The beaches of Costa da Caparica, from São João to Fonte da Telha

Costa da Caparica is 15 km of continuous beach on the Atlantic shore of the Setúbal peninsula, a few minutes from Lisbon across the bridge. Those in the centre, in front of the town (Praia do CDS, Santo António, Tarquínio-Paraíso, Dragão Vermelho), are the liveliest and have a promenade, restaurants and surf schools. To the north, Praia de São João is quieter. To the south, the beaches of Mata and Castelo, under the pines, and at the end Fonte da Telha, at the foot of the fossil cliffs.

All have, as Turismo de Lisboa puts it, beach bars and restaurants where you can order a jug of sangria, grilled fish and clams. In summer there are lifeguards and flags. With small children, stay on the central ones, with facilities at hand and the bus nearby. The north wind blows hard on many summer afternoons: go in the morning.