Best Beaches Near Lisbon by Train: 9 Easy Day Trips to the Coast

One of my favourite things about living in Lisbon, Portugal is how ridiculously easy it is to get from the city centre to the beach. The train that runs between Lisbon and Cascais hugs the coastline almost the whole way and there are plenty of beaches along the route that are perfect for a quick dip, a long lazy sunbathe or even a surf session if the swell’s right. 

Some are backed by little cafés and bars, some feel like peaceful local secrets and others are proper weekend hotspots with music, mojitos, and crowds.

Here’s a breakdown of my favourite stops along the line—depending on what kind of beach day you’re after.

This is usually my go-to when I want a proper beach day but don’t want to travel far. It’s about 20 minutes from Cais do Sodré and only a short walk from Oeiras station: just follow the underpass and you’ll be on the sand in a couple of minutes.

The beach itself is long and wide with golden sand, calm water, and lots of space to stretch out, even on busier days. There’s a wide promenade running along the back of the beach with little cafés and kiosks, and I nearly always grab a galão and toastie from the café just behind the lifeguard station. It’s also got public showers and proper toilets, which makes a big difference if you’re spending the whole day there. 

Side note: if you’re driving (or open to a walk), the left-hand side of the beach is quieter as it’s further from the station. There’s a lot of parking, too. 

Carcavelos is the classic choice—and one of the liveliest beaches on the whole line. It’s super popular with surfers, volleyball players, families, and sunbathers alike. 

The train ride is about 25 minutes, and it’s only a five-minute walk from the station to the sand. The beach itself is big, and even though it gets busy in summer, there’s usually space to find your own patch, especially if you walk a bit further down past the main cafés. There’s often a bit of a party vibe (especially on weekends), and it’s the kind of place you can easily spend all day and then stick around for sundowners at one of the beach bars.

The surf can get pretty decent here when the swell lines up, and there are a few surf schools offering lessons or rentals right on the sand. If you’re looking for energy, people-watching, and a solid beach setup close to town, this is the one.

This is one of my favourite spots when I want something slightly quieter but still really accessible. São Pedro do Estoril is a couple of stops further than Carcavelos (around 30 minutes from Cais do Sodré), and it tends to draw more locals and fewer tourists.

Once you hop off the train, it’s an easy downhill walk to the beach. The bay here is smaller and more sheltered than some of the bigger beaches, and it’s a top pick for beginner surfers. I’ve done a few early morning surf sessions here when the swell is mellow—it’s one of those places that feels calm and friendly, whether you’re paddling out or just watching from the sand.

There’s also a beach bar perched right above the water with a great view (and strong coffee), and a walking path along the cliffs that’s perfect if you feel like a stroll post-swim. The sunset views from up there are beautiful.

If you’re after a beach with a bit more going on, Tamariz is the classic Estoril option. It’s one of those beaches where you step off the train and you’re basically already on the promenade. It’s super central, which makes it ideal if you just want a spontaneous beach afternoon without needing to plan anything.

There’s a long boardwalk that connects Tamariz to Cascais and the beach itself is wide and sandy, with calm waters that are great for swimming. It’s a bit more built up than some of the others on this list, but there’s still plenty of charm: striped umbrellas, families playing beach paddle, and the odd group of friends doing post-work swims.

The old Forte da Cruz castle sits just behind the beach and makes for a pretty dramatic backdrop. There are also some bars and restaurants nearby, so it’s a good one if you want to pair your beach day with lunch, sundowners or even a night out in Estoril.

Azarujinha is tiny, hidden, and feels like a bit of a secret, which is probably why I love it so much. It’s just west of Tamariz and a little harder to find (you’ll need to follow the promenade and then head down a set of stairs carved into the cliffside), but it’s worth it.

The beach is nestled in a natural amphitheatre of cliffs, so it always feels peaceful and protected, especially early in the morning. 

It’s small, though, so it fills up quickly in summer. But if you come early or on a slightly cooler day, you might have it mostly to yourself. Just make sure to bring whatever snacks or drinks you need, as there’s not much in the way of shops or cafés directly on the beach.

Praia da Duquesa is one of the main beaches in Cascais and a solid go-to when you want something easy, central, and comfortable. It’s one of the wider beaches in the area, which means it can handle a crowd without feeling completely packed. Although, in July and August, it definitely still gets busy.

The water here is calm, clear, and perfect for swimming, and there are loungers and umbrellas for hire if you’re not into sand-in-your-sandwiches territory. I often come here when I want a full beach day without sacrificing amenities as there are showers, cafés, and even a water sports rental stand if you fancy paddleboarding or kayaking.

One of my favourite things about this beach is how close it is to everything – it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Cascais train station, and you’re surrounded by restaurants, ice cream shops and little streets to explore once you’ve had your sun fix. 

Tucked into the heart of Cascais like a little pocket of gold, Praia da Rainha is the prettiest small beach in town and one of the most photogenic. It’s right next to the historic centre, but the high cliffs give it a hidden-away vibe that makes it feel more special than you’d expect for such a central spot.

It’s not big so it’s not the kind of beach where you sprawl out with a whole group for the day. But if you’re in Cascais for a stroll and want a quick dip or a scenic place to sit with a coffee, this one’s a dream. 

Pro tip: there’s a viewpoint just above the beach that’s perfect for people-watching or catching the sunset if you don’t feel like getting sandy.

This is probably the most popular beach in Cascais—and for good reason. Praia da Conceição is big, golden and super central, and it’s the first one you’ll hit when you step off the train and walk five minutes towards the ocean. It links up with Praia da Duquesa next door, so at low tide, it feels like one long stretch.

What I like most about Conceição is how easy it all feels. You’ve got restaurants and cafés practically on the sand (the terrace at Hotel Albatroz is fab for drinks), and the water is usually calm enough to swim without too much drama. It’s not the quietest or wildest beach by any stretch, but for a spontaneous sunny afternoon when you don’t want to overthink it, it’s ideal.

It’s also the go-to spot when I’ve got visitors staying in Lisbon who don’t want to trek too far: clean, easy, close, and classic. You can grab an iced coffee from the little kiosk at the top, lay out your towel, and be in the water in under ten minutes from the train.

Right in the heart of the old town, Praia da Ribeira is the beach you see on all the postcards of Cascais. Framed by boats, the marina and the town’s pastel-coloured buildings, it’s less of a “spend the whole day” kind of beach and more of a “stop for a swim in between ice creams” kind of beach.

This is the beach I usually head to for a quick cool-off after wandering around the old town or finishing a seafood lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. The sand’s a little coarser and the water can feel cooler than some of the others, but the setting is unbeatable, especially when you’re sat on the low wall above the beach with a pastel de nata in hand.

It’s also a great people-watching spot. You’ll see a mix of sunbathers, locals taking a dip, and kids building sandcastles with one eye on the fishing boats drifting in and out. Not the most private or pristine, but definitely one of the most atmospheric.