Estoril sits on one of Portugal's most attractive stretches of coastline, a stylish resort town on the Portuguese Riviera with a beautiful sandy beach directly in front of it. The Praia do Tamariz offers golden sand, calm waters, and easy access from the town centre, making it an ideal base for a beach-focused holiday.

The surrounding coastline divides into two distinct characters. To the east, the Portuguese Riviera extends toward Lisbon: a series of small sandy beaches, sheltered waters, and traditional resort towns including Cascais, Carcavelos, and Oeiras. These beaches draw large crowds in summer, being the closest quality sand to the capital, yet the atmosphere remains family-friendly and the facilities excellent throughout.

To the northwest, the Serra de Sintra coastline presents an entirely different experience. This stretch faces the open Atlantic, its vast beaches battered by powerful waves and constant winds. Development here is minimal, the coastline protected, and the scenery dramatic. Surfers, hikers, and those seeking wild natural beauty head to beaches like Praia do Guincho and Praia da Ursa, while families and sunbathers stay on the calmer southern shore.

Estoril's position between these two coastlines gives visitors genuine choice. A morning on the gentle sands of Tamariz beach can be followed by an afternoon exploring the rugged cliffs of Sintra, all within a short drive.

For anyone planning a holiday and wondering about the quality of beaches in this region: Estoril delivers. The beaches here match those in the Algarve for sand quality and swimming conditions, with the added advantage of easy access to Lisbon and Sintra. The combination of beach time and cultural excursions makes Estoril a strong choice for visitors wanting more than a purely coastal holiday.
Related articles: Introduction to Estoril

The Praia do Tamariz is Estoril's main beach, with soft sand and calm waters ideal for families

The Serra de Sintra coastline delivers vast beaches, powerful waves, and strong winds at Praia do Guincho

Praia de Carcavelos, the largest beach on the Portuguese Riviera, lies just a short train ride from Estoril

The beaches divide naturally into three groups: those within walking distance of Estoril, the wider Portuguese Riviera accessible by train, and the wild Serra de Sintra coastline to the northwest.
The five best beaches within walking distance of Estoril: 1) Praia do Tamariz 2) Praia da Conceição & Praia da Duquesa 3) Praia da Poça 4) Praia da Rata 5) Praia das Moitas

The five best beaches of the Portuguese Riviera:
1) Praia de Carcavelos 2) Praia de Santo Amaro (Oeiras Beach) 3) Praia de São Pedro do Estoril 4) Praia da Torre 5) Praia de Paço de Arcos
All of these beaches are served by the regular and inexpensive Estoril-Lisbon railway.

The five best beaches of the Serra de Sintra:
1) Praia das Maçãs 2) Praia Grande 3) Praia da Ursa 4) Praia da Adraga 5) Praia do Guincho
Public transport to the Serra de Sintra is limited. A rental car is necessary to explore this coastline.

The interactive map below shows the location of these beaches. Beaches close to Estoril are displayed in green, the Portuguese Riviera beaches in yellow, and the Serra de Sintra beaches in blue. Note: Zoom out to see all of the markers.

Estoril beaches (green): 1) Praia do Tamariz 2) Praia da Conceição & Praia da Duquesa 3) Praia da Poça 4) Praia das Moitas 5) Praia da Azarujinha
Portuguese Riviera (yellow): 6) Praia de Carcavelos 7) Praia de Santo Amaro (Oeiras Beach) 8) Praia de São Pedro do Estoril 9) Praia da Torre 10) Praia de Paço de Arcos
Serra de Sintra (blue): 11) Praia das Maçãs 12) Praia Grande 13) Praia da Ursa 14) Praia da Adraga 15) Praia do Guincho

Beach season insight: The weather in Estoril is warm enough for the beach from May until the end of September. July and August bring the largest crowds to all beaches. The sea water remains cool throughout the year, rarely exceeding 20°C even in high summer.

