Lisbon’s most popular beach is Praia de Carcavelos, or Carcavelos Beach.
Carcavelos Beach is about halfway between Lisbon and Cascais.
Nearly a mile long, it is the largest beach on the Lisbon/Cascais coast.
The beach is always crowded with locals and tourists during the summer.
It is very popular with surfers, bodyboarders, and young people playing volleyball and beach soccer. There is also workout equipment and a children’s playground on the beach, complete with a wooden pirate ship.
Carcavelos beach has four parking lots (often full) and is handicap accessible.
There are also public restrooms and showers along the concrete promenade which extends the length of the beach. Many people use the walkway for running, skating, skateboarding, or taking a walk in the fresh air.
Part of the reason this beach is so crowded is that it is served by the Lisbon to Cascais train, making it very accessible to many people. For more information on this train, see my article, How to use public transportation to get to Lisbon’s beaches
During the summer the beach is protected by lifeguards, and there are separate zones for surfing and swimming.
It is possible to rent chairs and umbrellas, and there are bars and restaurants nearby serving food and drinks.
The water is always somewhat cold.
For surf conditions, weather, winds, temperatures, and a live cam of Carcavelos beach, visit https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/carcavelos/5842041f4e65fad6a7708bc0
If Carcavelos beach gets too busy, there is a smaller beach on the other side of the São Julião fort. The fort was built in 1553 to defend Lisbon.
The smaller beach on the east side is known as Praia da Torre.
How to get from Lisbon to Carcavelos Beach
Carcavelos beach is 14 miles from Lisbon.
From Cais de Sodré station Take the train headed toward Cascais. This sounds much more complicated than it is! The train costs two euros each way, and the trip to Carcavelos beach takes 26 minutes.
If you use the Viva Viagem card, the train fare will be deducted From your balance.
If you have the Lisboa Card, riding the train is free.
A train departs the station every 20 minutes.
If you are driving from Lisbon, head west of the April 25 Bridge and Belém and on Avenida Marginal, the N6 Coastal Road.
Parking at Carcavelos Beach
While it seems like there are several options for parking, it is best to arrive early. The lots fill up quickly.
Parking at Praia de Carcavelos:
- Estacionamento Praia de Carcavelos Nascente GPS: 38.67842047412127, -9.329344530658137 Free parking 24 hours / day
- Parque Gratuito Carcavelos GPS: 38.67982924654731, -9.331832525624424 Free parking 24 hours /day
- Parque de Estacionamento GPS: 38.68103883264209, -9.334916693213763
- Parking Avenida Jorge V 2 GPS: 38.68291351543525, -9.338553860968474
- First lot after roundabout GPS: 38.67753214695974, -9.329119313221163
- Lot north of second roundabout GPS: 38.68192231625065, -9.33876560925597
- West lot GPS: 38.68228857008231, -9.342558938069923
Surfing Lessons at Carcavelos Beach
Carcavelos is a very popular spot to learn and enjoy watersports. The waves are gentler during the summer and ramp up in difficulty during the fall and winter.
Quicksilver Carcavelos Surf Shop
Avenida Marginal 6, Carcavelos,
T: 351 214 571 067
Hours: 10 am – 8 pm
Carcavelos Surf School
Avenida Marginal, Carcavelos
T: 351962850497
The oldest surf school at Carcavelos beach, and also a holder of the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence, they have been teaching people how to surf since 2001.
They offer two-hour-long surf classes every day.
One class is €30. The tuition for four classes is €85, and a private class is €75 the price includes sports insurance and a wetsuit and a surfboard.
Showers are available to use after class.
Surf boot camp is held during the summer from 9 AM until 6 PM.
The camp is designed for experienced surfers aged 12 or older.
You’ll be picked up at Amoreiras in Lisbon, or at Carcavelos Beach, and transported to the Costa da Caparica, where you will have two lessons per day.
The cost of the camp is €190 per week. You can order a lunch option for every day for an extra €40.
All transportation, equipment, and sports insurance are provided.
Carcavelos Surf School also offers a surf day program where you will be picked up by van in Lisbon, taken to the beach have a lesson, enjoy lunch at a beach restaurant, and return to Lisbon prior to 6 PM.
