Our 1st trip to Portugal. We will have a couple of free days after touring Douro, Porto, and Lisbon in late August. Looking for a fairly laid back seaside town a train ride from Lisbon. Algarve seems too hectic at that time. Doesn't have to be a tourist destination. Setubal ? Sesimbra ? Not familiar with either, Comments ? Suggestions ? Thank you!
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1507 posts
We stayed in Sesimbra in mid September 2019 for four nights. It wasn't crowded at that time.
We had a relaxing time. Beautiful beach, fresh seafood, and if you have a car there are nearby sights you can visit. Not sure how crowded it will be in late August but the towns you are thinking of are close to Lisbon so they could be busy as a lot of people are on vacation in August.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1671 posts
Any and all beach towns, whether close to Lisbon or not, will be crowded in August.
The beaches in Setubal are a bit out of town. You can find beaches right in town in Sesimbra.
There are also a number of places close to Lisbon but north instead of south. Carcavelos beach is quite large and is closer to Lisbon. Some of the beaches in Sintra are quite lovely. And, Cascais has several beaches right in town and a large one outside of town.
Again, all will be busy in August. I would suggest looking at pics and reading about the towns, then decide based on which one looks the most appealing and take how busy it is out of the equation.
Posted by
269 posts
Hi
I agree with Kathrynj regarding Carcavelos beach, it's about a 30 minute train ride from Lisbon Cais do Sodre station. It is the biggest and nicest sandy beach in the Lisbon-Cascais area.
Another option is Caparica, on the south side of the Tejo river ( on the ocean not the river), you'll have to take a ferry to cross the river and a bus from the ferry to the beach - about an hour total.
Both beaches will be very busy but Caparica continues for several kilometers so if you're willing to beach walk you'll find plenty of space.
Happy travels
Posted by
USA
125 posts
Tamariz Beach is on Cascais train line and very helpful. It's in Estoril and right off train. 50m away. Go early to claim your spot.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for your suggestions! Can I clarify/ask questions about your responses ? We're not looking to specifically sun bath/lie on the beacg (we're too old :), but rather a quaint beach setting/accommodations with a ocean view. Dare I say a Cinque Terra type of setting (ok nothing is that quaint!). August was the only time our travel companions could go.. thank you for your help!!