The beaches in this section all lie within walking distance of Estoril town centre. For visitors staying in Estoril, these form the core of any beach holiday, offering easy access without the need for transport. The proximity to both Estoril and nearby Cascais means these beaches fill quickly during summer, particularly in July and August.

Estoril's beaches are a hive of activity during the summer

The Praia do Tamariz is Estoril's main beach and the natural starting point for any visit. Soft golden sand stretches along the waterfront, with sea waters sheltered from the powerful Atlantic swells that batter the coast further north. The calm conditions make Tamariz an excellent choice for families with young children.

The beach draws crowds throughout summer, though the atmosphere remains more relaxed than the beaches directly in front of Cascais. Sun loungers and sunshades can be rented for around €20 per day. Behind the sand, a beachside promenade lined with cafés, bars, and shops maintains a lively atmosphere from morning until late evening. The ornate 19th-century Forte da Cruz overlooks the beach from the western end.

On the eastern side of the beach, the Piscina Oceânica do Tamariz offers a saltwater swimming pool filled by the high tide. The water here is warmer than the open sea and safe for young children, making it a popular alternative when the ocean feels too cold or the waves too strong.

The Praia do Tamariz offers golden sand and calm waters

The Piscina Oceânica do Tamariz fills with seawater at high tide

These two beaches form the main waterfront of Cascais, the next resort town along from Estoril. A minor headland topped by the Casa Faial villa divides them: Praia da Conceição lies to the west, Praia da Duquesa to the east, closer to Estoril.

The combined beach is larger than Praia do Tamariz and busier throughout the day. Boat rides, sea inflatables, pedalos, and beach sports keep the atmosphere lively, particularly during summer weekends. The 1.7km walk from Estoril follows the Paredão de Cascais, a scenic beachfront promenade that makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

The Praia da Duquesa beach in July

The Praia da Poça sits just 300m from Praia do Tamariz and offers a quieter alternative when the main beach fills. This small, sandy stretch lies at the base of a cliff and seawall, facing the same calm waters as its larger neighbour. The beach tends to be less crowded than those closer to Cascais, suiting visitors who prefer a more relaxed setting for a day in the sun.

The western side of Moitas beach

The Praia das Moitas lies partway between Estoril and Cascais, the first beach reached when following the Paredão de Cascais promenade westward. Though smaller than Praia do Tamariz, the beach shares the same qualities: golden sand, calm waters, and sun loungers available for hire. The setting is attractive without being crowded, making Moitas a good choice for those wanting beach time without walking all the way to Cascais.

Historical note: The beach was formerly known as Praia da Rata (Rat Beach). The rats departed long ago, and the name was changed to Praia das Moitas for obvious reasons.

Praia das Moitas may be small, but it delivers excellent sand close to Estoril

The Praia da Rainha is one of the most scenic beaches on the Estoril-Cascais coastline. Golden sand and still blue waters overlook the peaceful harbour of Cascais, creating a sheltered setting with genuine charm. Queen Amélia selected this cove as her private bathing spot in the 1880s, and the name Queen's Beach has remained ever since.

The beach is small, among the smallest on this coastline, and the royal exclusivity is long gone. Expect crowds during summer, particularly at weekends. The beauty of the setting still rewards a visit, though arriving early is essential for any chance of space on the sand.

The pretty Praia da Rainha, once the private bathing spot of Queen Amélia

This seawater swimming pool offers a safe alternative to the open sea for children and families. The water is warmer than the ocean and the enclosed setting removes any concerns about waves or currents. There is no admission fee. Children particularly enjoy the pool when fish become trapped after the tide recedes. The concrete surroundings look dated, but the free swimming and safe conditions make it popular with families.

The Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano looks dated but offers free, safe swimming for families

Estoril lies at the heart of the Portuguese Riviera, the coastline extending between Lisbon and Cascais. The beaches along this stretch are easily reached by the regular railway service departing from Estoril station, with trains running frequently and tickets costing just a few euros. During summer, when the whole of Lisbon heads to the coast, these beaches can be extremely busy.

