Praia da Rainha

Arguably the most attractive of beaches along the Lisbon coast, the Queen's Beach is also the smallest â€" a pocket-sized wedge of sand squeezed between a row of beachfront apartments and townhouses smack bang in Cascais old town. Not surprisingly, it's enormously popular but not the place to spread out your towel if peace and quiet is your thing. Above, a popular terrace café provides onlookers with plenty of distraction â€" another reason to think twice if it's privacy you seek. That said, the beach is wonderfully novel and has been awarded a Blue Flag for water quality and a sustainable environment. There's not much in the way of extra leisure amenities, there's no room! But in two minutes you can be in the centre of town with access to shops, restaurants and other visitor attractions.