Setúbal · Alfarim
Meco Beach
Portugal's first official naturist beach, protected by the Caparica Fossil Cliff Nature Reserve.
Beach Information
About the Beach
Meco Beach was officially designated Portugal's first naturist beach in 1995, though the practice had existed informally since the 1980s. The northern section, with full beach facilities and a lifeguard, is popular with families; southward, the beach stretches wild, nudist and progressively more isolated.
Behind the dunes rises the Arriba Fóssil da Costa da Caparica, a classified Natural Monument with Pliocene limestone outcrops and umbrella pine ecosystems sheltering endemic species. No construction is permitted along this coastal front, explaining the absence of development that still defines Meco today.
Strong Atlantic swell — not a calm-water beach. Occasional rip currents; safety signage present in the northern zone. Access via Alfarim (IC32) with a 10-minute dune walk from the car park. No direct public transport.
Experiences in the region
See experiences in Sesimbra on GetYourGuide →Beach equipment
Editorial references
lisbonbeachesguide.com (Meco Beach) · Arriba Fóssil Natural Monument (ICNF) · DGT
Editorial content curated by the Portugal Travel Hub team. Water quality per official APA analysis.
Before you go: confirm lifeguard hours, road access and capacity — especially in high season and after heavy rain.
Last updated: 2026-05-19.