocean “I always drive in this lane so I can hear this noise that sound meant my family was about to have so much fun Rita would roll down the window of her father’s red Fiat 127 and lean out to catch a view of the river as she flew past and father Tony—spent nearly every weekend Rita has invited me—along with a photographer and a videographer—to join her as she visits the same beach Costa da Caparica is where she feels most connected her with parents who have both passed away yet remain the strongest influences in her life—a life she dedicates to making sure that everyone around her feels included “Talk to the Portugal employees,” Drew Wilkinson the leader of Microsoft’s Worldwide Sustainability Community for employees says as we eat lunch at Microsoft’s headquarters It’s a rainy spring day, and I’m meeting with Drew and his cofounder Holly Beale to learn more about employees taking up their own causes around environmental sustainability “We find that when someone thinks of a great idea employees in Portugal have probably already done it,” Drew laughs I follow-up on Drew’s lead through more phone conversations with my colleagues in Microsoft’s Lisbon office He’s right: all the conversations I have—on topics ranging from environmental sustainability to inclusion to philanthropy—point back to the same person: Rita Picarra Rita greets me outside of her childhood home in Serra das Minas I’ve traveled here to meet Rita to understand firsthand why my colleagues keep talking about her influence and impact I see Rita: her face lights up as she excitedly waves and jogs—almost skipping—toward me as I scramble to unbuckle She’s already made me feel like an old friend one of the first buildings built in Serra das Minas Rita suggested that we meet here because she says it’s the best place to get a sense of her background—to understand her roots and how and why she feels a calling to lift up those around her “I’ll tell you about the lessons my mother and father passed on to me—to have autonomy and to take responsibility to use that place to help others feel valued and loved,” she promises Celia—always the pragmatist—decided to forgo spending money on a nice wedding dress in favor of a down payment on the apartment As the neighborhood grew into a suburb of Lisbon he founded an organization called Associação de Famílias e Amigos como Parceiro Social da Serra das Minas—a nonprofit that provided social opportunities for the neighborhood’s children as the area changed and gentrified “Father wanted to get all children in the neighborhood together—no matter your background He wanted to see everyone playing together and to have the chance to be happy.” the Picarra home became the center of the neighborhood Kids gathered in the parking lot in front of her family’s apartment to play games and be together The Picarra family’s two-bedroom apartment is located just above the parking lot on the second floor “We were always having so much fun that we never wanted to eat Mother would put snacks and sandwiches on a blue string and lower the food down from our bedroom window so we wouldn’t have to come inside,” Rita laughs as she mimics taking the food off the string We walk to the building’s secure front door; her sister Rita rings the bell a secret number of times a teacher who Rita describes as both the nurturer and the authoritarian of the Picarra family Every morning from childhood until the girls left the house Celia would wake them with breakfast in bed But she also expected order and tidiness in her house so much that Rita and Susanna called her “Vassourinha,” which means “Little Broom” in English ‘You must clean your own room many times until you know how to have a well-cleaned room you will understand what goes into making a well-cleaned room.’” She connects it back to her leadership style: “You have to know how to do something—and what it means—before you can ask someone else to do it While their Serra das Minas apartment was the center of the Picarra family’s world on weekdays weekends were spent camping at Costa da Caparica sharing a single-room tent—far from the distraction of the cities and work—Celia and Tony taught their girls about nature and about family togetherness everything that I do draws me to the water “My parents started taking me beach camping as a baby and I feel like part of me goes dead when I’m not close to the water.” we get in her electric car and head toward Costa da Caparica “When I’d find another girl on the water with me it was instant friendship.” But being one of the only girls in the waves was hard Other surfers told her to get out of the water “Why shouldn’t I be out there?” she remembers thinking at the time “I’m entitled to learn just as anyone else But it wasn’t easy.” Click here to load media Rita taught herself how to surf by practicing on her bed but she soon became so dedicated to surfing that she went pro But then the first time you catch that wave A planner who calls herself “by the book,” Rita knew from an early age that she wanted the freedom and security that a good paying job could offer it’s worked out: her life has taken her to live and work in Seattle I was doing the things I loved: talking with new people and sharing experiences with others,” she says and a big reason she lived in all those cities so was to get the experience she needed to land what she calls her dream job as chief financial officer for Microsoft Portugal in the hallways of Microsoft’s Lisbon office Many employees are quick to credit Rita for helping them grow and make a difference in ways they never imagined.Click here to load media For example, when Rita realized that the Portugal office had not yet established an organization for their LGBTQI+ employees, she founded and mentored a fellow employee—Sergio Matos—to lead it When employees Clara Mansilha and Matilde de Jesus Jacob Alves wanted to start an environmental sustainability chapter within Microsoft Rita was there to guide them as they launched and grew it into a more than 100 person organization that is considered by fellow employees—including Drew and Holly back in Redmond—to be one of the most successful changemakers for sustainability within the walls of Microsoft “Rita taught me that if you want to do something you do it—and you don’t wait on someone to do it for you,” says Clara As we hike into the sand dunes of Costa da Caparica Days like today are bittersweet for her—at once a celebration of memories and at the same time a reminder of life’s fleeting nature “We only live once—and sometimes we don’t live that many years,” she says her eyes misting as she thinks of her parents “We should enjoy life now and never leave it for tomorrow.” it’s the force of the sea that is moving you You are so in synch with it that you can ride it.” “You only ride it because it allows you to.” And that’s the greatest lesson that Celia and Tony taught her and that the force known as Rita passes to her family Photography by Rodrigo De Medeiros; videography by Rodrigo De Medeiros and Steven Heller Max Slch on Unsplash Editorial Team 8 November 2023 Time Out interviews thousands of residents to find out which is the most interesting neighbourhood their city has to offer What places do locals love and visitors frequent the magazine drew up a list of the 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world Portugal once again appears in the ranking but this time neither Lisbon nor Porto stand out is home to the 18th coolest neighbourhood in the world "On the other side of Lisbon's 25 de Abril bridge is a place of tranquillity by the sea that some call "Capifornia" for its surfing waves Costa da Caparica has always been a summer destination but in recent years it has welcomed a new international audience that is remodelling and revitalising the area Community is the word: people get to know each other Costa da Caparica - Elio Santos on UnsplashThe list is made up of 40 neighbourhoods spread across several continents, with first place on the podium going to the Laureles neighbourhood in the bustling Colombian city of Medellín. In second place is Smithfield, in Dublin, Ireland, and in third place Carabanchel, in Madrid (Spain). The top 5 coolest neighbourhoods in the world also include Havnen, in Copenhagen (Denmark), in 4th place, and Sheung Wan (5th place), in Hong Kong.  In sixth place is the Brunswick East neighbourhood in Australia, followed by Mid City in New Orleans, USA.  In eighth place is Isola in Milan, Italy, and in ninth place is the West neighbourhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In 10th place is Tomigaya, in Tokyo, Japan. 20 properties with negotiable prices in Portugal With the cost of living still high and 2025 well underway buying a home in Portugal might seem like a challenge it’s also the perfect time to start your property search — and there’s still time to secure your dream home before summer August is traditionally the month when most people choose to go on vacation We asked our readers what their favorite destinations were and they answered like this It’s in August that most people decide to go on vacation We asked our readers what places they usually travel to at this time of year and the answers are good suggestions that you too can take advantage of for what’s still to come this summer The Algarve has always been one of our readers’ favorite destinations don’t rule out a visit to the less touristy eastern Algarve which stretches from Loulé to Vila Real de Santo António The increasingly well-known towns of Olhão and Tavira are therefore increasingly visited at this time of year offering the best that the Ria Formosa has to offer If you also choose this part of the country for your vacation, keep an eye on some dangers on these beaches. In second place in our readers’ choices is the Alentejo it’s one of the closest beach and countryside vacation spots to our beloved Lisbon There’s plenty to choose from in the Alentejo from the interior to the Costa Vicentina coastline where you can explore a thousand and one routes that will make your next vacation a memorable one The Azores archipelago has become an increasingly popular destination for the Portuguese who travel to many of these islands to experience something different that the mainland can’t always offer at this time of year: tranquillity and an incredible green landscape If the Alentejo coast is already relatively close to Lisbon what about this real seaside resort: Costa da Caparica With a coastline full of beaches for all tastes, costa da Caparica is where many locals go to spend a well-deserved vacation With practically everyone moving to the south of the country to visit during what remains of this summer season but it seems that our readers prefer other latitudes for their vacations outside of Portugal Some of the respondents traveled to New York where you’re sure to have a summer vacation experience very different from the usual beach vacation in Portugal In this sense, and if you also plan to travel to this city in the United States of America, visit the website of our friends Secret New York, who will surely give you tips on what not to miss in this city 22 experiências em Portugal para desfrutar de um verão inesquecível you should head 20 minutes out of the city to the Caparica beaches where teams of fishermen practise the ancient art of xávega before selling their catch at improvised stalls The ancient art of xávega fishing is one of Portugal’s most treasured historical traditions | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip Mario Raimundo’s crew meets in front of the beachside metal shed where their equipment is stored Raimundo is usually the first one to arrive who’s an expert at untangling and repairing nets the nets are monstrous things and a single hole can ruin a whole day of fishing which makes Mario a very valued crew member The fishermen of Costa da Caparica are among the country’s remaining few to practice xávega | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip Mario Raimundo does this small trip on his tractor carrying the net and a bunch of local children who have been eagerly awaiting this moment Mario lets them help with the fishing (although he doesn’t really need it) in exchange for pocket money The art of xávega is passed down through generations | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip who taught him the xávega art and led the crew before him he left the boat and two tractors to Mario’s mother is one of Portugal’s most ancient traditions | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip The Costa Caparica Beaches are near Lisbon on Portugal’s west coast | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip while the rest of the assembled group – women and children included – push it to the sea Local legislation dictates that the boat engine cannot be used right off the beach so the men take turns rowing until the recreational area is left behind the one that makes them wish for more helping hands The fishermen work hard in all conditions | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip Once the boat reaches the red floater marking the dropping point, the men carefully unfold the fishing net and drop it into the ocean while navigating parallel to shore. They do this for a few hundred metres, until there’s no net left in the boat, before heading back to the beach the xávega fisherman set sail | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip The lucky dip of xávega fishing What follows seems to be a long wait with the tractors towing the long cables attached to the fishing net it’s during the towing that the beachgoers take notice and start getting closer to the action Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Just one hole in a net can ruin a whole day’s work | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip Once the net reaches the shore, brimming with fish fishermen choose where to cast their nets according to what they hope to catch Xávega is always done the way Raimundo’s crew does it with fishermen dragging a huge fishing net back to land catching all the fish close to shore – which can be plenty or Mackerel is a key catch for Xavega fishermen | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip The fishermen of Costa da Caparica are among the country’s remaining few to practice xávega Ask them what they’re hoping to catch and the stock response is: “I’ll let you know afterwards” The fish is sold fresh when the boats reach the shore | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip a weathered veteran with more than 30 fishing years under his belt he has an order to fill: 30 crates of mackerel The rest of the fish is to be sold on the spot at good prices which everyone is well aware of – there is much elbow-brushing among the beachgoers all of them with smartphones and cameras on hand The battle with seagulls on the beach for the best of the day’s catch is always a public one | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip Seagulls are always in attendance when the Xávega fishermen bring their catch into the Costa Caparica Beaches | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip It is said that job satisfaction comes from a balance between money earned and personal achievement What xávega fishing lacks in the salaries department with the whole beach fighting for their attention – children included who innocently see this as a chance to feed the seagulls handing them small fish that aren’t fit for sale People of all ages crowd the beaches to see what the fishermen bring in | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip this scene generally only plays out in the summer months left to face the cold wind and sea by themselves That’s partly why the xávega art is slowly dying out You might want to take the time to witness this cultural legacy first-hand while you still can before it disappears completely | © James Rajotte / Culture Trip About the author They told me I could be anything I wanted Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in August Guides & Tips Beat the Crowds with these Alternative Summer Destinations See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do Lesser-Known Summer Destinations to Visit in Europe See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Spring See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Text description provided by the architects sanitation and among precarious constructions These are the living conditions of nearly 500 people – about 100 children – who inhabit an illegal neighbourhood in Costa da Caparica. Designated Terras da Costa, this neighbourhood is mostly occupied by two communities: of african and romani origin. © Fernando Guerra | FG+SGThere is no official data on the genesis of this neighbourhood. Small buildings constructed to support the agricultural activity, are supposed to have been the first. Some residents say they have been living there for 30 years. In aerial photographic record from 2001, we can already identify a consolidated neighbourhood, whose boundaries have been increasing over the last decade. This is an isolated and invisible territory. © Fernando Guerra | FG+SGAteliermob began working with this community through the workshop "Noutra Costa", promoted by the Architecture Department (DA/UAL) and the Architecture, City and Territory Studies Centre (CEACT/UAL) of Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa. © Fernando Guerra | FG+SGIt has since been meeting with some of their representatives, and members of the project Urban Boundaries – an academic project essentially focused on literacy, being development in the neighborhood at the time –, participated in the process for the election of the first Neighbourhood Comission, and promoted, with the Municipality of Almada, the initial meetings between the municipality and the residents. © Fernando Guerra | FG+SGWith the community, the Neighbourhood Commision, the association between ateliermob and Projecto Warehouse, part of the wood and members of Casa do Vapor, with the Municipality of Almada and the fundamental support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the project and the construction of a community kitchen in Terras da Costa were carried through. © Fernando Guerra | FG+SGThe Community Kitchen of Terras da Costa (with the necessary sanitation and water points) was inaugurated in December 2014 in a significant party mood You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker The new bike path allows you to catch the boat in Lisbon get off at Trafaria and reach the beaches at Fonte da Telha without traffic or other confusions The new cycling infrastructure also serves all Costa residents who want to cycle in safety several caparicans are already taking advantage of the new infrastructureThis is an area with a tradition of sea and fishing where cycling is an element of everyday life Like any area with a tradition of sea and fishing the bicycle is an element present in their daily lives The new bike path offers a segregated corridor from the sometimes violent road trafficserving everyone who wants to get around safely by bicycle at least on the day of LPP's visit: we saw mobility bikes and others from the new private sharing services Next to the bike path was left space for pedestrians The City of Almada put signage in an attempt to deter abusive parking that sometimes occurs on this new cycling infrastructure Although there are no bollards or other physical blockages the municipality hopes that this will deter drivers from stopping on top of the bike path and adjacent pedestrian area - as they do in other parts of Almada The signs display the message "don't ruin a good beach day with bad parking" and show a photograph of cars being ticketed and towed for being on the bicycle infrastructure; fines can range from 60 to 300 euros What is certain is that Almada also needs to have the bike path unobstructed because it also serves for emergency vehicles to quickly access the beachesThis is a good way to escape the traffic that is usually quite heavy on weekends and during the bathing season in case an ambulance or other emergency vehicle needs to pass the cyclists and other road users will have to move away at that moment when they hear the siren or see the emergency vehicle the new Forest Road bike path connects with the sea wall and with the existing bike path along Avenida Afonso de Albuquerque it is now possible to cycle all along the seafront of the Coast The connection between the different cycle paths (the Florestal the paredão and Trafaria) is not always the most immediate follow the route that is still marked and when you reach Avenida Afonso de Albuquerque turn to the sea area in one of the first intersections to reach the Forestry Road and access the beaches of Fonte da Telha you must take a short stretch through a small and quiet local road PACicla foresaw 223 km of paths intended primarily for bicycles and pedestrians throughout the municipality As of June 4, dockless shared bicycles and scooters from four private operators became available in Almada: Bird, Bolt, Lime e Whoosh The services are available on the maritime axis of Costa da Caparica mostly in pedestrian areas but some also in areas previously intended for cars To foster a healthy coexistence with this new offer it will be mandatory to park these soft mobility vehicles in the virtual docks defined for this purpose marked in the operators' apps and identified on site Taking into account that public space is shared by all Almada City Council intends that in this way the parking of these shared vehicles is done in an organized and responsible way Failure to park in the locations marked for this purpose will incur costs for users since it will not be possible to "conclude the journey" The operators Bird, Bolt, Lime e Whoosh They offer trips counted by the minute but also daily passes that can range from 5 to 10 euros These are services designed for occasional the first docks are next to the Trafaria river terminal and at the end of the Estrada Florestal bike path; on the Almada axis the first parking spots are next to the Cacilhas intermodal interface and next to the Faculdade Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT) campus at Universidade Nova in order to guarantee the safety of the users zones of forbidden circulation were defineddepending on the volumes of foot traffic and potential increased risk marked on the map according to the following criteria as is the case of the Costa wall; in prohibited circulation zones the motor of bicycles and scooters is turned off MB Way: 933 140 217 (indicar “LPP”) Ou clica aqui Podes escrever-nos para [email protected]. O LPP / Lisbon For People é um jornal local dedicado à cidade e à área metropolitana de Lisboa, editado de forma totalmente independente e sem fins lucrativos. Com uma edição em papel e outra online. ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " HomeDestinationsInterestsTop Places to Travel by MonthSearchMenuBest time to visit Lisbon There are plenty of places for relaxation in Lisbon surroundings 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 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 first one—the Estoril-Cascais area—is the most popular destination for tourists it can be easily accessed by public transport 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 and Praia da Ribeira located near Cascais and to Praia da Poco and Praia das Moitas which are close to Estoril the Serra de Sintra coastline cannot boast a developed infrastructure for tourists 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 and it is better to rent a car to get there Sesimbra is a good start point for exploring the region MOGA Caparica has announced the Phase 1 lineup for its 2024 edition marking a transformation in the festival’s design Set to take place from May 29th to June 2nd this year’s event has transitioned from a series of beach parties to a fully-fledged beach festival with a single expansive site and three stages The carefully curated mix of headliners has been revealed: Acid Pauli MOGA Festival was originally created in Essaouira (Morocco) in 2016 MOGA organized its first edition abroad right after the pandemic in 2021 on the beautiful beaches of Costa da Caparica (Portugal) sister land of Essaouira It is a compact and boutique gathering for real music lovers inspired by Atlantic vibes and aimed at connecting people from all over the world MOGA Festival Caparica edition is departing from its previous format of beach parties across multiple venues festival-goers can expect an immersive and unified experience as the festival merges two iconic beach clubs in Praia de Morena: Waikiki and Borda d’Agua This consolidation aims to create a cohesive environment where attendees can fully immerse themselves in the music and community of MOGA Festival Caparica with one venue a creator market and additional experiences The transition marks a significant milestone in MOGA Caparica’s history representing the festival’s evolution into a new phase of development After laying solid foundations during its first three editions MOGA Festival Caparica is ready to embark on this exciting journey towards a more integrated and expansive festival experience following its edition in Essaouira (Morocco) The Phase 1 lineup reflects this evolution featuring an eclectic mix of renowned artists and emerging talents from the electronic music scene with a blend of live performances and DJ sets We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again More information about our Cookie Policy A BRITISH teenager has drowned after being caught up in a rip current while swimming with friends on a Portuguese beach The 19-year-old man and two pals got into difficulties during a dip off a small sandy beach on the Costa da Caparica coastline south of Lisbon. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday afternoon on Dragao Vermelho beach Emergency responders received an alert just before 6.30pm local time and contacted police coastguards and firefighters as well as mobilising a Portuguese Air Force plane had managed to get out by the time help arrived and a search was launched for the third which ended with his body being discovered on neighbouring Tarquinio-Paraiso Beach Portugal’s National Maritime Authority (AMN) confirmed the victim was from the UK He was trying to save his two daughters when they got into difficulties because of the strong current. In a statement on the latest tragedy, the AMN said: “A 19-year-old young man, of English nationality, died on January 4, on the beach of Dragão Vermelho, on the coast of Caparica in the municipality of Almada, after being caught up in a rip current while he was bathing with two friends.” It said the alert was received at 6.20pm via the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre and Lisbon Maritime Police were dispatched as part of an emergency response along with coastguards, paramedics and a Portuguese Air Force plane.  “Searches were immediately initiated for the third person the 19-year-old man who was subsequently found dead by volunteer firefighters on adjacent Tarquinio-Paraiso Beach “He was declared dead at the scene by a doctor.” A post-mortem is believed to have taken place but the results are not expected to be made public Mr Pelling was trying to aid his two daughters aged 12 and nine at the time when he drowned last June They were later taken to Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon for a medical examination and a psychologist was provided to assist the grief-stricken youngsters and their mum and her former hip hop musician fiancee Danny Johnson died at Zambujeira do Mar in the south-west of Portugal Danny swam out to try to save his partner as she got carried away by a dangerous rip tide but they drowned after he reached her and tried to get her back to the shoreline had a four-year-old daughter and also cared for Kim’s 15-year-old girl from a previous relationship Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt Hundreds of people in Portugal took advantage of fine weather to visit the country's beaches for first time since the coronavirus lockdown began Beaches on the outskirts of the capital Lisbon were busy this weekend with sunbathers picnickers  and surfers as people basked in the sunshine and temperatures of over 30 degrees It came after Prime Minister Antonio Costa's government announced a phased lifting of lockdown restrictions last week The coronavirus outbreak has been more limited in Portugal It has led the authorities to allow people to visit beaches — so long as they keep at least 1.5 metres away from others But many in Lisbon said they were still uncomfortable by the crowds "I didn't expect so many people on the beach today," one woman said on Costa de Caparica beach on Saturday "We are trying to keep the safety distance which is not easy because there is a lot of people Another man said it was "wonderful" to be outside after being closed in for two months but added: "we're going to stay here for a while and then go away because there's really a lot of people." Costa's government says a smartphone app will be launched early next month to help people avoid crowds by issuing warnings when the beaches become full The Future Design Of Streets is a book written by urban planners and architects for those who know nothing about the subject non-technical book that aims to inspire those who plan cities but above all those who live on the streets every day - in other words a group of academics and people who carry out public space projects have dedicated themselves to thinking about the future design of cities What started out as online meetings in Zoom rooms soon moved on to a first big live and in color conference in Porto in November last year an association was formed to give body and form to this global platform for debate and reflection which already brings together more than 100 people Now a book has been born. The Future Design Of Streets is an attempt to compile the lessons learned and good practices discussed over these three years The work was led by Daniel Casas-Valleurban planner at the Urban Dynamics studio and researcher at the Faculty of Architecture of Porto as well as the signatures of Ivo Oliveiraarchitect and researcher at the Laboratory of Landscapes Heritage and Territory at the University of Minho an architect from Lisbon who has been working with Daniel and Ivo dividing her time between the capital and the undefeated city "We've tried to write a book that isn't technical but can be used in communication between technicians We bridge the gap between academia and practice because we all work in practice"Daniel explains "Making this book helps us spread our ideas about street design It's a way of getting our knowledge out to more people "It's a book for anyone interested in the urban and social life of our cities but an accessible book in which we've tried to avoid the vocabulary of urban planning It's a book that takes a certain amount of time to consume and which serves as a practical guide to knowing what's best for each street "We see fundamental concepts that are changing but in practice they are often not yet stabilized Dialogue between the various elements of urban planning is important from planning the PDM [Municipal Master Plan] to an execution project on a street This book tries to offer tools to help with the dialog between these elements." Street life is at the heart of our society Streets are the foundations of our daily lives: they constitute a spatial platform on which we move and organize the most diverse economic and cultural activities they are the basis of our daily lives and that is why we must take care of them: with the present and the future in mind Spaces for cultural and economic activities Human spaces full of individual and collective stories Streets are spatially and socially constructed over time: layer upon layer through the addition and replacement of components Taking into account urban formation and evolution streets are central public spaces in cities and towns Streets adapt thanks to their ability to integrate new uses and technologies technological and sustainability requirements will affect streets That's why it's so challenging to think about how they will be designed in the future In the first part of The Future Design Of StreetsDaniel Ivo and Catarina start by making a presentation of how streets were thought of "yesterday" and the urban challenges of "today" And they illustrate this evolution in thinking and planning with a sequence of montages the authors leave 10 essential topics for street design"Urban Porosity" "Reversible Approaches" and "Design Priorities" These topics are key to any public space project; each one is illustrated with several clear examples allowing anyone - even if they don't have in-depth technical knowledge of this area and are taking their first steps - to understand what different types of street can exist or what different social functions a street can have The public space is where we can meet people we don't know towns and villages; and the streets are the majority of that public space It doesn't just work as an economic machine The complexity of the streets reflects the complexity of life and that complexity is very beautiful because it attracts diversity and plurality to the public space The Future Design Of Streets is the book that condenses the work of critical reflection promoted by the association of the same name. It is available online for 25 eurosThis amount also serves as a donation to the work of this collective of architects and urban planners The book was presented during the European Mobility Week - first in the north, in Gaia, then in the south, at the Costa da Caparica, in Almada. Here, Daniel appeared accompanied by Rute Nieto Ferreira, architect at the Danish studio Gehl And together they promoted a workshop to identify negative and positive points in the streets and alleys of Costa's historic center and propose solutions A group made up of municipal technicians from Almada Town Hall and the WeMobAlmada's municipal mobility company and citizens interested in public space issues toured the area around the Costa market and Rua dos Pescadores; at the end One of the groups suggested a kind of "superblock" made up of pedestrianized or coexistence streetsand with a circulation scheme that pushed all through traffic onto the main avenues The other group presented a similar solution in terms of restricting cars and pedestrianizing the neighbourhood there was talk of giving priority to walkingIn addition they helped Daniel and Rute with the local specificities of the area: to have fewer cars circulating to create a relationship between the market and the neighborhood to think of streets with shared pedestrian floors (with 3.50 meter emergency lanes) to have flowerbeds and trees that provide shade and freshness the technicians from Almada City Council and WeMob helped Daniel and Rute with the local specificities of that area; and Daniel and Rute contributed their specialist knowledge of reference Podes escrever-nos para [email protected] O LPP / Lisbon For People é um jornal local dedicado à cidade e à área metropolitana de Lisboa editado de forma totalmente independente e sem fins lucrativos a city break – but there are plenty of Lisbon beaches loved by locals that you can easily get to Getting there: The beach isn't particularly accessible via public transport from Lisbon, but if you have access by car it's about an hour and 10 minutes from the centre.  Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service (updated April 1 2021) and Policy and Cookie Statement (updated April 1 The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast the city is invaded by various live music concerts Here's our favorite list of music festivals in Lisbon but that doesn’t mean you can’t start saving a few bucks for the concerts you want to go to especially if your favorite artists or bands are coming to one of these music festivals in Lisbon it will hold its second edition in Portugal in 2025 but on Portuguese-language music as a whole which this year brings its dates forward to the beginning of summer with some of the best artists from all over the world: it’s a festival with proposals ranging from mainstream to alternative rock This mid-summer festival takes place in an iconic space The festival line-up is always carefully selected to offer a variety of national and international artists who embody the spirit of the event It usually brings some of the best-known and most influential names in music to the capital Each night will feature three unique concerts in a magical setting in Cascais The first confirmations for the 10th edition of the Sol da Caparica festival which this year is set to welcome thousands of festival-goers to one of Portugal’s most beautiful and impressive coastlines The IC20 connects Almada to the Costa da Caparica and will be widened on the stretch between the Centro Sul traffic circle and the Casas Velhas junction "Portugal is probably the only developed European country that continues to invest in reinforcing road infrastructure to solve problems of accessibility and urban mobility," criticizes Fernando Nunes da Silva the main road in the municipality of Almada is to be widened to four lanes in about half of its length.between the center of Almada and the Casas Velhas/Universidade junction This widening is justified by a contractual obligation on the part of Auto-Estradas do Baixo Tejo the sub-concessionaire that manages this public infrastructure as traffic has reached more than 60,000 vehicles per day if widening a highway like the IC20 increases its capacity allowing more cars to circulate at the same time it doesn't solve the problem of traffic and congestion: the fact is that when you have a section with excess demand and you build a new section with the capacity to absorb that excess demand rises again and exhausts the capacity of the new section It's a little fish with a tail in its mouth We'll go into this in more detail in a moment it's important to understand the context of the IC20 and its extension The IC20 is owned by Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) but is managed by a private company This model is known as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) It was at a meeting of the Almada City Council Executive on September 18, in the middle of European Mobility Week, with online transmission, that the population learned about the widening of the IC20. This is despite the fact that the project has already passed by the Diário da República at the end of 2022 was invited to be present to present the work which will formally begin on October 2nd with the assembly of the shipyards which states that when the roads reach a certain traffic flow limit This is the case of the stretch of the IC20 between the south center of Almada/access to the A2 and the so-called Casas Velhas junction where there are currently three lanes in each direction there is a annual average daily traffic of more than 60,000 vehicles "Given that that stretch of road has more than 60,000 vehicles a day João Portela simply passed on information about the work although the construction site was to be set up on October 2nd the work was scheduled to start on October 3rd "end of October or beginning of November"Completion is scheduled for May 2025 The widening will mean that the IC20 will be 34.6 meters wide instead of the current 25 meters on that four-kilometer stretch which will require changes to viaducts (including the one over the train line) and loops there will be a intervention at the A2 junctionThere will be three lanes from the Centro Sul traffic circle towards Lisbon and there will also be a new "arm" connecting the IC20 to the A2 "Our strict obligation under the contract is to increase the number of lanes"but "we thought it would be difficult to present ourselves to the Almada municipality with just this obligation"João Portela explained that they were able to "finding savings in another project and bringing them to this project"This will finance the changes to the A2 junction He pointed out that "the improvement of the South Center exit to the tollbooth is not yet closed"It will also have an impact on the Pragal Urban Park a green infrastructure built in 2019 next to the access to Lisbon and which acts as an extension of Parque da Paz The work on the IC20 will also affect the Casas Velhas junction where there will now be two lanes connecting to the A33 The three pedestrian overpasses to be replacedThe new pedestrian bridges should also be cycleable and accessible to all The existing bus stops on that stretch of the IC20 will also be relocated away from it; they will be placed either at the exits or further into the urban areas "The location of those stops is not suitable"taking into account the expressway characteristics of the IC20 and "we take this opportunity to make amends"said João Portela the work will be carried out by the contractor Alberto Couto Alves They are drawn up between Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) the state-owned company responsible for the road infrastructure the contract is signed between IP and Auto-Estradas do Baixo Tejo (AEBT) and there have been two versions since the start of the sub-concession: the original contract is from 2009 and 10 years later it was updated/renegotiated there is a clear point about the increase in lanes: "the increase in the number of lanes of the Motorway sections will be carried out unless otherwise instructed by the Grantor: (...) in the Sub-sections with six lanes the construction of one more lane in each direction must be started in the year following that in which the ADT [Average Daily Annual Traffic] reaches 60,000 (sixty thousand) vehicles." the grantor - which is IP - can decide not to increase the number of lanes There is another exception: if the new bridge over the Tagus or the new Lisbon airport is built the TMDA count and the obligation to increase the number of lanes are suspended resulting from the implementation of the aforementioned infrastructures" "in the event that the Portuguese State awards a tender for the installation on the south bank of the Tagus River of the airport infrastructure commonly known as the New Lisbon Airport or in the event that the Portuguese State decides to award a tender for the construction of a new road crossing of the Tagus River downstream of the Vasco da Gama Bridge or if the design and construction of any of the aforementioned infrastructures is initiated this Contract may be terminated by the Grantor in which case the provisions of paragraph 84.10 shall apply." the contract renewed in 2018/19 added a caveat about the IC20 in particular: "the increase in the number of lanes in the Sub-sections identified below already triggered under the combined terms of paragraphs 40.1 with the entry into service of the respective increased lanes by the end of the respective period indicated in Annex 21 to the Sub-concession Contract" This means that the IC20 between Almada and the Casas Velhas junction has to be widened didn't say much about the work to widen the IC20 but she did point out that "does not compensate for the need for a third or fourth (I don't want to prioritize) crossing between the south and north banks" Medeiros has advocated a bridge between Trafaria and Algés as a way of relieving congestion on the 25 de Abril "None of this [traffic] will be solved if there isn't a new crossing that allows traffic to move between the two banks without going through the heart of Almada and the center of Lisbon." In other words the new crossing between Trafaria and Algés would take pressure off the Centro Sul traffic circle and the entire Cova da Piedade area But "it's important that national organizations realize this importance"he underlined Inês de Medeiros clarified that the IC20 has "strange status"because "despite being in the heart of a developing urban area in many cases having the characteristics of an urban road"and stressed the Chamber's willingness to "humanize" the IC20 and to bring it under its management "There are too many people in charge in Almada It's always good to have several heads thinking but it's terrible to have too many people in charge of the same territory"he said referring to the division of land management and planning in municipalities such as Almada between the municipality where there will now be a direct connection "of those coming from the coast to get onto the bridge" ("those 100 meters are a black spot" because the IC20 had been "made to be much smaller than it is now") and where the Almada exit (from the Centro Sul traffic circle) to the 25 de Abril Bridge will also be widened The resolution of this junction was a long-standing demand of Almada and its completion now together with the contractual widening of the IC20 will help to make this work more acceptable to the municipality the contract between IP and Baixo Tejo transcends the Almada City Council which has very little say in the management of this infrastructure Any opinion it issues on the work is not binding and it would be difficult for that position to have any practical consequences the municipality is responsible for the area around this road a green corridor is still planned to link Parque da Paz with a cycle path offering mobility between the two cities and Pragal The municipality has also tried to improve aspects of the IC20 widening project making them accessible to cyclists as well they are trying to build a pedestrian bridge that would "it could be a section of the cycle network to connect the University to the old houses"said Medeiros The recent announcement of the widening of the IC20 road in Almada, triggered the creation of the petition against the widening of the IC20 the petitioners say that "the people of Almada were surprised" with this work which should have already been renegotiated by the state with the Baixo Tejo sub-concessionaire in order to meet the environmental objectives" the petition already has around 1900 signatories The petition has also been signed by the following associations Almada Archaeology Center FPCUB - Portuguese Federation of Cycle Tourism and Bicycle Users GEOTA - Spatial Planning and Environment Study Group MUBi - Association for Urban Mobility by Bicycle Women in Architecture e The Future Design of Streetsand also by the Setúbal regional branch of the Quercus and by the local collective Estuary The petitioners say they are "disgusted with the situation with its short notice period and without any consultation with the population" and argue that "IP instructs the Baixo Tejo sub-concessionaire that there is no need to increase the number of lanes" "It should be emphasized that the financial investment in this work by the sub-concessionaire is indirectly public money because if the state renegotiates the contract with the concessionaire it will be able to recover the money that is in danger of being wasted on a work that is perfectly useless and against the government's own environmental objectives By releasing the sub-concessionaire from this useless and expiring obligation it is perfectly legitimate for the government to recover at least part of this money costs estimated on the basis of what could be gained from the best alternative use of that money."they write "The reasons for this opposition to road widening are that the work goes against the national climate strategy does not solve the problem of congestion (creating the so-called 'induced traffic' and 'bottleneck' effects) and promotes urban dispersion in Almadense territory priority measures are suggested