Carcavelos Beach

Along the Silvery Coast and on a 2 km sandy stretch of Carcavelos Beach lies one of Lisbon’s most successful beach spots, which is surfable all day. A broad beach with sandy shores and clear water, equipped with many facilities for visitors such as cafes, restaurants, beach sports, and water sports, is always a sought-after site. A lively beach, it is designed for a fighting day escape from Lisbon. Long Beach, one of the longest in the Lisbon area, stretches to a length of roughly 1.5 km, with soft golden sand, and is a temptation for sunbathers and idle loungers. It has a spectacular ocean view with the historical Fort of São Julião da Barra on its eastern end.

It is not the quietest beach along the Lisbon coast, yet it is pleasant enough to launch oneself from the constant hubbub because of its size and coziness. Nowadays, they are competing with Praia da Conceição in Cascais for the attention of tourists, surf schools offering almost all tourists rental equipment. Lifeguards watch during the high season, clearly defined swimming areas and surfing zones. Summer heat and soft winters make Carcavelos a perfect beach to enjoy, with long days of lounging around throughout the year.

On the eastern end is the fort of São Julião da Barra, built in 1553 to control the entrance to the port of Lisbon. Today, it’s the official residence of Portugal’s Minister of Defense. The closer you get to the fort, the quieter it is, as the crowds tend to stay close to the road to the train station. This section by the fort is rocky, but on low tide, it creates small rock pools for those who prefer calmer waters.

Things to do at Carcavelos Beach, Portugal

Praia de Carcavelos offers a variety of activities, such as surfing, sunbathing, and beach sports. These are some of the best activities to do with your family or friends. 

Surfing

Surfing at Carcavelos Beach is a major attraction for both locals and visitors in Lisbon. This beach has continuous waves throughout the year, attracting beginners to experienced surfers. Carcavelos Beach often hosts regional and national surfing competitions, drawing top surfers and spectators alike. These events add to the vibrant atmosphere of the beach and offer a chance to see some spectacular surfing. The best months for surfing at Carcavelos Beach are from October to April when the swells are more consistent and the waves are typically bigger. However, summer months can also offer good conditions, especially for beginners. The surfing community at Carcavelos is welcoming, with locals and visitors mingling in the waves. The beach’s cafe culture and nearby bars also provide a great social scene for surfers to relax and share their experiences after a session in the water.

There are several surf schools located right on the beach, offering lessons and equipment rentals. These schools cater to all ages and skill levels, providing professional instruction to help you catch your first wave or improve your skills. Carcavelos Beach often hosts regional and national surfing competitions, drawing top surfers and spectators alike. These events add to the vibrant atmosphere of the beach and offer a chance to see some spectacular surfing.

Relax at beach

The beach is very peaceful and relaxing. It’s a perfect place to relax on the sandy shores of golden sands, sunbathe, and enjoy the soothing sound of waves. To enhance your experience, rent a sun lounger or bring a mat for a serene day by the water. The calm, clean waters of Carcavelos Beach are perfect for a refreshing dip or light swimming. If you’re new to surfing, you’ll also find this beach beginner-friendly. Relish delicious Portuguese seafood and snacks at the many beachfront cafes and restaurants. Try grilled sardines, fresh octopus salad, or a refreshing caipirinha. With the soothing sound of waves and the soft sand underfoot, Carcavelos is ideal for yoga or quiet meditation. Some beach areas offer massage services where you can relax under a shaded canopy with professional treatments. You can take some photos and add them to Instagram.

Is Carcavelos Beach worth visiting?

Carcavelos Beach is worth seeing. The vast stretch of golden sand is perfect if you fancy lazing in the sun, enjoy beach sports, or take some evening walks. Surfing and numerous other water activities are quite popular here, with many schools and rentals for both novice and seasoned surfers. Safe for the kids because they can wade in the shallow waters close to shore, and there are loads of showers, toilets, and restaurants above the sands.

