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Summer is finally here, and it’s the best moment to grab your kids, some towels, maybe your picnic set and head to the beach.  The Portuguese live for summer!  Seriously, they almost hibernate the rest of the year.  It can be hard to get them to even go out after dark during the winter months.  When we first moved here in 2021, I was used to our summer visits and was shocked when I realized how little happens socially in the winter.  

Come summer, however, and the beaches are FULL.  It’s on everyone’s list to get to the beach for all free moments.  For our crew, this is probably one of the best moments of the year as they get to make sandcastles, eat lots of bolos de belim (donuts sold by vendors on the beach), ice cream, relax and not worry about school.

Fortunately, Lisbon boasts some of the best beaches (even river beaches) for this time of year and offers a variety of beach activities that are perfect for kids.  And, overall, most Portugal beaches are family-friendly, clean and you can get there easily by using public transport, or your own car.  Plus, they offer some of the most beautiful views!

So, if you have no plans and want to hit a beach near Lisbon this summer, you are in the right place!

What Makes Portugal Beaches Great for Families?

You might be wondering, though, why choose Portugal?  What makes these beaches ideal for a family weekend getaway or for spending your entire summer vacation here?  Easy answer: so many things!  But let’s dissect some of my main reasons for choosing them:

• One of my top reasons why you’re going to love Lisbon beaches is because of its calm waters.  They are so calm, you won’t have to worry about your kids being tossed around in the sea or that they won’t be able to play in the waves.  The waves are so safe they will have a blast. Of course, however, always keep an eye out on them!  
  
• We have boogie boards, and it’s a bit rare that we have enough waves in the summer to really put them to use!  Waves are much larger in the winter months.
  
• You can access the beaches easily and most have nearby bathrooms.  Most beaches in Portugal have parking lots nearby, ramps that lead you to the entrance or access roads.  Some of them also have bathrooms, which is perfect when you have little kids as they can change there or make use of them.  They may not be the cleanest, but it’s still an option!  Did you know it’s actually illegal to pee in the ocean in Portugal?!  I just found this out, but I can assure you many of the locals are not abiding by this!  Thankfully, this results in plenty of public bathrooms at the bigger beaches.  Often they can be found with the cafe(s).

• As I mentioned above, some beaches have parking lots, and in some of them, you can find some stores, restaurants and many snack options (my kids love a refreshing snack during beach days!).  You will also be able to find spots to sit in shade and sometimes even benches to sit down.  However, I do suggest bringing some gear for your beach day!

• Lastly, most beaches have lifeguards. For those that don’t, you’ll usually find them present during peak season.  Also, many of the beaches around Lisbon have shallow areas, so you won’t have to worry too much; they’re generally very safe.  This is especially great if you’re bringing little kids.

Top 7 Best Beaches Around Lisbon for Kids

Now, let’s dive into the most interesting part of this topic, our top 5 beaches if you’re planning to visit Lisbon during summer:

Praia de Carcavelos

One of the best and closest family beaches near Lisbon is Carcavelos Beach.  This is our preferred beach and where we always go!
This beach is perfect for a day trip with your little ones.  It has plenty of space for running, has pretty soft sand and offers shallow spots for safe splashing.  You’ll also find surf schools or activities for kids and plenty of food options nearby!  Consider that here you’d have to bring your own tent to get some shade.

We also love that there are many cafes and restaurants up and down the beach, so we can combine our outing with a lunch or dinner as a family.  There are also some playgrounds, but who needs that when you have the beach?!  My kids can spend hours here exploring and splashing in the waves.

How to get there: You can go by car but you can also take the train from Cais do Sodré and you’ll get there in about 30 minutes.  It’s pretty close and a good option if you’re looking to visit for just one day.

Praia da Figueirinha

If you’re looking for something with calm and slightly warm waters, then this beach is the one you’re looking for.  It also has shallow spots, and the water stays low even far from shore.  Whether your kids are just learning to be at the beach or afraid of big waves, this makes it ideal for them.  Also, Figueirinha beach is one of the biggest beaches in the Arrábida Natural Park.

I like that this beach has lifeguards at all times, soft sand perfect for building sandcastles and plenty of restaurants nearby.  So, be sure to arrive early during peak season, as Praia da Figueirinha can get busy!

How to get there: To get there easily, it’s best to use a car since it’s about one hour from Lisbon.  But don’t worry: it has a parking lot close to the beach.  However, since this beach is near the city of Setúbal, you can also use the bus to get there.

Praia do Meco

Praia do Meco is located in Sesimbra, where you can find lots of great family-friendly beaches. But the reason I like this beach is that it’s really peaceful and has a lot of family-friendly sections.  These parts are great for having quiet picnics and finding fewer crowds (which even makes it safer).  However, I would recommend you bring lots of snacks, plenty of water and all you can think of as you’ll find only a couple of stores and restaurants!

