Praia de Carcavelos
Type: Active, Beaches, Day Trips, Family Friendly, Free Attractions, Relaxing, Water Sports
10Best Says
One of Portugal's finest beaches, Praia de Carcavelos is set conveniently near Lisbon, which makes it a fantastic summertime destination when the city gets too hot and stuffy. But even in winter this... Read More
One of Portugal's finest beaches, Praia de Carcavelos is set conveniently near Lisbon, which makes it a fantastic summertime destination when the city gets too hot and stuffy. But even in winter this golden stretch of sand, just a 20-minute train journey from the city center, is a great place to chill out and spend your free time. Awarded a Blue Flag for water quality and classified as an Accessible Beach for those with mobility issues, Carcavelos is a favorite with surfers and body boarders: national and international surfing competitions are held here throughout the year. Lifeguards supervise the beach during the summer season (1 May–30 September) when it can get uncomfortably crowded. Lining the esplanade are plenty of cafes and restaurants and if you're not a beachgoer or sun-worshipper by nature, the lengthy promenade walk is reason enough to flip-flop away half a day or so.
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Paul Bernhardt
Lisbon Local Expert
- Free Things to Do: "Lisbon's Cais do Sodré railway station serves Carcavelos, where passengers should alight for the ten-minute walk to the beach."
- Beaches: "There are designated surfing zones (the beach is a renowned surfing spot) and sun loungers and parasols can be hired."
- Best for Free Things to Do Because: A fabulous natural asset and conveniently close to Lisbon, Praia de Carcavelos is worth visiting at any time of the year.
- Best for Beaches Because: Excellent public transport connections from central Lisbon and easy access from local rail and bus stations make Carcavelos one of the area's most popular beaches.