in terms of financial investment which should be implemented in the territory namely by increasing the number of BUS lanes quality and extent of public transport and creating more and better infrastructures for soft mobility It is also important to implement measures such as the creation of new elevated cycle-pedestrian crossings that reduce the negative geographical barrier impact of this type of road and the adaptation of existing viaducts to include safe pedestrian and cycle paths." The authors of the petition want to reach at least 2,500 signatures so that the issue can be discussed in Parliament Induced traffic - concept referred to by the petitioners - is a well-established scientific fact: it means that increasing the number of lanes on a major road will lead to greater demand and will not solve congestion; in other words it means more cars on the road because capacity has increased It's easy to think that adding more lanes would mean less traffic and the truth is that they may relieve congestion temporarily but the added space will invite (induce) more car journeys or by people who eventually used other modes of transport And soon that widened axis will be congested again It's a catch-22 because the temptation is once again to increase the capacity of the infrastructure which will only lead to more journeys and more dependence on the car Urbanism and Environment disciplinary area at the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) the widening of the IC20 is "To go back to the late 1980s to the so-called road revolution in Portugal environmental and transport policy point of view it's an unspeakable and unjustifiable step backwards" the fact that the work is only four kilometers long "It's always a bit better than the IC20 "it's also a waste of money because it doesn't solve the traffic problems" Nunes da Silva only accepts part of the contract: the correction of the A2 junction "The problem with the IC20 is not one of capacity it has to do with the accesses to the 25 de Abril Bridge which have not been resolved." The widening contracted between IP and Baixo Tejo will resolve this situation which was not an obligation of the sub-concessionaire and which "The problem has to do with getting from the IC20 to Lisbon without conflicting with those leaving the A2 to enter Almada and those coming from Almada It's a problem that was studied by Gabriel Oliveira several years ago and has never been done Another problem is the entrance to the A2 from Almada which has to be disconnected from the Centro Sul junction That permanent congestion at the entrances and exits to Almada at peak times must be unblocked once and for all.“ "It makes perfect sense to free up access to the bridge for the interior distribution in the South Center but that doesn't require widening the IC20 to add one more lane per carriageway"he summarizes And he reinforces his point: the widening of the IC20 is "absolutely contrary to what was the government's own policy from the point of view of sustainable mobility and the decarbonization of mobility" "Portugal is probably the only developed European country that continues to invest in strengthening road infrastructure to solve problems of accessibility and urban mobility Everyone is looking for alternatives to individual road transport leaving to it what can't be solved any other way." "We have a justice system captured by certain types of interests and lobbies which is to defend the public interest and constitutional guarantees"Nunes da Silva laments "The concessions and contracts that have been made with private entities are absolutely ruinous for the state and the public interest," he assures us fixed revenues for 30 years to these private companies; they were risk-free deals for the investor" when all the policy is in the opposite direction.. At least the policy that is announced and proclaimed to the four winds in relation to climate change"he insists Fernando Nunes da Silva has no doubt that "If the government were of a different political persuasion the City Council would already be screaming its head off protesting against this retreat from sustainability and decarbonization policies But as Almada Town Hall and the government are currently at loggerheads the council is keeping quiet in the face of this kind of nonsense spending millions on something that is completely unnecessary." Having worked on the PDM (Municipal Master Plan) for Almada Nunes da Silva knows the municipality south of the Tagus well and also points out that the widening of the IC20 "it's an extremely negative alternative" in relation to the planned green "The PDM that was being revised proposed taking up Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles' idea - when he worked under the previous regime for the Housing Development Fund and the Almada Integrated Plan - of creating a large green corridor between Parque da Paz detailing that it was an idea that he was still working on "perfectly feasible because that area has some agricultural use and the few building interventions are occasional or not completely on top of the IC20" And it's green infrastructure "absolutely essential to avoid flooding in the area of Cacilhas and also Cova da Piedade but especially in the case of Cova da Piedade" it would make much more sense to use the PRR - Recovery and Resilience Plan - to finance this project instead of spending 20.5 million on widening a highway the people of Almada and the south bank of the Tagus have been waiting for the expansion of the MTS 19 stations and 13.5 km; with a Y-shaped layout However, since the first MTS plans were drawn up in the 1990sThis is the first time that the light rail service has been extended to Moita, passing through Barreiro, and also to Costa da Caparica and Trafaria. Wills that were recovered in a new route study presented in early 2021 The aim of this work was to study the expansion of the MTS beyond Moita proposing a mixed system between LRT (the current system) and BRT (aka "metrobus") The expansion of the MTS to Costa da Caparica has been planned since at least 1995 And the report presented in 2021 reaffirms it on double track towards the Costa da Caparica turning southwest before Quinta da Armadora (Pêra de Cima) and crossing a more rural area up to the viaduct of the A33 link to Trafaria and developing along the north side of this road until it enters the town of Costa de Caparica always segregated from other means of transport The most optimistic scenario envisages three circulations per hour and 600 passengers per hour per direction with the same type of vehicles that already run the service between Almada and Seixal there are still no concrete dates or figures Almada is going to have two more traffic lanes per direction on a major road axis going against environmental and modal shift goals To Paulo José Silva, creator of the Facebook group Public Transport in Costa da CaparicaThe extension of the MTS to the coast should be a priority and which is Almada's densest parish and the one that has grown the most" "There's a lot of talk about climate change and decarbonization and we want to add more cars instead of reducing them and to have more and better public transport"he laments has used public transport for more than 35 years of his working life but having a discussion group on Facebook and taking part in debates and forums in person to contribute my experience of using it and what I've felt on my skin for many years." You have no doubt that "The fact that they're adding another lane won't solve anything which will block the entrance to the bridge No matter how much you change the IC20 and the rest they'll still clog up the bridge"he points out Paulo believes that this issue of widening the IC20 doesn't just affect Almada - it also affects the city "Lisbon probably doesn't want any more cars either it suggests improvements to the railroad and river transport lamenting both the Cacilhas and Trafaria crossings "We used to have boats every half hour in Trafaria now it's every hour and they often fail." He also calls for fast bus connections between Costa and Trafaria and between Costa and the nearest MTS station - FCT - until the light rail system is expanded "We have no fast connection between Costa and the MTS There should be a shuttle." These would be ways of relieving the IC20 Paulo José Silva doesn't hold out much hope for any changes to the plans to widen the IC20 not least because the work is about to begin That's why he's asking for the additional lane per direction to be a BUS lane Podes escrever-nos para [email protected] The much anticipated new edition of MOGA Festival will feature world-class DJs Behrouz Id and more from the 6th to the 10th of October 2021 This year it takes place in Costa da Caparica Portugal rather than the usual location of Essaouira but still allows all dreamers and dancers to be reunited under another Atlantic skyline with endless wellness and music to make for an immersive experience the spirit of MOGA Festival has been deeply inked by nomadism Essaouira was once named Mogador by the Portuguese and as a reminder of this ancient history Morocco and Portugal decided that the cities of Essaouira and Caparica in Almada would become sister-lands It was obvious that this year that connection had to be explored incredible sunsets and seagulls watching the return of the fishermen Caparica feels like a home away from home for MOGA and so will make a  very special location for this year’s 4th edition MOGA Festival has united people from all over the world and backgrounds into a community – self-proclaimed the #mogatribe Wellness is genuinely central to the festival’s identity and so this year again the boutique event will focus on the union of body and soul designing an à la carte experience that is a fusion of electronic music and a myriad of extra goings-on free events and many more surprises to come The festival will take place in various locations along the waterfront with venues and full line-up to be announced soon Sobre nosotros | Hola Sundays! | Contacto | Aviso legal | Política de cookies But finding a secluded spot takes a bit more digging and a local or two who are willing to divulge their secrets Here are a few beaches to visit when you want to be one step further from the other tourists © Photo by Pawel Kazmierczak / Shutterstock Hop on the ferry from Cais do Sodré with everyone else but break away from the crowds in Cacilhas Instead of jumping on the bus headed for Costa da Caparica (which is the closest beach to the ferry) to the quieter stretches at Fonte da Telha The benefit of traveling a few miles further will be apparent in the space it offers: there’s much more of it Fonte da Telha also has cozy café-bars that are perfect for interrupting sun time with a midday break Praia da Baleeira A few of Portugal’s most beautiful stretches are located near Sesimbra and the Praia da Baleeira may also be one of the wildest Surrounded by steep cliffs and covered in rocky shores it may not be a spot for everyone (especially families with children) but it is a great location for privacy-seekers and hikers Praia da Baleeira, Portugal Alentejo continues to be one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets The Praia da Franquia is a fantastic spot for families since the waters are more protected Its calm nature also makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to try S.U.P Praia da Franquia, R. dos Medos 6, 7645-258 Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal | © Wikicommons © S.Gruene / Shutterstock Just south of the Alentejo adventurous tourists will find the Praia da Arrifana tucked away in the middle of natural wildlife zones Not only will you find a beautiful beach (with great waves for surfing) but also the lovely village of Alzejur and a few fantastic restaurants serving fresh fish and traditional Portuguese cuisine import PrebidBidService from "/v1/js/PrebidBidService.js"; import AmazonBidService from "/v1/js/AmazonBidService.js"; window.addEventListener('intersecting',async (e) => { const element = document.querySelector('[data-id="in_article_1"]'); const slot = element.getAttribute('id'); if(e.detail.slotName !