Costa da Caparica

Costa da Caparica is a renowned Portuguese coastal area and former civil parish situated just south of the Tagus River estuary, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Its existence is almost entirely defined by its immense and easily accessible beachfront.

This area is famous for its continuous stretch of sand, which extends for approximately 30 kilometers south from the main town center. This is the longest unbroken beach on the Portuguese mainland. The northern sections near the town are highly organized with cafes and resorts, but as one travels south, the beaches become increasingly wild and undeveloped, backed primarily by low cliffs and dunes.

The town itself is a major seaside destination for residents of the Lisbon metropolitan area, offering a relaxed, unpretentious, and accessible alternative to the more formal resort areas near Cascais. Historically, the center was a simple fishing village, and that maritime heritage remains visible, though tourism is now the primary economic driver.

Costa da Caparica is particularly noted for its popularity among surfers, kite surfers, and nature lovers drawn to the vast, open spaces and the quality of the ocean waves. The overall feeling is one of open air, casual beach culture, and a close link to the powerful Atlantic coast.