The long beach of Caparica, the lagoon by the sea and sunset over the cliffs of Cape Espichel.
An afternoon along the coast south of the Tagus: first the long beach of Caparica; then the Lagoa de Albufeira, calm and full of birds; and finally sunset on the cliffs of Cabo Espichel. There is little driving and there is time to walk at every stop. For couples and photographers.
The day, stop by stop
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Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica is a continuous run of beaches on the south bank of the Tagus, with sand stretching for kilometres to Fonte da Telha beneath an ancient fossil cliff. Near the town there are beach bars and surf schools; further south, the beaches grow quieter and wilder. It is the big beach closest to Lisbon and ideal for a long walk by the water. Meals at the beach bars are paid separately. Late in the afternoon, the sun sets over the sea right in front of you.
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Lagoa de Albufeira
Lagoa de Albufeira is a coastal lagoon in the municipality of Sesimbra, separated from the sea by a strip of sand. Its calm, shallow water suits families, canoeing and anyone learning to windsurf or kitesurf. Herons and other water birds feed along the shores and salt marshes, especially early in the morning. On the other side of the sand bar is a wide open-sea beach. Bring binoculars if you like birds, and shoes you do not mind getting wet.
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Cabo Espichel
Cabo Espichel is a headland of high cliffs above the Atlantic at the tip of the Setúbal peninsula. Here stand the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Cabo, with the long wings where pilgrims once slept, the small Ermida da Memória at the edge of the drop and an eighteenth-century lighthouse. On the cliffs of Pedra da Mua there are dinosaur tracks, visible from a distance. Keep well back from the edge, as much of it is unfenced. It is lovely at sunset; bring a jacket.
The essentials
- Duration
- 5 h · Late afternoon
- Pick-up
- At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.
- Included
- The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.
- Not included
- Entrance tickets and meals.
- Who it is for
- Couples; photographers.