I do have to mention though, that even though this beach is family-friendly, it’s also famous for having an adult-oriented area.  So, just be sure that when you bring your kids, you take them to the kid-friendly zone!
How to get there: To get to Praia do Meco, you’ll need a car. It’s a short 45 minute drive from Lisbon.  Just make sure to get there early to avoid traffic jams on your way there.

Praia da Comporta

Praia da Comporta is another beach that is famous for being a calm place, perfect for relaxing after a year of hard school work.  It’s such a flat, beautiful beach that, honestly, it’s worth the drive!  It has plenty of cafés and restaurants, it’s clean and the shore kind of looks infinite due to how flat it is (no mountains in sight).

So, if your kids are looking for a day where they can sit and relax (also us parents, we need some time off too), Praia da Comporta is your option.  You can also consider this beach as a perfect couple getaway.

How to get there:  To get to this beach, it’s also best to use your car.  It’s a one-and-a-half-hour drive.  You’ll find it ideal for a full-day escape!

Praia dos Galapinhos

Galapinhos beach is also located inside the Arrábida Natural Park, and it’s often listed as one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches!  It’s a small, quiet, and surrounded by nature beach with crystal clear waters, perfect for a family with older kids who can walk a bit.  However, to get to this beach, you do have to walk through some rocky paths.  This makes it a secluded, calm beach and one of the best hidden beaches near Lisbon for families.

One of the most popular activities you can do at Galapinhos beach is snorkeling and scuba diving.  Perfect for those families who like adventure and to see marine life through their own eyes (like when we went to Roatan.

Pro-tip:  if you choose to visit this beach, bring shoes for hiking and avoid strollers, consider bringing a carrier since the hike to get to the beach can be challenging!

How to get there:  The best way to get to Galapinhos beach is by driving.  However, consider that parking is limited so you’d have to get there early.  You can also use the bus system to get there and avoid not finding a parking spot!

Costa da Caparica

The Costa da Caparica extends 16 miles along the coastline and has a lot of gorgeous beaches around it.  It faces the Atlantic Ocean, which makes it super windy and perfect for flying your kites, which my kids love, and surfers also like to come here, as the waves tend to be powerful.  It also has a pretty relaxing and family-friendly atmosphere, which I’m pretty sure your family will love.

I feel like this beach, or series of beaches, goes on FOREVER.  It is endless, brown sugary sand that is so lovely.  Add in the cafes and restaurants, and you’ve got a perfect beach day.

Costa da Caparica is also pretty popular during summer.  So, expect it to be busy, as many people like to also explore the town of Caparica due to its restaurants and shops.  There are also lots of hotel and rental housing options if you want to spend more than just a day at the beach! 

How to get there:  To get from Lisbon, you can take bus route 3710, which costs around €2.60 per person and takes an hour to get there.  You can also get there by driving.  It’s a 40-minute drive, however, you have to cross the 25 de Abril bridge, and the toll starts at €2.15 per car.  Traffic is also nuts on the weekends and holidays as Lisboetas all head across the river to the beach.

Praia das Maçãs

This is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on Sintra’s coastline.  It’s basically a hidden gem, as you will find more locals than tourists on this beach, which makes it perfect for vacationing with your kids here.  What also makes it popular for families is that the beach is spacious even on full days, and you will have plenty of space for you and your kids.  Also, the water is clear, warm during summer and not too deep, making it super safe for the littlest ones in your crew!  

In this beach, there are only lifeguards during summer.  So, be careful as the waves can be a bit strong.  A lot of people come here to surf, though experienced surfers prefer other beaches for this.  The praia das Maçãs is clean, has modern restrooms for you to change in and also exterior showers.

How to get there: Transport can be a bit complicated, as options are limited.  You can use a bus from Sintra (the route 1254) or the Sintra tram, which costs €5 per person.  But if you’re driving from Lisbon, it’s a 45 minute drive.

Tips for Toddlers vs. Older Kids at Lisbon Beaches

You’ve made your decision, and you’re bringing your family to the beach.  Here are some things you should consider, as it’s not the same to bring a toddler or teenagers:

1. Choose a beach that has shade and different amenity options: It’s normal that during this time of the year, you’ll feel the sun is pretty intense, which is why it’s crucial to pick a beach that has shade options so your kids don’t feel the sun’s rays.  Also, little kids sometimes need spots where they can nap or cool off.  We love our sunshade to provide some relief!  I find it easier to use than an umbrella, especially if a breeze pops up!  I’ve been hit by more than one flying umbrella.
   
   Also, older kids love to explore and run around.  So make sure to choose a beach that has plenty of space for them to play volleyball, soccer or swim comfortably.

