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The best guide to the Sesimbra region
SintraCascaisSesimbra.com
The best guide to the Sesimbra region
Sesimbra home - Sights & activities - Beach guide - Cabo Espichel - Serra da Arrabida - Setubal guide
The Lagoa de Albufeira and the Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira beach
The Lagoa de Albufeira is a picturesque lagoon which opens out on a beautiful beach, the Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira.
The beach faces the might of the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the 26km stretch of golden sand that forms the Costa da Caparica coastline. On the inland side of the beach, three small rivers have combined to form two deep lagoons, which have been carved into the soft sands.
The lagoons extend inland for a kilometre, and at the far eastern side are marshes (the Lagoa da Estacada), a haven for wading birds.
The Lagoa de Albufeira has a beautiful natural setting, with almost no tourist development
The sheltered waters of the lagoon is a popular location to practice kitesurfing or windsurfing, while the massive waves and strong sea-breezes along the coast are ideal for experienced surfers and kitesurfers.
The Lagoa de Albufeira beach is a favourite with Portuguese day-trippers but is barely known by foreign tourists. Inland the pristine forests that surround the lagoon offer deserted footpaths and tranquil countryside.
If you have a car and want somewhere completely undiscovered for your beach day trip, then Lagoa de Albufeira is the perfect location for you.
Related articles: The Costa da Caparica – Sesimbra – Lisbon guide
Note: The Lagoa de Albufeira is not close or related to the resort town of Albufeira in the Algarve, for a guide to Albufeira, please click here.
Kitesurfers and wind surfers on the Lagoa de Albufeira
The Praia da Lagoa is surrounded by thick pine forests
Why visit the Lagoa de Albufeira for a beach trip?
The unique appeal of the Lagoa de Albufeira beach, is that it has two very different aspects.
One side faces the sea, with its giant waves, strong currents and constant sea-breezes, while the other faces the calm waters of the lagoon, and is sheltered from any winds by a huge sandbank. These calm and safe waters are the only ones found along the Costa da Caparica coastline.
The vast beach at the Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira also means there is plenty of space, unlike the crowded beaches close to Lisbon. The only downside to the Lagoa de Albufeira, is that there is no public transport, and you will need a car to travel here.
The road leading to the beach
If you get bored on the beach there are peaceful walks around the lagoon
Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira tourist information
The Lagoa de Albufeira is 15km from Sesimbra and 36km from Lisbon (via the fastest roads).
The village of Lagoa de Albufeira is situated on the southern side of the lagoon, close to the mouth of the lagoon and the beach. The southern side of the lagoon is where all visitors head for a day on the beach, as there is no crossing point or access to the northern side.
Close to the beach is car parking, but expect it to fill up quickly during the summer months. There is parking on the side streets, but it can be a scrum to find spaces (or a long walk) if you arrive too late.
The lagoon waters are safe for children to swim and are relatively clean. During the summer there is lifeguard supervision on the lagoon waters close to the beach. The high sandbank provides shelter from the sea breezes, which can be very strong.
The vast beach of Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira
At the beach is the “Restaurante da Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira”, offering wonderful views of the beach, but mediocre service and is hampered by the summertime crowds. A better option is the Restaurante O Lagoeiro further around the lagoon. There are no shops close to the beach, so for a day trip its best to come prepared.
The Praia da Boca Velha
The beach on the northern side of the Lagoa de Albufeira is the Praia da Boca Velha. This is an untouched and pristine beach with absolutely no development. It is great if you want wild and remote, but with no meaningful access, it is too isolated for most beachgoers.
Note: There is no foot or road access crossing the lagoon, and there is no road access from the north. It is possible to wade across at low tide but always check local safety details first.
The sand dunes and cliffs of the Praia da Boca Velha
Lagoa de Albufeira camping
The Lagoa de Albufeira is a popular location for Portuguese holiday homes and campsites. There are three permanent campsites: Campismo das Hortencias, Clube Português de Caravanismo and Parque de Campismo Familiar, but none have websites or online booking/enquiries.
The region would be perfect for wild camping, but this type of camping is illegal in Portugal (with fines up to €250), and as it is illegal, we are unable to condone it. The village of Alfarim (close by) has many inexpensive accommodation options.
The Lagoa de Albufeira
The Lagoa de Albufeira waterways comprise of three sections; two lagoons and a wetland.
The largest lagoon (the Lagoa Grande) is to the rear of the beach and extends along the entire length of the village.
The second lagoon (the Lagoa Pequena), is half the size of Lagoa Grande, and connected by a short waterway.
The inland marshes (the Lagoa da Estacada) are popular for bird watching, and the natural habitat for Bluethroat Thrush, Great Bittern and Garden Warblers.
Further bird watching information can be found on the Sesimbra council website:
http://www.cm-sesimbra.pt/lagoapequena/
http://www.cm-sesimbra.pt/lagoapequena/?page_id=2725
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