Secrets Tips: Costa da Caparica, The (Surf) Paradise Outside Lisbon ♦ At just 30min from the heart of Lisbon, Costa da Caparica is the place you can’t miss. If you’re planning on travelling to Portugal this is one of the places you can’t miss. Costa de Caparica has historically a strong connection to the sea, is a land built by fishermen, inculcated by a strong culture and tradition of fishing roots (highlighting the Xávega Art) that give it its unique identity. Secrets From Portugal brings you some more tips about this amazing city in the South Bank with all the natural wonders (and of course, this is one of the most know places to surf or to sunbathe, the beach is amazing).
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Costa da Caparica is a lively and modern resort town that is adored by the Portuguese, but virtually unknown by foreign tourists. The Costa da Caparica coastline is simply stunning and is famed for its vast sandy beach, powerful surfing seas and wonderful natural scenery, all of which is less than a 20-minute drive from central Lisbon.
During the summer the Portuguese flock here, drawn by the beaches, the family-friendly atmosphere or the late-night beach parties at the remote beach bars. Most foreign tourists head to the beaches of the Cascais-Estoril coastline, but the Costa da Caparica is as equally great for a day on the beach. This guide will provide an introduction to Costa da Caparica as either a holiday destination or as a day trip from Lisbon, and includes tourist information, beach information and travel details.
At the southern edge of the Costa da Caparica coastline is Meco beach, which is Portugal’s original nudist beach, but close by is also the Largo de Albufeira, favourite camping ground for Portuguese families. This variety means that the region is ideal for young families, liberal couples or the more mature visitors, simply seeking a relaxing destination. The Costa da Caparica coastline extends along the entire western edge of the Setubal Peninsula, and this exceptional beach is Europe’s longest continuous sandy shoreline at 24km. The resort town of Costa da Caparica is at the northern edge of the beach, an area that contains the most tourist development but is easily accessible from Lisbon, by direct bus.
What To Do / See
Cristo Rei
Raised 215 meters above sea level and offering a 360-degree panoramic view over both banks of the Tagus River, Cristo Rei is one of the must-see places. At the entrance of the precinct, there is a reception building, in front of which stands the statue of the Redeemer, facing Lisbon for a symbolic reason: by being with open arms to the capital, the whole Portuguese world would be in the embrace of God.
Costa da Caparica Fossil Cliff
The Protected Landscape of the Costa da Caparica Fossil Arriba extends along the coastline, from the Costa da Caparica cluster to the 13 km long lagoon of Albufeira. This natural masterpiece, sculpted by the sea and drawn by the wind in ancient times, represents an unavoidable element of the natural heritage of the municipality of Almada.
Mata dos Medos
The Mata dos Medos is inserted in the Protected Landscape of the Costa da Caparica Fossil Cliff, sculpted by the violence of the ocean waves of the Quaternary Era and by the capriciousness of the various erosive elements, after the emergence of the continents. Therefore, the riches of this botanical reserve are numerous and very appealing to all ages.
Surf
The Costa da Caparica is a popular destination for surfing as there are always constant recent waves that roll in from the powerful Atlantic Ocean. These waves are suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, as the waves are large but not massive – for truly great surfing head to the Praia de Guincho on the Sintra coastline or consider the towns of Sagres, Nazaré or Peniche.