2. Pack Smart: If you’re bringing a baby, you know what I mean!  Be sure to pack swim diapers, wipes, extra clothes and snacks for everyone.  Also, if you have older kids, you can take this as an advantage and have them pack their own backpacks with anything they might need for the trip.

3. Plan the best time to visit the beach: Kids and babies tend to do better early in the morning, as the sun is less strong, there are less people and you can also catch a good spot.  On the other hand, older kids will be able to handle the sun, crowds and a longer day at the beach better.  So, depending on your routine and timing, you can choose what’s best for your crew.

4. Set up zones where your kids can be and rules for everyone: Toddlers and babies should be on your watch at all times.  However, older kids may like to go for a walk, swim or explore on their own.  So, when you arrive make sure to set up a meeting point and discuss how far they can roam on the beach.
   
5. Bring games and activities for everyone in the family: We love board games so, depending on our plans, we can bring some card games or a ball for our kids to play.  This way we can effectively spend our time at the beach and ensure that no one is going to feel bored.

Best Activities in Lisbon Beaches for Families with Kids

Whenever we visit a beach, I try to look for activities that we can all enjoy as a family.  But also, I like to search for uncommon things to do so our visits to the beach are rarely the same. Here are some activities you can do based on the beaches mentioned above:

1. Surf Lessons for Kids: If your kids are looking for a learning experience, perhaps they could learn how to surf during summer.  And, luckily for them, Carcavelos Beach is one of the best places near Lisbon to introduce your kids to surfing.  You will be able to find several surf schools that offer group and private lessons with experienced instructors.
   
   You can also find one-day experiences if you’re only looking to have fun for the day.  For example, a surfing experience can cost $47 USD per person and it includes insurance, a wetsuit and board for two hours.
   
2. Surf Lessons for Kids:  If your kids are looking for a learning experience, perhaps they could learn how to surf during summer!  And, luckily for you, Carcavelos Beach is one of the best places near Lisbon to introduce your kids to surfing.  You will be able to find several surf schools that offer group and private lessons with experienced instructors.
   
   You can also find one day experiences if you’re only looking to have fun for the day.  For example, a surfing experience can cost $47 USD per person and it includes insurance, a wetsuit and board for 2 hours.
   
3. Horseback Riding on the Beach: This activity is one of the least common, but it’s such a magical family experience!  And horseback riding tours along the shoreline of Comporta are one of the most popular of this area.  Many of these tours do offer guided rides with helmets for kids ages six and up, which makes them safer.
   
   These tours are on the expensive side, as they cost $165 USD per person.  However, if you’re looking for a unique and one-of-a-kind experience, I’m pretty sure your family will love it!

What to Pack for a Family Beach Day

Now that you know our top picks for beaches around Lisbon, it’s only right that I tell you about our top picks for the best items you should bring during your beach day:

1. Sunscreen: It’s a basic rule to use sunscreen everyday and, during the summer, it’s crucial!  So be sure to wear it and bring plenty to reapply every couple hours for everyone in your crew.
   
2. Healthy snacks: Some beaches have nearby restaurants or cafés, but others don’t!  Make sure to pack some snacks, as plenty of sun and running around will probably make more than one kid hungry.
   
3. Water: This one is crucial, as mentioned above, your kids will be doing a lot of activities: swimming, kayaking, horseback riding… all of these will probably make them also thirsty.  So bring your bottles with lots of water just in case you can’t find a store or restaurant near.
   
4. Plenty of beach clothes: You may think this is not necessary, but it’s always a great idea to bring extra clothes for the kids.  Clothes can get wet, dirty, sandy … and the list can go on!  So, apart from girls and boys swimwear, bring some extra clothes for everyone.
   
5. Towels:  No matter how many people you have in your party, try to bring at least one towel per person.  There are some quick-dry and sand-free options, perfect for a full day at the beach!
   
6. Beach gear: Whether your kids will swim or just play, make sure to bring the appropriate gear.  For example, some floaties, a beach tent in case there are no shade areas, a cooler for picnics, portable fans for extremely hot days and maybe some beach chairs if you don’t enjoy sitting in the sand.
   
7. Games:  Finally, be sure to also pack some entertainment for everyone, like a sandcastles toy pack for the smallest ones, an UNO card game for everyone, some books for the bookworms in the family or a volleyball ball for the sporty ones.

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So, if you’re looking for a safe, relaxing and fun vacation, be sure to head to one of the beaches Lisbon has to offer.  There are different ones, depending on the vibe you’re looking for.  I was not able to include all the beaches here, however I recommend combining these beach trips with day trips to Sintra, Cascais or even Setúbal.

Additional Readings

Hidden Gems: River Beaches Around South Portugal

Best Water Parks in Portugal

15 Fun Things To Do in Portimão, Portugal, With Kids