What’s the best area to stay near Lisbon’s beaches?
For most people, Cascais: beaches in town, direct trains to Lisbon and Guincho about 6 km away. For calm, clear water, Sesimbra. For surf, Carcavelos or Costa da Caparica.
Can I do the beaches without a car?
Yes, on the Cascais line. Trains leave Cais do Sodré and stop by the beaches at Carcavelos, Parede, Estoril and Cascais. Buses run from Lisbon to Costa da Caparica; there’s no train or metro there. While CP upgrades the Cascais line, it closes in the evenings and replacement buses run (CP notice, 21 Sep 2026).
Cascais or Costa da Caparica?
Cascais has a proper old town, trains and sheltered bays, but small, busy beaches. Caparica has huge beaches with excellent water (2025) and surf, but no train, and the bridge is slow on summer weekends.
Where’s the calmest water near Lisbon?
Sesimbra and the Arrábida beaches (Portinho, Galapinhos, Figueirinha). They face south, sheltered from the northerly wind. In summer, car access to Arrábida has been restricted, with shuttle buses.
How much is a taxi from Lisbon Airport to the coast?
Since 15 October 2026 airport taxis charge a fixed fare per taxi, up to four people. By day: €19 to central Lisbon, €36.95 to Costa da Caparica, €53.40 to Cascais, Estoril or Sintra, €70.55 to Sesimbra or Setúbal. Nights, weekends and holidays cost more, and the ride back is on the meter. Sources: Diário de Notícias and Pplware, 15 Oct 2026.
How far is each area from the airport?
As the crow flies: about 7 km to central Lisbon, 17 km to Costa da Caparica, 20 km to Carcavelos, 26 km to Cascais, 35 km to Setúbal and 37 km to Sesimbra. By road it’s further.
By Ricardo Barbosa · updated 18 Oct 2026
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