The pristine, golden sands of Carcavelos Beach (Praia de Carcavelos) might look like they’ve come straight from the shores of the Algarve, but the beach is actually within easy reach of Lisbon, thanks to the Lisbon-Cascais railway that connects it to the capital. On this lively beach, you’ll find plenty of loungers and parasols, restaurants, cafés, and water sports, making it an ideal place to bring younger kids. Plus, the beach regularly hosts soccer and volleyball tournaments.

Within walking distance of the sophisticated resort town of Estoril, Tamariz Beach (Praia do Tamariz) is famous for the seafood restaurants that surround it. It’s one of the must-visit beaches in Lisbon for food lovers, who flock here to enjoy classic Portuguese dishes such as cataplana (seafood stew) and freshly grilled sardines finished with a squeeze of lemon. Thanks to its ocean-facing terrace, Bolina is a great choice for a post-swim meal.

Caxias Beach (Praia de Caxias) is the closest beach to the capital—ideal if you have limited time in Lisbon. Board a train from Cais Sodre station and in six stops you’ll be on golden sand framed by two historic forts. Plus, it’s only a couple of train stops from the attraction-packed neighborhood of Belém, so it’s a great place to visit after a tour of Belém’s historical highlights.

Arrábida Natural Park (Parque Natural da Arrábida) has the highest concentration of Lisbon beaches for adventure seekers. Although these pristine coastal landscapes are only 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Portugal’s capital, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles from a city. Portinho Beach (Portinho da Arrábida) is one of the area’s prettiest beaches, while the unspoiled Galapinhos Beach (Praia de Galapinhos) is only accessible on foot, making it one of the quietiest beaches in Lisbon.

Framed with jagged cliffs, Adraga Beach (Praia da Adraga) encapsulates the rugged charm of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline. It’s also one of the best places to catch the sunset—especially from the excellent restaurant at the beach that serves fresh fish and cold drinks. For the ultimate way to end your day, watch the sunset from the water with a wine sailing tour on the Tagus River (Rio Tejo).

If you’re hunting for Lisbon beaches for relaxation, head to the historic resort town of Cascais, a super short train ride from the capital. On Duquesa Beach (Praia da Duquesa), you can relax beneath a parasol or go stand-up paddleboarding on the calm water. But what really gives this beach the edge is its proximity to the Centro Histórico de Cascais, which is home to the culture-rich Museum Quarter where you can browse nine different museums covering art, history, and folklore.

Strong winds and near-constant swell make this rugged beach one of the best Lisbon beaches for surfers and kitesurfers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to hone existing skills, Guincho Beach (Praia Guincho) is the ideal place to take a surfing lesson. Plus, you’ll be treated to stunning scenery while you’re in the water, as the beach is overlooked by the lush mountains of Sintra, home to UNESCO–listed palaces and grottoes that you can discover on a hassle-free day trip.

Portugal is one of the world’s surfing hot spots, which means many of its beaches are better suited to boards rather than breaststroke. But if you’re keen to practice your front crawl without getting toppled by huge waves, head to Figueirinha Beach (Praia da Figueirinha), which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and creates a kind of lagoon at low tide, making it the ideal place to go for a dip. You can also cruise past it on a dolphin-watching boat tour.

Extending for more than 16 miles (26 kilometers), the shortbread-colored sands of Costa da Caparica just outside of Lisbon are the perfect place to kick back and sip a cocktail. You’ll be spoiled for choice of bars and restaurants in the vibrant resort town of the same name, but one of the best is Casa Reia, a super-chic, tiki-style beach club and restaurant with a bohemian aesthetic. It regularly hosts DJs and is where Lisbon’s hip and happening crowd goes to party on the weekends.