Beach · Nature
Costa da Caparica
Swap Lisbon for the Atlantic on an outing to Costa da Caparica’s urban beaches, with a seafront walk and access by bus or ferry plus bus.
- 4-6 hours
- about 18 km
- Bus, Ferry, Car
- Partial accessibility
- No booking needed
Half-day trips · 4-6 hours
Costa da Caparica and the south bank beaches
Miles of continuous sand a short ride from Lisbon, with protected fossil cliffs to the south and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Duration
- 4-6 hours, including travel
- Distance from Lisbon
- about 20 km
- Transport
- Bus, Car
- Interest
- Beach, Nature, Family-friendly
- Accessibility
- Partial accessibility
- Budget
- Low budget. Mostly public transport and free sights.
- Best time of year
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Booking
- No booking needed
Making the most of it
The beaches next to the town are the easiest to reach and have the most facilities. Further south, along the Arriba Fóssil protected landscape, the coast becomes quieter and wilder. Bring water and sun protection, as there is little shade on the sand. Some beaches have boardwalks close to the water, but access varies from beach to beach. On summer weekends, traffic on the bridge can be heavy.
For a shorter outing, try Cacilhas and Cristo Rei, across the Tagus. For a fuller day, you could choose Mafra and Ericeira. For the following day in the city, the Lisbon in 1 day itinerary is a good start. Pair it with a stroll through Baixa & Chiado. See other trips that go to Costa da Caparica.
Independent itineraries to do on your own. We do not sell tours, recommend tour operators or use affiliate links. Check timetables, tickets and access with official sources before you set off.
Getting there
Carris Metropolitana buses from Lisbon or from Cacilhas (after the ferry). By car, over the 25 de Abril Bridge and the IC20.
Getting aroundMap
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History nearby
Places on this trip
2 trips go here
Places to see on this trip
More trips to Costa da Caparica
There are several ways to visit this destination: compare length, stops and transport.
Adjust to your time
If you have less time
Heritage
Cacilhas and Cristo Rei, across the Tagus
A short ferry crossing to see Lisbon from the south bank, with the Cristo Rei sanctuary and the Cacilhas waterfront.
- 3-4 hours
- about 5 km
- Ferry, Bus
- Partial accessibility
- No booking needed
If you have one more day
Nature · Heritage · Beach
Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais
Make an independent train-and-bus loop through Sintra’s centre, Atlantic scenery at Cabo da Roca and Cascais before returning to Lisbon.
- 9-12 hours
- about 30 km
- Train, Bus
- Partial accessibility
- No booking needed
Other ways to spend this day
Longer option
Heritage · Beach · Nature
Mafra and Ericeira
An independent day linking Mafra’s palace and library with Cerco Garden and the Ericeira coast, without relying on the closed basilica.
- 8-11 hours
- about 40 km
- Bus, Car
- Partial accessibility
- Booking recommended
Without a car
This trip works without a car: Carris Metropolitana buses from Lisbon or from Cacilhas (after the ferry).
The next day, in Lisbon
Similar trips
Beach · Nature
Ericeira
A half-day around Ericeira village and beaches, with a planned extension to Ribeira d’Ilhas to discover part of the World Surfing Reserve.
- 4-6 hours
- about 50 km
- Bus, Car
- Partial accessibility
- No booking needed
Pair it with this Lisbon neighbourhood
Baixa & Chiado
The ferry to Cacilhas leaves from Cais do Sodré, next to the Baixa and Chiado.
The gridded rebuilt centre and the elegant café quarter.
Back in Lisbon: ideas for the end of the day
Markets · Baixa & Chiado
Mercado da Ribeira
A traditional fresh market and food hall by Cais do Sodré.
Viewpoints · Bairro Alto
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
A two-level garden looking across to the castle and Baixa.
Viewpoints · Bairro Alto
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
On Rua de Santa Catarina, a viewpoint over the Tagus with a statue of Adamastor marking the garden.
Check each place's opening hours on its page before you go.