== slot) { return; } let promises = []; if(window.canRunPrebid) { const prebidService = new PrebidBidService(); promises.push(prebidService.requestPrebidBids(null [slot])); } if(window.canRunAmazon) { const amazonService = new AmazonBidService(); promises.push(amazonService.fetchBids(null [slot])); } if(promises?.length) { await Promise.all(promises).then(() => { googletag.pubads().refresh([window.addSlot[slot]]); }); } else { googletag.pubads().refresh([window.addSlot[slot]]); } }); Praia do Ancão © Tatiana Popova / Shutterstock Off the coast of central Portugal is this small archipelago with an equally small beach but the area is lovely and the photos captured here are some of the most stunning from Portugal One of the main attractions is the fortification which was once used as a lookout to protect the coast from invasions snorkeling and scuba diving are all enjoyed here as well import PrebidBidService from "/v1/js/PrebidBidService.js"; import AmazonBidService from "/v1/js/AmazonBidService.js"; window.addEventListener('intersecting',async (e) => { const element = document.querySelector('[data-id="in_article_3"]'); const slot = element.getAttribute('id'); if(e.detail.slotName !== slot) { return; } let promises = []; if(window.canRunPrebid) { const prebidService = new PrebidBidService(); promises.push(prebidService.requestPrebidBids(null [slot])); } if(promises?.length) { await Promise.all(promises).then(() => { googletag.pubads().refresh([window.addSlot[slot]]); }); } else { googletag.pubads().refresh([window.addSlot[slot]]); } }); Praia Formosa Natural Feature © Christine Strover / Alamy Stock Photo This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Azores the archipelago’s oldest and warmest island characterized by stunning yellow-white sands (which is unique in this volcanic region) and the beaches are great for spending a day swimming or simply lounging Nina is a Portuguese-American writer living in Lisbon She spends all of her time exploring and sharing the amazing things that Portugal has to offer © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd Almada Town Hall is going to renovate five public spaces in the municipality with the community from discussing ideas to carrying out the work The first participation sessions will take place between this week and the beginning of April Almada City Council wants consulting the population on the requalification of five public spaces throughout the municipality The five spaces will be chosen by the people who will also have the opportunity to present ideas and vote on the redevelopment proposals that will be presented The initiative is called My Neighborhood and starts this week The first five participatory sessions will take place between March 13 and April 5 previously identified by Almada Town Hall; people will be able to make suggestions ask questions and present ideas for redevelopment from the two spaces previously identified by parish/union of parishes a place for intervention will be chosen through an online vote This voting phase will take place between April 6 and 21 the intervention proposals will be presented to the public where the community will once again be able to share their ideas and opinions contributing to the realization phase of the public space (re)qualification project Once the execution project and the process of launching the contract have been completed the population will have five new public spaces in the municipality to enjoy and will also be involved in this phase also contribute to the prosperity of the new squares and plazas The Program My Neighborhood "aims to promote urban and landscape improvement access to public art and reduce inequalities in the use of public space"the Almada City Council said in a statement "In collaboration with the five Parish Unions in the municipality a participatory program is being developed that involves the educational community municipal bodies and the local community in the phases of selecting the sites to be intervened in submitting contributions for the realization of the public space requalification project and its subsequent monitoring." The program kicks off this Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m., with the first participatory session taking place at the Maria Lamas Municipal Library, in Monte da Caparica. This session concerns the União de Freguesias de Caparica e Trafaria, where two venues have been selected: the Largo Manuel Arriaga, in Trafaria; and Largo da Torre, in Monte da Caparica. You can find out more about the program My Neighborhood here. Take note of the five participatory launch sessions: Here are the 10 public spaces identified by Almada Town Hall and the following texts are the responsibility of Almada Town Hall (we have only reproduced them): Framework: This is a rural area that is still reminiscent of the old Quinta da Torre Close to the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL/FCT) the square is currently framed by old buildings of heritage interest and recent road infrastructures whose opening has contributed to its de-characterization Diagnosis: This is a sizable area with good access to public transport (MST and buses) There is a lack of definition in the use of the area and in the existing roads with two variants (lanes) running off to the north buildings and walls in ruins that belonged to the former Quinta da Torre which constitute heritage that should be preserved Bulhão Pato lived in the building to the south of the square giving priority to meeting spaces and increasing permeable areas by reinforcing the green structure through the planting of trees The intervention should also promote the restructuring of the road network the pedestrian connection to the UNL/FCT campus and the enhancement of the historical and cultural heritage that characterizes the site Framework: space located in the Historic Core and in the Urban Rehabilitation Area (ARU) of Trafaria It is surrounded by several buildings that have already been rehabilitated under this program From Largo Manuel de Arriaga you have access to the Municipal Market (loading and unloading) Diagnosis: This is a very central area in the town of Trafaria At the beginning of Largo Manuel de Arriaga stands the Trafaria Fountain The square has abusive parking on the sidewalks and universal accessibility is not guaranteed; the fountain is in a poor state of repair Idea: improve the urban image by consolidating the authenticity of the place The proposal to reorganize the road structure in this square is intended to frame and enhance the Trafaria Fountain (once it has been restored) with a tree-lined square reinforcing the green structure and providing seating areas that promote neighbourhood experiences As well as guaranteeing universal accessibility the redevelopment of this public space also aims to renovate the street furniture as a way of encouraging leisure Framework: interstitial space located in a consolidated urban area to the south of the "Almada Atlético Clube" sports complex and adjacent to the "AIPICA" facilities This space is marked by the steep slope of the terrain where buildings have been built on levels at very different heights served by streets with little formal parking Diagnosis: space located inside an urban block with pedestrian access via several streets with a large difference in elevation between the north and south tops Halfway up the slope is a dilapidated and disused multi-sports field The surrounding slopes are stabilized with well-developed plantations Some of the trees have good vegetative growth which is compatible with the species and should be preserved There are still unfinished pedestrian areas with little connection to the residential buildings Idea: improving universal accessibility to promote social interaction and the urban environment new street furniture and converting the multi-sports court into a pedestrian plaza Framework: space located in a consolidated urban area surrounded by 3/4-storey buildings from the 1950s/60s The landscaped public space resolves the existing unevenness through slopes and accesses the various buildings at different levels Diagnosis: Formal urban garden dating from the 1960s/70s with occasional rehabilitation interventions The area is contained between the façades of residential buildings and roads A compartmentalized space with planted areas and pedestrian zones which over time have become distorted and degraded The entire direct surroundings of this space are occupied by abusive car parking Idea: reconverting and updating this space as a formal garden with a view to strengthening social interaction; renovating the street furniture strengthening the green structure and transferring the existing seating area to the west to the central square where it is also proposed to install a kiosk/bar with a terrace The parking areas adjacent to Avenida Rainha D Leonor and Rua Eduardo Tavares should be reformulated and reorganized It is also planned to relocate the Urban Solid Waste disposal areas Framework: space located in a densely built-up area with a reticulated urban fabric and no landmarks It is characterized by the exclusive presence of single-family homes and a limited range of places to meet and socialize Diagnosis: This is a totally permeable area with large trees in good phytosanitary condition that we consider important to preserve With good conditions for universal accessibility this site is naturally suitable for creating an area for recreation and nature sports It is currently abused as a dumping ground for construction waste and road crossings ​Idea: creation of a space for nature sports and social interaction The plan is to install a tree climbing trail of reduced difficulty and complementary sports equipment seating areas with a picnic area and children's play equipment The green structure should also be rehabilitated and reinforced with new planting of trees Framework: space located inside a U-shaped block built in the 1970s and adjacent to the Elias Garcia Primary School there is a children's playground and the "Sobreda Basketball Court" The streets are not very formalized and have no edges with considerable differences in altitude resulting in extensive areas of slope Abusive and disorderly car parking occupying pedestrian circulation areas Some trees show good vegetative development compatible with the species Idea: the creation of a space for social interaction which will reinforce the identity and image of the neighbourhood thus formalizing the "Vitor Péon Garden" (cartoonist) The aim is to regulate parking and traffic reorganize and reinforce the existing green structure by planting new plant material and stabilizing slopes Universal accessibility will be guaranteed throughout the space Framework: public space surrounding the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição located next to the main entrance to the city and access to the sea wall and beaches Diagnosis: streets located in the central area of the town of Costa da Caparica next to the 19th century Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição which succeeded the small wooden and thatched-roof church built by the first inhabitants of Costa da Caparica This is a partially pedestrianized area of historical importance to the Costa da Caparica community The streets show abusive parking occupying the sidewalks; the planted or wooded areas are in a poor state of repair and the sidewalks and markers of the pedestrian zone are degraded Idea: improve the urban image by reinforcing the green structure and increasing permeable areas With the proposed reorganization of the road structure around the church and the subsequent formalization of parking