All equipment, transportation, and insurance are included. €60 per person.
https://www.carcavelossurfschool.com/en/
Sal Surf School
Avenida Marginal, Carcavelos
GPS: 38.68129728400687, -9.335701915341433
T: 351 917 029 246
Lessons one time per week are €65, two lessons a week are €110, and three lessons are €150.
There is a 10% discount if other family members take lessons.
Lessons are two hours long and include board and wetsuit, and insurance.
For an extra fee, you can have a video analysis of your lesson and a written critique. Transportation to Carcavelos beach or other beaches nearby can also be arranged.
Surf’s Up Portugal Lessons and Rentals
Avenida Marginal, Carcavelos
GPS: 38.681632677345306, -9.337086461365738
T: 351 917 910 539
http://www.surfsupportugal.com
Angel’s Surf School
Avenida Marginal, 6, Carcavelos
T: 351 962 681 113
E: angelssurfschool@gmail.com
Angel’s surf school offers group or individual lessons. In group lessons, the student-to-teacher ratio is 3:1. Lessons are 90 minutes long. The levels offered are beginner, progressing, and advanced. One group lesson is €40, a package of lessons is €85.
One private lesson is €60, and a package of four private lessons is €190.
They also offer lessons with surfing champion Marcos Anastácio.
https://www.angelsurfschool.com/en/
Pride Training Club Carcavelos
Avenida Marginal, Carcavelos
GPS: 38.68148577458153, -9.338761061365739
T: 351 938 945 741
E: Prideclubcarcavelos@gmail.com
Pride Bodyboards runs a training academy on Carcavelos Beach.
They offer lessons for kids, adult beginners, and advanced/semi-pro riders.
Group or individual lessons are available.
https://www.pridebodyboards.com/en/blog/b49/pride-training-club-carcavelos
Carcavelos Beach Restaurants
Marisca Petisca
Avenida Marginal 1400, Carcavelos
GPS: 38.68229326319385, -9.341501646024303
T: 351 214 571 502
Average Price: €20
Hours: noon – 10 pm
Marisca Petisca – Home | Facebook
Marisca Petisca has a full bar with a cocktail menu, an ocean view.
Serving fresh seafood and vegetarian options as well.
Arroz de lingueirão (rice and Razor clams) – I highly recommend you try razor clams if you’ve never had them.
La Plage
Avenida Marginal, Praia de Carcavelos
GPS: 38.68199776645691, -9.340414407390044
Hours: 9:30 am – 11:00 pm
T: 351 214 583 000
Average Price: €15
Trip Advisor rates La Plage as the number two restaurant in Carcavelos.
Overlooking the beach, the focus is on seafood and Mediterranean dishes, but they also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
https://m.facebook.com/RestauranteLaPlage/
Angels Bar
Avenida Marginal, Praia de Carcavelos
GPS: 38.682363780941635, -9.338540144613317
T: 351 214 570 611
Hours: 9 am – 8 pm
Average Price: €12
Open since 2001, they have a little bit of everything.
There is a bar, a dining room, and a terrace overlooking the beach. They rent sun loungers and umbrellas.
At times they have live music and even fashion shows.
They also run their own surf school. https://www.angelsurfschool.com/
Tricana da Barra
Praia de Carcavelos
GPS: 38.682222236464185, -9.33811705923273
T: 351 214 576 960
Hours: 9 am – 10 pm
Average Price: €13
Monkfish and sangria are recommended here.
Tricana da Barra – Home | Facebook
Casa da Praia
Avenida Marginal, Praia de Carcavelos
GPS: 38.6816088738268, -9.336968684628287
T: 351 913 178 947
Average price: €10
Hours: 9 am – 8 pm
Pizza. Burgers, steaks, fish, hotdogs. They also rent chairs, umbrellas, and canopies.
http://www.casadapraia-carcavelos.com
Stuppendo Beach
Praia de Carcavelos, Edificio Veleiro (Veleiro Building)
GPS: 38.68094832356886, -9.33497413926267
T: 351 215 808 656
Average price: €15
Hours: 12:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Pizza, Mediterranean, Artesenal Gelatto
https://m.facebook.com/stuppendobeach/
Sushi Praia
Praia de Carcavelos, Edificio Veleiro (Veleiro Building)
GPS: 38.680665228734746, -9.33509502079998
Sushi, Udon,
Tuesday – Thursday All you can eat for €20.
Executive menu Tuesday – Friday at lunch for €14.50
Praia tasting menu (five courses) €39.