The Praia de Carcavelos is the largest and most popular beach on the Portuguese Riviera. The vast expanse of sand dwarfs the smaller beaches near Estoril and Cascais, and the waves here are large enough for surfing. For visitors based in Lisbon wanting a day at the beach, Carcavelos is the obvious destination.

Bars, restaurants, and shops line the beachfront, creating a lively atmosphere throughout summer. The combination of excellent facilities, good waves, and easy access makes Carcavelos the standout beach of the Portuguese Riviera. The direct train from Estoril takes 25 minutes and costs €2.10. From the station, a 700m walk leads to the coast.

Praia de Carcavelos is a huge beach with room to absorb summer crowds

Oeiras is a popular coastal town among the Portuguese, with the Praia de Santo Amaro as its main beach. A wide expanse of sand faces calm seawater, backed by excellent facilities. The sheltered position makes Santo Amaro the most protected beach in the region, a particularly good choice for families with young children. During summer, a younger crowd fills the beach, and the atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming.

Water quality note: Praia de Santo Amaro is the closest beach to Lisbon with guaranteed clean water. Beaches further east lie within the tidal mixing zone of the Tejo Estuary, where water quality is less reliable.

Praia de Santo Amaro is one of the more lively beaches on the Portuguese Riviera coastline.

The Praia de São Pedro do Estoril is one of the most underrated beaches on the Portuguese Riviera. The sand and sea conditions match the busier beaches nearby, but the crowds are noticeably smaller. Families with young children and older visitors particularly appreciate the quieter atmosphere. For a peaceful day at the beach, São Pedro is the strongest choice in the region.

Historical note: The seawater along this stretch contains high levels of iodine, released by seaweed growing on the rocky ledges. Historically, older people bathed here to ease joint pain and bone conditions, and the therapeutic reputation persists.

The Praia de São Pedro offers a quieter alternative to the busier beaches nearby

The Praia da Torre is a beautiful sandy beach lying in the shelter of the Forte de São Julião da Barra, a colossal 16th-century fort. The beach sits a short walk from Praia de Carcavelos and serves as a good alternative when Carcavelos is too crowded or blustery. The Passeio Marítimo de Oeiras, a scenic coastal footpath, begins at Praia da Torre and leads to Paço de Arcos. This is the finest short walk on the Portuguese Riviera.

Praia da Torre offers beautiful sand in the shelter of a historic fort

The Praia de Paço de Arcos lies on the eastward-facing stretch of coastline between Oeiras and Carcavelos. The beach offers the same excellent sand as its neighbours, with the advantage of smaller crowds due to its slightly less convenient location. A natural harbour along the beach still shelters small fishing boats, adding character to the setting.

Praia de Paço de Arcos

The beaches of the Serra de Sintra are famous for dramatic scenery and powerful surfing waves. The coastline here faces the open Atlantic, exposed to swells that have travelled thousands of miles across the ocean. Public transport is poor throughout the region, and a rental car is essential for exploring these beaches.

The Praia da Ursa ranks among the most stunning beaches in Portugal. Towering cliffs drop to golden sand, with giant rock formations rising from the water. The remoteness adds to the appeal: reaching the beach requires driving along dirt roads and walking a meandering footpath down the cliffs. The effort is worthwhile.

A trip to Praia da Ursa combines well with a visit to the Cabo de Roca headland, the most westerly point of mainland Europe. A scenic 1.7km coastal path connects the two.

The wild beauty of the Praia da Ursa

The Praia das Maçãs fills a wide river valley, with the charming village of Praia das Maçãs lining the northern side. The valley provides some shelter from the Atlantic winds and waves, making this beach more accessible than the wilder stretches further south. Portuguese families fill the sand during summer months.

