Lisbon's Sun-Kissed Beach Town Is A Portuguese Coastal Haven With Golden Sands, Lively Markets, And Wineries

With its balmy weather, pastel-colored buildings, and surprisingly reasonable prices, Lisbon is quickly becoming one of the world's most coveted destinations and Portugal's most visited region, welcoming millions of international travelers every year. And while the city's dreamy, cobblestone streets are always worth a visit, those yearning for a quiet beachy escape might need to set their sights elsewhere. Luckily, half an hour west of Lisbon, you'll find Carcavelos, the ultimate sun-kissed town with golden sands, local markets, and charming wineries that carry on the region's centuries-old tradition.

Here, you'll also find that the small-town vibe doesn't have to come with small-town restrictions: Carcavelos is wonderfully accessible. Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport is just a 35-minute drive away, though you can always go the public transport route and take a 25-minute train ride. Visitors can just hop on at the Cais do Sodré Station and enjoy the scenic ocean views all the way to Carcavelos Station. From here, you're just a quick 15-minute walk away from the beach. And if you manage to follow Rick Steve's guide on the best time to visit Portugal for fewer crowds, lower prices, and incredible weather, you're guaranteed the vacation of a lifetime.

The first order of business for everyone coming to Carcavelos? A day at the local beach. Famous for its wide stretch of soft, golden sand and reliable surf breaks, the place is popular with everyone, from swimmers and surfers to those just looking to soak up that Portuguese sun. And thanks to its cleanliness, great beachy views, fun atmosphere, and sheer size, this is one of the highest-reviewed spots in the Lisbon region, partly thanks to all the beach bars and barraquinhas that serve cold drinks, fresh seafood, and traditional snacks all day long while the promenade buzzes with volleyball games and people-watching.

The promenade itself is not only well-paved, scenic, and lined with darling little cafes perfect for an afternoon coffee or gelato break with a view, but it also connects Carcavelos with other underrated beach towns like Parede and Estoril. Just remember to research the surrounding beaches before you go, because not all of them are made equal. If you're planning to drive somewhere exciting like Praia do Norte, for example, you should know there's a record-breaking reason why this beach is actually one of the world's most dangerous.

When you're not splashing around in the Atlantic Ocean or getting that long-awaited tan, you can always visit the São Julião da Barra Fort, which famously guards the mouth of the Tagus River. The 16th-century fortification that once protected Lisbon from invaders now houses the Ministry of Defence. This means that you'll need to book a special tour in advance if you want to enter, though even from just the outside, the site and surrounding views are well worth a visit.

Rick Steves once named Lisbon one of the best foodie destinations, and Carcavelos proves just how incredible the region's culinary scene is. Just take a stroll through Market Carcavelos and marvel at all the stalls brimming with fresh produce, cured meats, cheeses, and handmade crafts — it's the best way to get an authentic taste of the local daily life and stock up on picnic supplies for the beach all in one go. You can come shop here every day but Monday, and see for yourself just how great-quality and reasonably-priced everything is. Don't forget to pick up a Santini ice cream along the way, it's the perfect treat to help you shop through the heat. And if you're willing to take on a short 6-mile drive, you'll get to see Mercado da Vila, a local favorite where you can browse everything from fragrant flowers to freshly-caught shellfish.

Travelers will also be happy to learn that Carcavelos is connected to one of Portugal's oldest wine designations: Carcavelos DOC. This strong, fortified wine is undergoing a quiet revival as we speak, thanks to places like Villa Oeiras (based at the historic Adega do Casal da Manteiga), dedicated entirely to the variety. The place is open for guided tours and tastings that include their white and red fortified styles, and they're pretty reasonably priced, too; not to mention the setting looks like something out of a fairytale. And if you're a fan of the overall aesthetic here, you'll love Aveiro, an underrated city situated between Porto and Lisbon, often called the "Venice of Portugal."