Lisbon merges historic charm, vibrant culture, beautiful food, outstanding entertainment and attractions, plus a lovely mellow vibe. But it’s the capital of Portugal and as we Brits know, a capital city is an entirely different animal to the rest of the country. London isn’t like anywhere else, nor is Lisbon. Which means there’s a feast of alternative towns to explore for an independent view of the way ordinary people live in this glorious country.
Things tend to be cheaper away from Lisbon, it’s certainly less crowded, and there are some splendid alternatives to big city tourism. Interestingly all these places are easy enough to get to using the country’s public transport links, making the heart of the city easily accessible so you enjoy the best of both worlds without faffing around too much.
Better still, the travelling is part of the adventure. Take a bus or train instead of a hire car and you can relax, look out of the window, snack, chat to the locals and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the region.
In this post we’re looking at the coastal towns near Lisbon that you might want to add to your off-the-beaten-track holiday agenda. While the crowds are doing their tourist thing in the better-known places, you can get busy discovering the Portugal that’s far away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Paço de Arcos – 20 minutes by train from Lisbon
In between Lisbon and Cascais, Paço de Arcos offers a mix of urban convenience and coastal tranquillity. The town’s proximity to the beach makes it appealing, especially when you love leisurely strolls along the seafront and enjoy watching romantic ocean sunsets. Look out for the street art, marvel at the town’s eccentric roller hockey monument, and visit the fort for some interesting local history.
Algés – 11 minutes from Lisbon on the train
Algés has a warm, friendly community feel, populated by true Portuguese locals with very few tourists. Authentic charm is the name of the game here and because it’s so close to Monsanto there are some lovely green spaces to relax in. The ocean is close by, there’s a historic football stadium, a small market, a jazz bar, an escape room adventure to enjoy, and a wellness centre to chill out in.
Estoril – 30 minutes by train from Lisbon
About half an hour away by train, lovely Estoril sits between Lisbon and Cascais, famed for its beautiful sandy beaches and the infamous Estoril Casino. This is a place where the rich buy homes and the tourists flock. The surfing here is world-class, better than Cascais and an adventure for every level of surfer.
Despite its popularity Estoril is a lot more tranquil than the capital. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or simply someone seeking a seaside retreat, it delivers a blend of excitement and relaxation. Look out for attractive old churches, exciting museums, a lovely garden to explore, and a lively market.
Setúbal – A 50 minute train journey from Lisbon
Setúbal sits on Portugal’s south coast, a place that makes its living by fishing, surrounded by natural beauty. Relatively untouched by tourism, this is where you’ll get an authentic Portuguese experience, relaxed and quiet. The harbour itself is scenic and the nearby Arrábida Natural Park is a stunner, loved by hikers and nature spotters.
There are all sorts of lovely trails making their way through rich green landscapes with vast panoramic views of the coastline. The Manueline monastery, churches, market and museums make it interesting. Go to the magical Praia de Tróia across the bay for an almost tropical vibe. The seafood here is splendid, and you can take a boat trip to watch the dolphins playing. Costa da Caparica is just a stone’s throw away, loved by surfers.
Carcavelos – 25 minutes from Lisbon by train
Nestled between Lisbon and Cascais, scenic Carcavelos has a location to die for. Add its huge sandy beaches and you can see why it is so popular with locals and visitors. This is the ‘cradle of Portuguese surf culture, stuffed with stylish surfer dudes and girls, vibrant and lively and fun. There’s street art, a trendy feel, a mellow personality and life than what city centre living offers.
Boat tours are a big thing here, the departure point for visits to see the coast’s rocky stacks, arches and large sea caves including Benagil cave. There are dolphins to watch from boats, a lovely old church, a fortress, and a stunning boardwalk along the cliffs, and the scenic the Algar Seco to explore.
Parede – 30 minutes by train from Lisbon
Close to Carcavelos, Parede is the place to discover a genuine taste of Portuguese life. The little beach, Praia Parede, is a delight and there are plenty more beaches close by to find more solitude, including some excellent surfing. The town itself is small, easily explorable on foot, stuffed with interesting local shops, cafes and excellent restaurants including the seafood haven Eduardo das Conquilhas, one of Portugal’s best seafood restaurants but still surprisingly affordable. Unspoiled is the name of the game here. It’s mostly unaffected by tourism so the town’s authentic character shines through.
Ericeira – 30 minutes by taxi, 2hrs 15 minutes by train from Lisbon
Enjoy a long indirect train journey with the real Portugal passing by your windows, sights and sounds to remember, then arrive at Ericeira ready for a mini-adventure. Quaint streets and a friendly small-town ambience await you, along with a global reputation as a surfer’s paradise with legendary waves that draw professionals as well as enthusiastic beginners. It’s also close to epic hiking trails, an excellent starting point for some great walks. Secluded and tranquil, it has all the benefits of a less-touristy coastal town.
Cascais – 40 minutes train ride from Lisbon
Cascais is wonderfully picturesque coastal town just half an hour or so from Lisbon on the train. A relaxing blend of urban chill and seaside serenity awaits you, with fewer tourists than Lisbon, glorious golden sands and an ancient town centre well with photographing. Local people move here from the capital for a quieter life, a sought-after place for people escaping the constant city noise.
If you hire a car Cascais is the perfect gateway to the rugged north coast where cool places like Praia do Guincho and Ericeira are close enough for rock ‘n’ roll, easy to get to. They’re set like jewels in breathtakingly lovely areas and the surfing is spectacular, better than Cascais itself. The locals are diverse, everything from families to digital nomads and everything in between, giving it a cosmopolitan air.
Costa da Caparica – 40 minutes from Lisbon by train and bus
Costa da Caparica offers numerous sandy stretches, one of the best beach destinations close to Lisbon with some of the most pristine sands in the region. This isn’t a pretty town with its brooding high-rise apartment blocks, but the urban landscape is as real as it gets. Being so close to the sea makes it special and if you like to discover the grittier side of life in Portugal, it’s ideal.
Have you checked out our post about other towns to visit near Lisbon? They’re just as inspiring.
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