Costa da Caparica
Portugal City Travel Guide: Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica is a 25 km stretch of sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast directly south of Lisbon.
Not far to the east are Setúbal, the Tróia Peninsula, the wine town of Azeitão, and the Parque Natural de Arrabida.
This area is a favourite of Lisboetas who stream south in the summer months over the Ponte 25 de Abril.
The name "Caparica" is believed come from a cape (capa) once found full of gold coins.
Summer weekends are particularly busy with surfers, families and sun-worshippers flocking to the main resort of Caparica nearest to Lisbon. If it's high culture, museums and palaces you wish for, Lisbon back over the River Tagus, has plenty of that.
Here it is high-rise, brash and noisy - a bit like a Portuguese version of Blackpool in the UK. Kitesurfing, paragliding and golf are just some of the activities that draw thousands of people here in the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.
Attractions
The main square at Praça de Liberdade has the town's main market, supermarkets and banks. From here the pedestrianized Rua dos Pescadores runs down to the sea. There are lots of bars, cafes, restaurants and places to stay around both Rua dos Pescadores and Av. 1º de Maio.
At the beach the water is clean, cool but with an undertow. There is plenty of room for everyone as the beach stretches south for miles.
Ride the Mini Railway to get to the various beaches. There are 19 stops on the 8 km route in total and all have at least a couple of bars and cafes.
There are nudist beaches and Beach 19 (the last stop) is Lisbon's famous gay beach. Beginning life as a nudist beach, it quickly became popular as a gay beach. While straight nudists maintain a presence, it is mainly gay.
The Tourist Train runs only in summer from May to September from 9 am to 7 pm at 30 minute intervals.
Two of the best beaches are Morena and Sereia next to each other north of Beach 19.
About halfway down, Praia da Fonte da Telha has a selection of bars and restaurants and is opposite a golf course as well with plenty of places to stay.
The calmest beaches are near the sheltered lagoon of Lagoa de Albufeira - the beach here is popular with wind- and kitesurfers. On the eastern side of the lagoon are the marshes of the Lagoa de Estacada which is home to many species of birds.
The most remote beach is Praia do Meco - popular with both nudists and surfers. The breakers can be huge here, so take care.
The Reserva Botânica da Mata dos Medos is a protected area of pine forests and Mediterranean scrub beginning about half way down the coast. The Centro de Interpretação da Mata dos Medos has information in the form of wall panels and photographs on the flora and fauna in the area. The pines were planted on the orders of King D. João V and the road here is named after the monarch.
Ondaparque was a fun water park with various water slides, tubes and pools. Opened in 1988 it was the largest waterpark in Portugal before it closed in 1996.
There was a children's playground and volleyball courts along with bars, cafes and restaurants. It is now lies totally abandoned, though there is talk about a possible restoration project.
Costa da Caparica Tourist Office
Frente Urbana de Praias
2825-339 Costa da Caparica
Tel: +351 212 900 071
Getting to Costa da Caparica
Bus Travel in Portugal
Buses to + from Costa da Caparica
Transportes Sul de Tejo (TST) bus 153 runs from Sete Rios bus station to Campolide and Alcântara then across the Tagus to Cristo Rei, then Casas Velhas and Caparica.
From Cacilhas take bus 138 to Costa da Caparica or bus 124 via Almada (longer, less scenic route).
There are also ferries from Belem Ferry Terminal to Porto Brandão and Trafaria. From Trafaria take a TST bus 129.
Train Travel in Portugal
Take a train to Pragal from Entrecampos Station, Sete Rios or Campolide and then bus 196 to Caparica. Pragal is on both the CP Linha do Sul, and the private commuter rail network Fertagus which connects Lisbon (Entrecampos, Sete Rios & Campolide) with Setúbal over the River Tagus on the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge.
Car Travel in Portugal
Costa da Caparica is a short drive over the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge from Lisbon but it can become very congested on weekends.
From the Airport
The nearest airport to Costa da Caparica is in Lisbon.
Aldeia dos Capuchos - Hotel, Golf & Spa - 4 Star, outdoor swimming pools & restaurants, Largo Aldeia dos Capuchos, 2825-017 Costa da Caparica
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Featured Hotels
Other recommended places to stay in Costa da Caparica include the Hotel Maia, Real Caparica Hotel, Hotel Residencial Colibri, and INATEL Caparica - with an an outdoor pool and A/C rooms.
See a listing of all available hotels in Costa da Caparica.
TRYP Lisboa Caparica Mar Hotel - 4 Star, seven floors, over 350 rooms, Av. General Humberto Delgado, 47, 2829-506 Costa da Caparica
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Eating
Some recommended places to eat are Onda dos Sabores, Cafe do Mar, O Mercado on Avenida 1º de Maio, Japanese-style food at Sentido do Mar and A Merendeira on Rua dos Pescadores for traditional Portuguese cuisine. The list goes on and on.
Drinking
For a drink there are so many options it is difficult to make a selection. Eat and drink with a view of the sea at Princesa and Rampa Beach Club.
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The average high June temperatures for Portugal is between 22 degrees Centigrade and 26 degrees Centigrade.
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