Beaches near Lisbon for a photoshoot
The Atlantic is less than an hour from the centre of Lisbon in almost every direction. These are the beaches we know for photos, and what each one is like.
Short answer
- Costa da Caparica: the closest, about 25 minutes by taxi, with wide sand and dunes.
- Praia da Adraga: 40 to 50 minutes away, a small beach between high cliffs and rocks.
- Cascais is easy by train from Cais do Sodré; Praia da Ursa needs a steep walk down; Guincho is often very windy.
- All of them face west, so the best light is the last hour before sunset.
In this guide: Costa da Caparica · Praia da Adraga · Cascais · Praia da Ursa · Guincho · When to go
Part of our Lisbon photoshoot guide: where to shoot, when to go and what to wear.
Costa da Caparica
A long sandy coast across the river from Lisbon, about 25 minutes from the centre by taxi. Wide, soft sand, grassy dunes behind, and the sun setting over the water. Our easiest beach session: about an hour, €250.
Praia da Adraga
A small beach on the Sintra coast, 40 to 50 minutes from Lisbon, closed in by high cliffs and rocks. Dramatic and often windy. Our longer beach session: 2.5–3 hours with transport included, €500.
We photograph on two of these beaches: Costa da Caparica and Praia da Adraga.
Cascais
The seaside town at the end of the train line from Cais do Sodré, with several small sandy beaches in town. Calm and easy with children.
Praia da Ursa
A wild beach near Cabo da Roca with huge rock stacks. Beautiful, but reached only by a steep, loose path; not for small children or a long dress.
Guincho
A big open beach between Cascais and Cabo da Roca, famous for surfers and for wind. The light is wonderful; the wind can make hair and dresses hard to manage.
When to go
All of these beaches face west. For photos, come in the last hour before sunset or early in the morning; the middle of the day is flat and harsh.
Questions about beaches near Lisbon
Which beach near Lisbon is best for photos?
For wide sand and dunes, Costa da Caparica. For cliffs and rocks, Praia da Adraga on the Sintra coast.
How do you get to Costa da Caparica from Lisbon?
A taxi or ride-hailing car from the centre takes about 25 minutes across the 25 de Abril Bridge. Buses also run, but take longer.
How do you get to Cascais without a car?
By train from Cais do Sodré station along the coast; times are on CP, the Portuguese railway.
Planning a beach photoshoot near Lisbon?
Tell us when you’re in Lisbon. We choose the beach and the time by the sunset and the wind on your day.
