• Mini-train to the southern beaches runs in summer from the town along the sand, stopping at each beach, so you can skip the crowded central stretch
• Lifeguarded beaches with facilities: most have lifeguards, umbrella rental and toilets, run by the beach concessions
• Two naturist beaches, Bela Vista and Adiça, sit on the southern stretch, so pick a different stop if that isn't for you

Costa da Caparica is a 15 km run of Atlantic beaches on the south bank of the Tagus, facing open ocean rather than the river. Beaches by the town are the busiest, São João to the north is calmer, and the long stretch south is backed by dunes.

The waves draw surfers, and beach bars along the sand serve grilled fish and clams.