Along the promenade is ample delicious Portuguese seafood or light snacks from many of the cafés and bars. There are local families and tourists in one vibrant mix of life perfect for walking; sunsets casting long rays of gold as they sink slowly over the Atlantic leave you with a stunning ending to your day. Those visiting the beaches range from sun lovers to surfers. Beach volleyball players mingle with the youthful crowd, playing casual sand soccer or beach football matches on the active sands before retreating into gentle surf.  

Is Carcavelos Beach good for beginners?

If you’re looking to try out surfing for the first time, this would be a good option. A lot of activity and tons of space for sports of all kinds on the beach as well. We got the train and walked slowly for 10 minutes to the beach due to little feet. It’s a lovely long beach with clear and cold water!

What is the best time to visit Carcavelos Beach?

The best time to visit Carcavelos Beach is in the summer. The summer months offer warm weather, averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F). Summer is the peak season for beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. You’ll find more tourists, events, and a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings, with beach bars and restaurants bustling with activity. If you prefer a quieter experience and want to relax, then you should visit in September and October. The water temperature is cold for swimming, but it can still be enjoyable for walks along the beach.

Facilities available at Carcavelos Beach

• Carcavelos Beach Cam provides real-time views of the beach, surf conditions, and weather. 

• A variety of eateries offer Portuguese cuisine, snacks, and refreshing drinks at beachfront cafes and restaurants. 

• Some bars offer cocktails or a chilled drink with ocean views.

• Surf schools and rental shops are available for lessons and equipment.

• Nets are set up for public use. 

• There are also beach parties and festivals, especially during summer. 

• Wheelchair access is also available. 

Dining at Carcavelos Beach

Dining at Carcavelos Beach offers a delightful mix of options that cater to a range of tastes, from casual beachside snacks to upscale seafood dining. Along the beach, there are many snack bars and small eateries where you can grab a quick bite like burgers, sandwiches, and traditional Portuguese snacks such as Pragos “steak sandwiches”. These spots are perfect for a casual meal with your toes in the sand. A huge variety of seafood is also available like grilled sardines, “bacalhau” (codfish, which is a Portuguese staple), and seafood rice. If you want something different there are also several restaurants offering international cuisines, including Italian, Indian, and even sushi, catering to a cosmopolitan palate.

How to get to Carcavelos Beach?

Getting to Carcavelos Beach is easy. There are many ways to reach Carcavelos. 

Train

You can get to Carcavelos by train. Take the Cascais Line train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station. Get off at Carcavelos Station (about 25–30 minutes). A one-way ticket costs around €2. The fare is charged to the reusable “Navegante” card, which is used for all the public transport in Lisbon. The initial price for this card is €0.50.

Car

Drive west along the A5 motorway or the scenic N6 road (known as the Marginal). Depending on traffic, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the beach. Free and paid parking is available near the beach, but it can fill up quickly during summer.

Bus

Take a bus heading to Carcavelos from central Lisbon. This option may take longer than the train, but it is a good alternative if you’re closer to a bus stop.

Attractions near Carcavelos Beach

If you’ve enjoyed Carcavelos Beach and want to explore more, then there are some places that you should visit. 

Fort of São Julião da Barra

Fort of São Julião da Barra is a military architectural monument and national heritage of historical importance, whose construction began in the second half of the 16th century, during the reign of D. João III, to reinforce the defensive system of the Tagus River Bar, and was considered the “Shield of the Kingdom.” The interior isn’t typically open to the public, but you can explore the exterior and enjoy views of the coastline.

 Palace of the Marquis of Pombal

This 1700s palace stands in Oeiras, Portugal. From the late 18th century onward, it was the residence of one of the most influential persons of that period, Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the Marquis de Pombal, whose architectural style pulled together a beautiful blend of Baroque and Rococo, thus producing a sumptuous interior, in which enormous gardens, huge fountains, and enormous wine cellars can be found. This mansion stands as a tribute to the Marquis and represents a view into what life was like for Portugal’s aristocracy. It’s a must-see for tourists because of its historical and cultural significance. A school stop for every traveler passing through the area.