Cascais, about 50 minutes by train from Lisbon, has fine sandy beaches - where men in wet suits dive for octopus - and an impressive fish market, where all the fish-sellers are elderly women.

There are frequent trains from Lisbon's Estação Cais do Sodre;
Turismo de Cascais: Rua Visconde da Luz, 2750 Cascais;
tel: 21 486 82 04

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If you like sun and want to feel like you are three hours away from a busy city you have to go to Praia Morena in Costa da Caparica or Guincho, just after Cascais. They both have great beach bars with good food and nice music.

Morena Beach is south of Lisbon. If you rent a car it's very easy, it only takes 20 minutes otherwise you will have to get in public transports and that will take a little over an hour.

To get to Guincho from Lisbon just take the train to Cascais, which goes along the river Tejo and then the ocean. Once you get to Cascais, get in a cab as ask to go to Guincho. It shouldn't be more than 10-15 euros. If you have time visit Cascais, a very pretty town just by the sea. Once again, if you have a car will only be 30 minutes driving.

You can also go out at night for a drink, dinner and dancing in "Bairro Alto". I'm sure you will meet someone there who can give you a ride! Lisboetas are crazy for the beach!

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You won't find much seclusion on this coast, but if you want easy access to restaurants, cafes and public transportation, join the crowds at the vast beaches of Caparica. They are popular and lively in the summer, even at night, when most bars stay open until late with music and dancing.

Buses depart from Lisbon's Praça de Espanha bus terminal to Caparica town, which is a five minute walk from the beach.

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Ericeira is a fishing village 50km northeast of Lisbon. It has the most beautiful beach, which is not as busy than those of cliched Estoril or Cascais. The hospitality of its people, the harmony of the old village with its narrow cobblestone streets, the characteristic housing, the sea, the fishing, the cuisine and the bold Atlantic views all interlace here in a grand way to welcome its visitors.

Buses run from Lisbon's Campo Grande terminal. Journey time: 1 hr 30 mins;
www.portugalvirtual.pt/_tourism/costadelisboa/ericeira

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A huge beach, and the most popular one for nudists in the Lisbon area. The cliff and views from the pine groves above it are truly beautiful. There are natural springs and mud pits for skin cleansing and it feels wild and natural, but is only 35kms from central Lisbon. The Restaurants and trendy haunts in nearby Meco Village (walking distance) are great.

About 35kms south of Lisbon from Lisbon. Take the A2 South Highway towards Sesimbra and after Fernão Ferro turn right to Alfarim and Aldeia do Meco, and right again to the beaches.

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