Average price: €20
https://m.facebook.com/RestauranteSushiPraia/
Windsurf Cafe
Avenida Marginal, 0, Carcavelos
GPS: 38.67975317310062, -9.333934190833403
T: 351 254 978 965
Average price: €15
Serving fresh fish every day. Pasta. Açai. Fresh juices. A variety of cocktails. Cakes. Alcohol, table service, outdoor seating, full bar, wheelchair accessible.
A Pastorinha
Avenida Marginal, Carcavelos,
GPS: Latitude N 38 40,690 | Longitude W 9 19,806
T: 351 214 571 892
Average Price: €45
Hours: Monday – Saturday noon – midnight, Sunday noon – 5 pm
Seafood Cataplano, Seafood rice, octopus, clams Bulhão Pato (my favorite), Bacalhau à Lagareiro, Seafood pasta, cake, highly rated desserts.
A Pastorinha (The Little Shepherdess) also has a sommelier who manages a lengthy list of local wines.
Enjoy one on their terrace, or indoors while listening to their pianist Friday and Saturday evening, or Sunday lunch.
https://www.apastorinha.com/en/
Capricciosa Carcavelos
Avenida Marginal Sector Nascente, Carcavelos
GPS: 38.67807805756022, -9.329771402714238
T: 351 214 579 254
Average Price: €12
Hours: Monday – Friday noon – 3:30 pm and 7 pm – 10:30,
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays noon – 4 pm and 7 pm – 10:30 pm
Italian fare, including pizza. Alcohol.
https://capricciosa.com.pt/#menu
Lodging in Carcavelos Beach
Abla Guesthouse
Paçeta Infante Dom Henrique 80, Carcavelos
T: 351 214 548 114
E: geral@ablaguesthouse.org
https://www.ablaguesthouse.org/
Roughly 600 yards from the beach and the train station, Abla Guesthouse offers rooms starting at €38 per night. Breakfast is included.
Riviera Hotel
Rua Bartolomeu Dias
T: 351 214 586 600
E: reservas@rivierahotel.pt
The Riviera Hotel is located between the train station and the beach. The hotel offers free breakfast and different swimming pools for adults and children. The pool also has a snack bar.
Chef Luís Carvalho operates the informal restaurant A Concha, serving Portuguese cuisine. The hotel also features the Lighthouse Bar.
Rooms start at €100, but can be had cheaper by booking early on their site.
Home – Riviera Hotel Carcavelos Carcavelos | Official website | Best Price | Best Price
Hotel Praia Mar
Rua de Gurue 16
T: 351 214 585 100
E: praiamar@almeidahotels.pt
Double rooms with a garden view and breakfast included start at €60 per night.
Double rooms with an ocean view and breakfast included start at €90 per night.
The hotel has a pool, and you can dine in the top-floor restaurant with ocean views.
Hotel Praia Mar | Carcavelos (almeidahotels.pt)
Carcavelos Surf Hostel
Carcavelos Surf Hostel is located two minutes from the beach. The hostel has dorms and private rooms and operates a surf school.
Rua de Lourenço Marques, 5
T: 351 911 928 003
E: carcavelos.surf.hostel@gmail.com
Carcavelos Surf Hostel is a two-story house with room for 22 guests.
They have dorms for 2 to 6 people, as well as private rooms. The hostel is two blocks from the beach and two blocks from the Lisbon Surf Camp.
Private rooms are going for €40 per night, and dorms are €15 per night.
They offer surf packages as well.
During the high season, two lessons, and a two-night stay with breakfast is €240.
The beginner surf package is five nights, five breakfasts, one dinner, and three surf lessons for €500.
They also offer a weeklong beginner surf package which includes lodging for seven nights, seven breakfasts, dinner barbecue, and five surf lessons for €740.
The hostel has a 1000 square meter garden with a pool and barbecue, and a terrace with views of the ocean.
According to TripAdvisor, the Carcavelos Surf Hostel is the number one option for alternative lodging in Carcavelos.
I am not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
For information on other beaches nearby, see my articles How to use public transportation to get to Lisbon’s beaches , and Explore Lisbon’s beaches on the Costa da Caparica .
Other beach towns farther afield, but well worth the trip, are Ericeira How do you pronounce Ericeira? And is Ericeira worth visiting? and Nazaré, Nazaré, Portugal – Biggest waves in the world, less than two hours from Lisbon