in Rua Teixeira da Cunha tree-lined square with seating areas that will promote neighbourhood experiences Its requalification will also be helped by the installation of street furniture which will enhance the urban landscape and the social and leisure function intended for this space Framework: streets located in the first Fishermen's Quarter of Costa da Caparica It is essentially used for residential purposes with small masonry buildings that are the evolution of the original wooden "palheiros" and the pedestrianized street space is used as a place for socializing Diagnosis: This is a very central and partially pedestrianized area with great historical importance for the Costa da Caparica fishing community the pedestrian sidewalks are in a poor state of repair and there is abusive parking along the stretch of road is the most colourful and authentic street on the Costa da Caparica with paintings on the ground made by the local residents with quatrains alluding to the beach and fishing an identity mark that must be preserved and supported consolidating the simplicity and authenticity of this place The aim is to improve and enhance the urban image of these streets supporting initiatives such as "Pinturas na Rua 15" and extending the concept to the so-called Rua 14 promoting Urban Art through the "Pintura na rua 14" initiative to be carried out with the collaboration of local residents and artists It is also proposed to install mobile street furniture that allows for the installation of vegetation encourages leisure and boosts social interaction and community spirit Framework: space located in a residential area with first floor shops framed by 4-storey buildings that form a U-shaped block opening to the south onto the busy Rua Bento de Jesus Caraça Diagnosis: The large size of the existing plane trees makes for favorable climatic comfort in an urban environment The lack of steep slopes means that there are accessible spaces in terms of pedestrian mobility There is no children's or sports equipment There are only a few garden benches and small retaining walls Idea: creation of the Bento de Jesus Caraça (mathematician) Garden as a space for social and intergenerational interaction The intention is to reinforce the green structure by creating permeable areas and new plantings of herbaceous and shrub species as well as maintaining the existing plane trees which provide shade in the summer and sun in the winter New street furniture should be installed and universal access to the space should be guaranteed accessible via Praceta de Oliveira Martins is located behind the Parish Church of São José Operário and the Community Center surrounded by steep slopes that descend to the Municipal Sports Complex Diagnosis: the space is totally permeable and has never been treated or used in any way and there is a feeling of insecurity in its use There are some informal footpaths resulting from the use of crossing routes Naturalized space with examples of native trees in a good state of health with an incipient presence of shrub and herbaceous strata Idea: to create a safe and functional space by organizing the network of pedestrian paths and the road link to Praceta de Oliveira Martins with the installation of fitness equipment to complement the existing equipment in the surrounding area It is also intended to create leisure and relaxation areas to contemplate the unobstructed views and to install a dog park Relevant trees should be preserved and the rest of the green structure reinforced Podes escrever-nos para [email protected] Ian Payne is Leading Britain's Conversation A British teenager has drowned after getting caught in a rip tide while swimming with friends on holiday in Portugal got into trouble alongside two friends off a small beach on the Costa de Caparica coastline The tragic drowning took place on Wednesday afternoon on the 'Red Dragon' beach just before 6.30pm A search for the third boy's body began which was found on neighbouring Tarquinio-Paraiso Beach Portugal’s National Maritime Authority (AMN) has confirmed the victim was from the UK Read More: Kidnapping fears after British girl, 13, disappears on Caribbean holiday, as 'beyond desperate' family beg for help Read More: 'I'm gonna face that fear': Shania Twain speaks out over being abused by her stepfather aged 10 A statement from AMN read: “A 19-year-old young man on the coast of Caparica in the municipality of Almada after being caught up in a rip current while he was bathing with two friends "The organisation added in its lengthy statement: “Upon arrival the Maritime Police found two of the three people said to have got into difficulties in the water had managed to reach the shore through their own means and they were assisted at the scene by medical experts the 19-year-old man who was subsequently found dead by volunteer firefighters on adjacent Tarquinio-Paraiso Beach.“He was declared dead at the scene by a doctor.” drowned last summer trying to save his two daughters from a strong current See more More Latest News See more Latest News See more The News Explained See more Royals See more Highlights & Opinion See more More Topics A strong magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit 10.6 km (7 mi) away from Lisbon, Distrito de Lisboa,  Portugal The depth of the quake could not be determined but is assumed to be shallow.The quake was felt widely in the area The shallow depth of the quake caused it to be felt more strongly near the epicenter than a deeper quake of similar magnitude would Written By: The Planet D Portugal Lisbon is the vibrant Portuguese capital – a hotspot for culture and Moorish architecture. Its reddish terracotta roofs and constant silhouette of Sao Jorge Castle cut a stunning backdrop against the Atlantic Ocean, and its coastal location means plenty of access to incredible beaches. Regarding cities in Portugal Lisbon comes out top or in the top three every time Below are some of the top tours for Day Trips from Lisbon Don’t forget to plan ahead when visiting Portugal and if you are looking for a tried-and-tested day trip from Lisbon Pena Palace is famous for its bright colors and bold architecture and takes over 2.5 hours to tour because of all its grandeur and scale However, Sinta has plenty of palaces and castles, so don’t limit yourself to one. Sintra is the place you visit to stop by a romantic palace or two and satisfy your inner childhood dreams of princes and princesses. Book your Pena Palace entry ticket in advance. Sintra is just 30 minutes from Lisbon, making it half as popular as it is. It is a convenient yet epic day trip for anyone wanting a magical day tour from Lisbon. And you can enjoy the novelty of palaces and romantic architecture in just half a day. Read more: 14 Best Things to Do in Sintra, Portugal You can also book this popular day tour to Sintra from Lisbon. Explore Sintra in your free time and visit Quinta da Regaleira with an expert guide. You’ll also visit Pena Palace, Regaleira, and Cascais. Check rental car prices here. Wine tasting is the perfect Lisbon day trip The Lisbon wine regions have three main groups If you are looking for specific grape types while Alvarinho and Malvasia Fina are best amongst their whites Lisbon is a fascinating place to book a wine tour You can have low-alcohol wines along its coastline with typically crisp notes that perfectly match its seafood dishes You can also find heavier inland vines that you can reach in about an hour from Lisbon city center Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of all of Europe and has incredible coastal views and panoramas over the ocean The best way to enjoy Cabo da Roca is with a coastal hike – so grab your hiking boots and get ready to traverse some rugged cliffs stopping at little hidden beaches for picnics You’ll pass the Cabo da Roca Lighthouse on your way which was built in 1772 and is one of Portugal’s most traditional and oldest lighthouses Cabo da Roca is ideal if you fancy a windy day out to escape the occasionally oppressive heat of Lisbon in summer Cabo da Roca is just 30 minutes by car and one of the most accessible day trips from Lisbon You can perch along the rocky coastline and admire pinks and soft oranges preferably with a glass of one of the aforementioned wines Peniche is a world-class surfing destination over an hour’s drive from Lisbon This beach town is one of the best day trips from Lisbon if you are an avid surfer or just fancying a beach day The long stretch of Praia dos Supertubos or Praia Baleal-Sul is perfect for beach bums happy to sit on the sand and paddle gently in the shallows so this isn’t a swimming destination but it is a fantastic place to surf or watch the exciting display of surfer skills There are plenty of boards to rent in the Peniche town center You won’t struggle to find equipment Costa da Caparica is the opposite of the traditional old town and rural setting vibe this extroverted resort town is full of modern fads and the trendiest eateries Costa da Caparica is the place for you if you want a place to sip aesthetic cocktails and mingle amongst fun crowds The town is set along the Costa da Caparica coastline – 26km of sandy beaches, and it is equally suitable for those wanting a beach day with so much space that you don’t need to worry about finding a spot in peak season. Fun and outgoing, Costa da Caparica has room for everyone and is a friendly face when researching day trips from Lisbon. Read more: 18 Best Beaches in Portugal to Visit Costa da Caparica is just a 25-minute drive or Uber from Lisbon city center It is one of the closest Lisbon beaches and a feasible day trip if you want to catch an Uber without renting a car or public transport Beautiful Obidos is an ultra-traditional and small medieval town that makes an epic day trip for history lovers It is the sort of place you should head to if you are vying for a traditional Portuguese dish or a quaint little souvenir it also has plenty of oomph for attractions It remains one of the finest examples of Portuguese walled towns. Obidos is one of the best day trips from Lisbon if you want the perfect mix of history and aesthetics and the convenience of having everything within walking distance. Read more: 7 Reasons You Should Visit Obidos, Portugal taking just 2 hours by train or one hour by car you can detour to the Reserva Natural do Estuario do Tejo and Serra de Montejunto There’s some stunning countryside en route and you can get into the rural aesthetic before arriving in the white-washed town of Obidos Evora is the historical gem of the day trips from Lisbon and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site The city has over 2,000 years of history and Roman history that draws in the crowds although it is a little less well known than Sintra amongst your in-and-out tourist crowd It has a beautiful Roman temple and an aqueduct – stunning examples of Roman-period architecture It is a miracle that you can also admire these ruins today since an earthquake flattened almost all of the surrounding area And if you fancy a day amongst Roman ruins and pretty cobbled streets This small fishing town is situated on the famous strip of surfing coastline just north of Lisbon Ericeira is best for those wanting a lowkey and authentic experience The town center is full of seafood restaurants selling locally caught catch while its beaches are sleepy apart from the frantically zigzagging surfers cutting up waves It is the only World Surfing Reserve in Europe but not as many people get the memo as they do for nearby Peniche Erceira is a little more off the beaten track and slightly closer – a huge win-win We’d recommend driving to reach this spot as taking public transport more than doubles your travel time Ericeira takes 40 minutes to get to by car or an hour Cascais is a small town but an extremely fun day trip this is one of the only day trips from Lisbon you can take by train versus bus as Cascais has its own train station connected by the ‘Linha de Cascais.’ It is a scenic ride taking you past sandy beaches and coastal scenery and it only takes 40 minutes from Cais do Sodre station in southwest Lisbon with a fun vibe and a mixture of shopping streets and beachfront restaurants Its old town is where you’ll find the more ‘serious sightseeing’ opportunities with the Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and Citadel Palace Cascais is a fun allrounder with an outstanding balance of things to do if you want a quick escape from Lisbon’s city center Nazare is one of our favorite off-the-beaten-track places to visit in Portugal. It is famous for its huge waves – actually holding a World Record for the size of its waves on its glorious beaches Some experienced surfers attempt these waves People have lost their lives surfing Nazare so this is a phenomenon best experienced from the dry ground for most people Sit on one of the sandy beaches and enjoy nature’s show without participating A huge canyon – the largest underwater canyon in Europe to be exact – allows for giant swells to form It is a fantastic day trip destination to appreciate nature’s power while enjoying a gorgeous beach day Fatima is a Catholic pilgrimage site and one of the most unusual day trips from Lisbon Fatima is the perfect day trip to take on your Lisbon trip if you are religious- or even just interested in religious history it is within a realistic driving distance to travel there and back on the same day Fatima is another term for the Virgin Mary The Virgin Mary was coined Our Lady of Fatima after she appeared before three children in the village and made some pretty drastic predictions that transpired to be true the site of the Virgin Mary’s appearance at the Capela das Aparicoes Fatima is just 1.5 hours from Lisbon by bus or car so you’ll have plenty of time to spend in the town Castelo dos Mouros is stunning; seriously stunning The Moorish castle dates back to the 10th century and sits on a clifftop overlooking the surrounding towns and villages on the outskirts of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park If you want a day trip from Lisbon with a ‘wow factor,’ Castelo dos Mouros is one of the most impressive day trips you can take You can walk through the ancient castle walls and enjoy some dramatic views over the landscape Be prepared for many steps and some rather dizzying views but if you’ve got relatively good fitness you’ll be absolutely fine tackling this exciting Portuguese attraction Castelo dos Mouros is 45 minutes from Lisbon by car or 1.5 hours using public transport you’ll be passing through some quaint suburbs with plenty of attractions – even indoor skydiving facilities and historic palaces It is also well-combined with a visit to nearby Sintra and its major claim to fame is that it was one of the On Majesty’s Secret Service filming locations – a classic old-school James Bond movie Estoril is affluent as an area and has that glitzy coastal vibe The glamorous appeal is ideal for anyone wanting a mix of high-end cuisine and luxury facilities plus all the enjoyment of your standard beach day experience Estoril is also super close to Lisbon’s city center making it one of the most convenient places you can visit on a day trip Estoril is just a 25-minute drive from Lisbon making it a feasible detour for any traveler You can also reach Estoril on the Cascais train line with services running directly from Cais do Sodre station Setubal is best known for its Arrabida Natural Park and ferry service to Praia Troia Mar It is more of a launchpad destination for many This town is well worth visiting in its own right and it has an impressive draw – delicious restaurants and yummy dishes It is famous for many dishes (if you ask the right crowd) it is just under an hour from Lisbon by car or 1.5 hours by public transportation so you won’t struggle to get back on a full stomach but you’ll be well-impressed if you discover its tremendous food scene Azenhas do Mar is a tiny seaside town that sits in quite a Cinque Terre fashion on rugged sea cliffs with houses slowly spilling down the cliff face and towards the beachfront The houses are traditionally bright white with orange roofing and a vast sea pool is at the base near the beach Azenhas do Mar is the least likely to come up on a tourist radar those who clock this fantastic addition to our Lisbon day trips are rewarded with photogenic streets This is an authentic little seaside community with a timeless sense of style Please don’t confuse it with the tiny Azenha do Mar further south This Azenhas is just a 45-minute drive or 2 hours by public transport And for a quiet afternoon out of busy Lisbon If you plan on driving from Lisbon to Lagos you should insure multiple drivers in the same car as a 6-hour drive and a day of sightseeing is enough to make anyone woozy on the road and Lagos is so fun that it’s worthwhile Out of all our day trips from Lisbon, Porto Covo is one of the quietest The little former fishing village is sleepy but all the best places make the most of a siesta here and there Porto Covo is a brilliant – and beautiful – spot to kick back and embrace the sleepy coastal culture The village was demolished by an earthquake in 1755 and you can still find tradition in every corner blue-painted houses signaled that the house belonged to fishermen open to trading supplies You can also visit Pesseguerio island to see the 15th-century fort and Roman ruins just off the Porto Covo shorelines Porto Covo is where to head to zen on a beach and learn more about Portuguese traditions and culture It is a low-maintenance day trip with minimal sightseeing unless you want to venture out to Pesseguerio Island Jeronimos Monastery is beautiful – whether you care about religious history or architecture The Gothic Manueline architecture results in substantial vaulted ceilings and stunning ornamental designs You could easily spend hours just walking the monastery halls and corridors so cast away any church-style visions and instead get looking at the gorgeous pictures of this spot Once you’ve finished admiring the Jeronimos Monastery architecture you also have two museums inside its grounds You can head to both the archaeology and maritime museums You may think this sounds like a lot of sightseeing on a day trip from Lisbon That’s where the Jeronimos Monastery’s convenient location comes in The monastery is just a 20-minute drive (or Uber) from central Lisbon or 30 to 40 minutes by bus and if that didn’t get your attention The whole city is set on canals; traditionally barcos moliceiros were the prime transportation method for harvesting seaweed These colorful boats still drift around the streets and you can book certain barcos moliceiros for boat rides and Averio has a definite sense of serenity and water-caused novelty Averio is set within the Ria de Averio lagoon there’s also the Salinas de Aveiro museum – a working museum showing the process of salt harvesting Just 2 hours away by fast train or 2.5 hours by standard train or car Tomar is a dream; laidback and full of narrow walkways and mosaic tiles It has the sort of aesthetic that you see in movies with cutesy bright-white buildings and turreted orange roofs There’s even a checkerboard floored public square The whole town is perfect for wandering or sitting outside with a coffee It also has some medieval-style attractions including the Convent of Christ and Almourol Castle Almourol Castle is the most distinctive caste ruin in the Lisbon ‘day trip region,’ built on an island and only accessible by water Tomar is perfect to wander around and drop into a few different picturesque attractions it is accessible via public transportation in just a little longer than it takes by car and not worry about renting cars and driving licenses Batalha is most famed for Batalha Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and is just an hour and 40 minutes north of Lisbon by car it has some impressive buildings and Gothic grandeur and its main attractions each justify a day tour in their own right Coin Caves are another popular reason to visit Batalha and the limestone cave has stunning stalactites and stalagmites Batalha is a historic town with an excellent pick and mix of attractions with a strong sense of oomph and identity Batalha is perfect if you fancy a day out learning about caves and stalactites in the morning and religious history and architecture in the afternoon It takes an hour and 40 minutes to reach Batalha by car from Lisbon The natural park is nicknamed the Silver Coast and has white sand beach after white sand beach tucked along its shores Arrábida Natural Park has many candidates The natural park covers a huge area of around 69 square miles and is home to a convent dating back to the 1500s Spirituality is never far from areas of natural beauty including caves full of rare species of bats Hiking trails best explore Arrábida Natural Park don’t get put off by the prospect of huge There are plenty of shorter routes if you just fancy a short walk and then a beach day – get browsing through the route options you can embrace so much more Portuguese culture and boost your tourist experience check out these commonly asked questions so you are as prepared as possible Sintra is the most popular of the Lisbon day trips This popularity is thanks to its colossal palace – Pena National Palace – and also its cobbled street aesthetic It is seen as a place of history and lingering heritage you can visit the ancient city of Evora and the medium-sized city of Caldas da Rainha from Lisbon Badajoz is the easiest Spanish day trip destination from Lisbon and it takes 2.5 hours to reach one way by car It could be a fun day trip to organize if you want to combine two countries in one trip We didn’t include Porto amongst our primary recommendations for day trips from Lisbon because it takes 3.5 hours to get there by train you should allow a few days to explore Porto if you are okay with spending 6-7 traveling in a day it is possible to take a day trip to Porto from Lisbon Whether you head to the National Palace or Evora’s Roman temple, taking day trips from Lisbon will open you up to even more natural beauty, culture, and Portuguese history. It is one of the best ways to maximize a visit to Lisbon. Even with just a layover in Lisbon you could plan a day trip – so get creative with squeezing day trips into your itinerary As you can see, there are loads of options. And because Lisbon is located in central Portugal, it is convenient to take day trips using public transport because everything is so well-connected. You could head over into Spain even if you wanted – the Spanish border towns and cities are just 2-3 hours away by car you should maximize your stay with remarkable day trips The surrounding areas have everything from natural parks to beach towns and enjoy sampling all these different day trips you should look into car rentals to make life easier for yourself Portugal is a fantastic place to embrace road trips and day trip detours Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor. Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO Learn a Language: We recommend and love both Rosetta Stone and Babbel Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide. Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling Best Things to Do in the Algarve: Your Ultimate Guide How To Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: The Ultimate Guide Benagil Cave in 2024 – New Rules, Helpful Tips & The Best Tours Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a953f8de8a183508f844d07e5a12d97d" );document.getElementById("bb6e812255").setAttribute( "id" and website in this browser for the next time I comment About Dave and Deb Contact Us Privacy Policy Work With Us Press and Media Best Travel Tips How to Save Money for Travel The Ultimate Travel Packing List Travel Safety Tips How to Travel on a Budget