When the first signs of summer appear, going to the beach immediately becomes part of everyone\u2019s plans in Lisbon.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best Lisbon beaches aren\u2019t in the city but are a short trip away. Jump on a car, a train, or a ferry, and you\u2019ll be soaking up the sun faster than you realize it. Follow Devour Lisbon\u2019s tips on what to do and not to do at the beach, and check out the five top spots around the city to go for a swim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Best Way to Enjoy the Lisbon Beaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all stretches of sand by the water constitute a beach in Lisbon. That means that the riverside of the Tagus from Cais das Colunas near Terreiro do Pa\u00e7o to Cais do Sodr\u00e9 is not a place for stripping to your swimsuit to sunbathe nor swim, no matter how appealing it looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beach season officially starts at the beginning of June, but the warm weather typically comes sooner. The water might be too cold for a dip and most beaches don\u2019t have lifeguards working before the season starts, but you can still go for some sunbathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best local snack to eat at a Lisbon beach is a bola de Berlim<\/em>, no questions asked. Even if you think a deep-fried dough, cream-filled pastry is not the ideal treat to eat at a beach just go with the flow. Bolas de Berlim<\/em> are the beach version of Lisbon street food<\/a> and vendors are one of the hallmarks of the season in Lisbon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Five Best Beaches Near Lisbon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Cascais<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From the Cais do Sodr\u00e9 train station to the nearest beach is a 30-minute trip. Praia de S\u00e3o Pedro do Estoril<\/a>, Carcavelos<\/a>, and Cascais<\/a> are perfect if your Lisbon itinerary must include one beach day. The proximity of these urban beaches to the city center is great for mobility but not so good if you want to avoid crowds, especially in the peak beach season between June and September. The best way to have a guaranteed quiet time is to go in the mornings, on weekdays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Barreiro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Barreiro is a former industrial city on the Southbank of the Tagus River, 20 minutes from Lisbon by ferry. For years, Lisboans saw no appeal in this place that always seemed to be engulfed in factory smoke. But those days are long gone. Although Barreiro is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of Lisbon beaches, Praia da Alburrica<\/a> is worth crossing the river. The family-friendly river beach is a short 10-minute walk from the ferry boat station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n