Portugal's best kept secret
Caparica has nothing to envy the world famous Estoril Coast (the length of coastline that links Lisbon with Cascais). However, we warn In 2019, a series of works are being carried out to fill in the sand on its beaches due to the erosion that these sandbanks have suffered year after year. In any case, you can enjoy Costa da Caparica by following this closing schedule.
If every year, as soon as the days of spring arrive and especially in summer, hundreds of tourists come to the west of Portugal to enjoy a well-deserved vacation, residents of the Portuguese capital prefer to turn around and head south to get away from the hustle and bustle, the high prices and the crowds that characterize this beautiful enclave.
25th of April Bridge, Lisbon
We are not going to lie to you, on Sundays and holidays in the summer months, the beaches of this coast are also invaded by both tourists and locals, but no point of comparison with its neighbor Estoril Coast, so it can become the best of your sea and beach alternatives near Lisbon .
Not for nothing is it the favorite of the Lisbon people. That yes, in Weekend arm yourself with patience when returning with your car to the capital, the retentions to enter through the 25 de Abril Bridge can reach several kilometers , but it will be worth the wait after spending a day or several in this summer Eden!
Half an hour by car from the capital of Portugal , crossing the Tagus River through its famous 25th of April Bridge and in the direction of the city of Almada , this fabulous expanse of sand is reached more than 30 kilometers of endless beaches , its magical sunsets, its summer parties and its cold Atlantic waters . The most suitable combo for defining a perfect summer.
HOW TO GET TO COSTA DA CAPARICA?
Thanks to its proximity to the metropolis, reaching this enclave will not be a complicated task regardless of the time of year in which you visit.
By public transport you will have the option of getting to one of the ferries leaving every day from Cais do Sodré or from Bélem or, if you wish to arrive by land, you can take a bus that brings you closer to some of the key points of this coastline.
Magical sunsets...
But without a doubt, the best choice is to travel, with your own or rented car, the best beaches and landscapes of this magical place.
Once you have left behind the parish of Caparica , you will find the best stretches of sand, the most fashionable beach bars and the most advanced surf schools.
The few tourists who come to the south are confused with the Portuguese who go there to relax, escape from the heat of the city and enjoy a comforting vacation or holiday.
So don't stay at first or you'll regret it! To get around, the car or the motorcycle will be the best alternatives, just as you must not miss out on trying their famous tourist train that during the summer months covers much of the dunes.
As you go, the tourists are left behind and the landscape becomes more wild and authentic. Transpraia ** is the name of this mini-train that makes its way along the sea and on the sand. An experience that despite being touristy, is highly recommended!
Take the surfboard and escape to the Costa da Caparica
A REDUCTION OF PEACE, TRANQUILITY AND FUN FOR SURF LOVERS
The paradise for true surf enthusiasts has a name: Costa da Caparica. Up to here they come every year hundreds of experts and beginners in this water sport for conquer the fierce waves of the Atlantic , which break on the stretches of beach that follow each other, one next to the other, along the 30 kilometers of coastline.
Even, at times, You may not have noticed that the name of the beach has changed. But not only surf lovers have a place here, you can also find all kinds of water activities such as kitesurfing, flyboarding, windsurfing, among other.
That is why you will be able to choose between some of the associations or surf schools that are accumulated in this area to do a little sport for the day and enjoy at night in some of the beach bars resting on the beachfront.
The Praia de São João, Praia Nova, Tarquínio-Paraíso, Praia da Saúde, Praia da Riviera, Praia do Castelo and Praia Morena They are some of the first that we will find. All of them from north to south are ideal for doing some of the many water sports that are offered at every turn, with quite a few surf schools that we can find on the way . Beach volleyball games, water sports, a festive atmosphere and beach bars where you can end your day in the sun await you here. Doesn't sound bad, does it?
Borda D'agua Restaurant
And if you like to practice nudism? In Costa da Caparica they raise few objections and the Praia da Bela Vista, Praia 19 and Praia da Adiça they are designed for it.
The latter belongs to Protected Landscape of the Fossil Cliff of the Costa de Caparica , which together with the **Praia dos Medos de Albufeira** make up the main attraction of the area, ideal for watching the sunset and being in harmony with nature. This area is a protected area created in 1984 that includes both the Costa da Caparica in the north to the Albufeira Lagoon.
If you go with family or friends and are looking for some tranquility Fonte da Telha Beach bear your name
** Leblon Restaurant ** _(Praia Das Palmeiras, São João, 2825-426) _, ** Waikiki Bar ** _(Praia da Sereia, Costa da Caparica 2825-491) _ and Borda D'agua _(Praia da Morena s/n, Costa da Caparica) _ are three of the best _beachclub_s of this enclave, ideal to relax, have a cocktail and enjoy the surroundings.
SUNSETS TO SAVE IN YOUR RETINA
A ritual that you have to witness yes or yes at some point of your trip and if possible every day, is to see the sunset from somewhere in Costa da Caparica. Witnessing the sun setting over the Atlantic is priceless and you will feel like the luckiest person in the world to be able to live such an experience.
From one of the beach clubs closest to the sea or, with a couple of beers in hand, from any dune , look for a secluded corner away from tourists to witness the sunset from the Lisbon coast. Perhaps you are lucky enough to observe a group of surfers riding the waves and the print will be even more special.
WONDERFUL!
THE DELICIOUS PORTUGUESE GASTRONOMY
And don't forget the portuguese cuisine . Fish, seafood and more fish. his famous bacalhau a bras is one of its most famous options, although this sea delicacy is presented in hundreds of different combinations.
But not only from this dish does the Portuguese cuisine live, the octopus is another of the star proposals and you can taste it baked, cooked in a pan, with rice, in a salad, in stew format.... Pure delight for the palate!
Grilled sardines are also typical of the surroundings of ** Lisbon **. Since the beginning of June, the capital smells of this delicacy from the sea because the well-known Saint Anthony festivities. The neighborhoods of the city congregate to cook sardines in honor of their patron.
A very hearty dish and not too suitable for hot summer days!
your celebration, June 13 , is the perfect excuse so that throughout the month, the streets are filled with music, festive atmosphere, cultural activities and, of course, S-A-R-D-I-N-A-S cooked on the grill. You do not need anything more.
Pastries from Belém, delicious!
wines and cheeses They can also accompany your morning and afternoon snacks by the sea. And if you want to make fun of the heat? The world famous francesinhas -a hearty sandwich filled with meat-, that although they have their origin in the Portuguese cuisine of Port , in recent decades they have also reached the south.
And don't forget about the Belem cakes to treat yourself in dessert format...
There is no doubt that the Costa da Caparica can become the best getaway. Are you coming?