Simply catch the train and follow the Tagus estuary to be surprised by the succession of sandy beaches so close to the city.
The beaches, quite crowded on summer days, alternate between large sandy stretches such as Praia de Carcavelos, and small coves such as Praia da Azarujinha. At the end of the line are the beaches of Estoril and Cascais, with beautiful mansions that recall the time when the Portuguese Kings spent their summers here at the end of the 19th century.
While surfers and bodyboarders prefer Carcavelos or São Pedro do Estoril, those who prefer windsurfing go to Guincho Beach. Taking the road along the Sintra Mountain, the extensive beach here is in a more rocky area that is windier, ideal for sailing sports, and several national and international competitions are held here.
The coastal area of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park starts at Praia da Cresmina, before Guincho, and passes through sandy and rocky sections, ideal for evenings watching the sun disappear into the Atlantic.
Past Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point on the continent of Europe, and the small beaches hidden under the cliffs, like Adraga and Ursa, you get to Praia das Maçãs and Praia Grande. Families prefer these, because they are spacious sandy beaches and the salt water pools are a good solution for days when the sea is a little rough. Another plus point is the varied range of restaurants and cafes overlooking the sea.
Past the viewpoint at Azenhas do Mar, with its whitewashed houses on the hillside and bathing pool carved into the rock, you have to travel inland in order to get back to the sea near Ericeira, a fishing village and well-known seaside resort. A succession of beaches stretches for 8km, with excellent waves and conditions, making this coast a World Surfing Reserve and a favourite destination in Portugal. Praia dos Coxos, Baía dos Dois Irmãos and the mythical Ribeira d'Ilhas, which has hosted an event in the World Qualifying Series since 1985, are now internationally famous.
Ericeira, Ribamar and Praia de São Lourenço are also renowned for their restaurants that specialise in fresh fish and seafood.