Between the built-up seafront of Costa da Caparica town and the quiet sand of Fonte da Telha lies a run of dune-backed beaches. Praia da Morena and Praia da Sereia are two of the better known — both easiest to reach by bike along the coastal cycle path, or by car.
The coastal cycle path
A signed cycle path, the Ciclovia da Estrada Florestal, runs south from Costa da Caparica town through the pine forest toward Fonte da Telha — flat, car-free, and about 4.5 kilometres one way, passing close to both beaches. Bikes and e-bikes can be hired in the town centre for around €8–12 a day; an easy, pleasant way to reach beaches that are otherwise a long walk or a tight squeeze for parking. (The old Transpraia beach train that once ran this route has been out of service since 2019.)
The beaches
Wide Atlantic sand, low dunes, cold clean water and usually some surf. Each beach has a beach bar or two — grilled fish, a drink, music in the afternoon. The further south you go the emptier it gets, and some stretches down here are traditionally naturist.
Good to know
- By bike: rent in town and follow the coastal cycle path south; by car there is limited sand parking that fills early in summer, or take local bus 3507/3030 partway
- Little shade — bring an umbrella
- Atlantic currents can be strong; swim where it is flagged
- About 10 minutes by car from our apartment to the Caparica end