This is the most popular beach on the Sintra coast and the closest quality sand to Sintra town. A historic tram connects Sintra to Praia das Maçãs, with classic trams from the early 20th century making the 45-minute journey down from the forested hills to the coast.

The village itself adds to the appeal, with beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere that draws Portuguese families throughout the season. A 20-minute walk along the coast road leads to Azenhas do Mar, a cliffside village with whitewashed houses tumbling down toward the sea.
For visitors wanting a beach-focused day trip from Estoril with lunch in an attractive village, Praia das Maçãs is an excellent choice.
Related articles: Praia das Maçãs

The beautiful Praia das Maçãs.

The Praia da Adraga fills a deep valley on the Sintra coastline, 23km northwest of Estoril. The golden sand fills a deep valley, with towering dark cliffs rising on either side and jagged rock formations standing offshore. The setting is wild and dramatic, yet the beach remains accessible by a paved road from the village of Almoçageme.

The cliffs provide shelter from the winds that batter more exposed stretches of this coast, making Adraga one of the more comfortable beaches for sunbathing. At low tide, a string of caves at the southern end of the beach can be explored

The beach restaurant (Restaurante Adraga) dates back to 1905, when it began as a simple cabin serving meals to local fishermen. Queen Amélia is said to have spent long afternoons here, away from her entourage, enjoying the food and conversation

Adraga shares the wild beauty of nearby Praia da Ursa but without the difficult access. The combination of dramatic scenery and relative accessibility makes this one of the finest beaches on the Sintra coast.

The Praia da Adraga sits in a deep valley surrounded by huge cliffs

The Praia Grande is the largest beach on the Sintra coast and a favourite with Portuguese families and surfers throughout summer. The beach faces the full force of the Atlantic, with consistent swells that attract bodyboarders and surfers from across the Lisbon region.

At the southern end of the beach, towering cliffs contain fossilised dinosaur footprints dating back around 110 million years. A total of 66 footprints are visible across 11 tracks, mostly three-toed prints left by therapod dinosaurs.

At the northern end, the Hotel Arribas features a 100m saltwater swimming pool with views across the beach, open to non-guests for a day pass. The combination of surfing waves, geological curiosities, and the swimming pool gives Praia Grande more variety than most beaches on this coastline. The atmosphere is lively throughout summer, with a predominantly local crowd.

The Praia Grande is popular for surfing.

The Praia do Guincho is the most famous beach on the Serra de Sintra coastline. It was one of the original surfing beaches in Portugal and hosted the Windsurfing World Cup during the 1990s. Today, the reliable onshore breezes make Guincho a favourite for kitesurfing, while the spectacular natural scenery attracts hikers, cyclists, and day trippers.

Guincho is not a beach for relaxation. An almost constant breeze blows in from the Atlantic, with little shelter available. On a rare calm summer's day, Guincho is the finest beach in the region. Most of the time, the wind makes a peaceful day on the sand difficult to achieve.

The Praia do Guincho

The Costa da Caparica stretches for 30km along the southern side of the Tagus estuary, a continuous ribbon of sand facing the open Atlantic. These beaches offer powerful surf, vast open spaces, and a younger, more local atmosphere than the Estoril coastline. The resort town of Costa da Caparica sits at the northern end, with cafés, restaurants, and surf shops serving a predominantly Portuguese crowd.

For visitors based in Lisbon, the Costa da Caparica provides a genuine alternative to the northern beaches, particularly for surfers seeking consistent waves without the intense winds of Guincho. The further south you travel along the coast, the quieter the beaches become, with the final stretches attracting naturists and those seeking solitude among the dunes.

The journey from Estoril is complicated, requiring a train to Cais do Sodré in Lisbon, a ferry across to Cacilhas, and a bus onward to the coast. The distance and travel time make Costa da Caparica impractical for visitors based in Estoril, though it remains an excellent option for those staying in the capital.

Fishing boats still launch from the beach of Costa da Caparica, which is agreat beach but too far from Estoril

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