Welcome to your stay by the Atlantic! Here’s everything you can explore around São João da Caparica — from golden beaches and surf schools to local seafood, viewpoints, and ferry trips to Lisbon. This is one of the most scenic and easygoing coastal areas near the capital, perfect for relaxing days and ocean adventures.
🏖️ The Beaches
Trafaria & Cova do Vapor
Two small fishing villages at the start of the coast — quiet, colorful, and full of charm. Enjoy a walk by the harbor, try freshly grilled fish, or take the ferry from Trafaria to Belém for a short scenic trip across the Tagus River.
Praia de São João & Praia do CDS
The main beaches closest to town — lively, social, and great for surfing. Several surf schools offer lessons and board rentals, and beach bars line the sand with music and sunsets every evening.
Praia da Mata
A little quieter, surrounded by dunes and pine trees. Perfect for a peaceful beach day, with one or two restaurants that stay open all year.
Praia da Morena
More natural and wild — a long stretch of sand, stronger surf, and rustic bars serving fresh seafood. Locals love it for its laid-back energy and big skies at sunset.
Praia 18 & Praia 19
Praia 18 is wide and relaxed, great for walks and picnics. Just beyond, Praia 19 is one of Portugal’s best-known naturist beaches, with open dunes and a friendly, free-spirited atmosphere.
Praia da Fonte da Telha
The southernmost point of the coast, framed by cliffs and pine forests. This beach has a few cozy bars and restaurants right on the sand — perfect for sunset dinners with grilled fish and vinho verde.
🌅 Miradouro dos Capuchos
Up on the hills above the beaches, you’ll find the Miradouro dos Capuchos, one of the best viewpoints in the entire region. From there you can see all of Costa da Caparica — from Cova do Vapor to Fonte da Telha — with Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge shining in the background. Right next to it stands the Convento dos Capuchos, a peaceful 16th-century monastery surrounded by gardens and pine trees.
🍴 Food & Local Life
- Beachfront bars and restaurants: fresh fish, seafood rice, and salads with a view.
- Cova do Vapor & Trafaria: simple, authentic fish restaurants in a traditional setting.
- Sobreda & Almada: mini-markets, bakeries, and daily essentials.
- Shopping malls: Almada Forum (shops, cinema, restaurants) and RioSul Shopping in Seixal.
🌊 Surf & Nature
Costa da Caparica is one of the best surfing spots near Lisbon. You’ll find lessons, rentals, and surf schools all along São João and CDS beach. Or simply walk the coastline — pine forests, dunes, and ocean views stretch all the way to Fonte da Telha. During summer, a small tourist train (Transpraia) runs along the beaches — an easy and fun way to explore several stops in one day.
⛴️ Getting to Lisbon
From Trafaria, take the ferry to Belém — a short and beautiful ride across the Tagus River. Or go to Cacilhas, where ferries to Cais do Sodré run all day, straight into Lisbon’s downtown waterfront. Both routes are scenic, quick, and inexpensive — perfect for a day trip.
✨ Your Local Adventure
São João da Caparica has it all — ocean, dunes, pine forest, good food, and easy access to the city. Start your morning with a surf lesson, have lunch by the beach, take a sunset walk to the Miradouro dos Capuchos, and end the day with a ferry ride and dinner in Lisbon. This coast truly gives you the best of both worlds.