Costa da Caparica

A bit about the history of Costa da Caparica...

1 - A little about the history of Costa da Caparica...

Once known as the "Land of Fish", the history of Costa da Caparica is closely linked to the fishing tradition.

During the Roman period, it was an important salt extraction site, but it wasn't until the mid-18th century that the first fishermen settled here.

The fishermen, originally from Ílhavo and the Algarve, had been attracted by the fishing season, heading to the region in October, November and December, and ended up staying here and forming families.

It was the Ílhavo fishermen's boat that served as a model for the "sloops" of the Costa da Caparica, typical fishing boats also known as "meia-lua" (half-moon), whose main feature is the eyes painted on the bow.
 

At the beginning of the 19th century, due to its proximity to the Portuguese capital, the Costa da Caparica began to attract nobles and bourgeois who were looking for a seaside retreat. 

Although until then most of the houses in the region were made of wood, with the arrival of the nobility, several estates and palaces were built here. D. João VI stayed in the first stone and mortar house.

In the 20th century, Costa da Caparica became a truly popular tourist destination. To meet the growing demand, roads, hotels and restaurants were built here.

Today, Costa da Caparica is one of the most popular beach destinations in Portugal, both for its golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, and for its relaxed atmosphere.
 

a. Architecture on the Costa da Caparica

One of the striking features of the architecture in Costa da Caparica is the presence of fishermen's houses. These houses are generally small and simple, with a style typical of the coastal region, with white façades and colorful windows.

Along the coast, you'll also find several bars and restaurants built in natural materials, such as wood and rattan - creating a relaxing atmosphere and reinforcing the connection with the maritime environment.
 

2 - The parish of Costa da Caparica in numbers

The parish of Costa da Caparica belongs to the district of Setúbal and is part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.

* (Population aged 65 or over / Population under 15) * 100
** Relatório de Preços December 2024 Idealista 
*** Relatório de Preços December 2024 Idealista
 

2 - The parish of Costa da Caparica in numbers

The parish of Costa da Caparica belongs to the district of Setúbal and is part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.

* (Population aged 65 or over / Population under 15) * 100
** Relatório de Preços December 2024 Idealista 
*** Relatório de Preços December 2024 Idealista
 

2 - The parish of Costa da Caparica in numbers

The parish of Costa da Caparica belongs to the district of Setúbal and is part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.

* (Population aged 65 or over / Population under 15) * 100
** Relatório de Preços December 2024 Idealista 
*** Relatório de Preços December 2024 Idealista
 

3 - Why choose to live in Costa da Caparica?

In Costa da Caparica you'll find a unique combination of nature, water sports, lively nightlife and traditional cuisine.

Famous for its beautiful beaches, with over 20km of coastline, Costa da Caparica provides a relaxing and pleasant environment in which to live, with a wide variety of outdoor activities available, such as surfing, cycling and cliff walks.

Along the seafront, you'll find a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, bars and stores, as well as street entertainment. In addition, Costa da Caparica offers all the essential services, such as supermarkets, schools and health centers.

Located just a few kilometers from Lisbon (16.6 km), residents have easy access to the Portuguese capital, whether to work, study or enjoy cultural and leisure attractions.
 

Inauguration of the statue of Dom Pedro IV © Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa

What to see and do in Costa da Caparica?

With over 20km of coastline, Costa da Caparica offers a wide variety of beaches, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.

Caparica's first beach is Cova do Vapor, located in a fishing village. If you pass by, order a "Cai Bem" - a typical drink made with "ginjinha" and lemonade.

Among the busiest and liveliest beaches are Nova Beach, Dragão Vermelho Beach and CDS Beach. They all have a wide range of restaurants, bars and stores.

If you're looking for quieter, more secluded beaches, we recommend Castelo Beach, Riviera Beach and Mata Beach.
 

With over 20km of coastline, Costa da Caparica offers a wide variety of beaches, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.

Caparica's first beach is Praia da Cova do Vapor, located in a fishing village. If you pass by, order a Cai Bem - a typical drink made with ginjinha and lemonade.

Among the busiest and liveliest beaches are Praia Nova, Praia do Dragão Vermelho and Praia do CDS. They all have a wide range of restaurants, bars and stores.

If you're looking for quieter, more secluded beaches, we recommend Praia do Castelo, Praia da Riviera and Praia da Mata.
 

With over 20km of coastline, Costa da Caparica offers a wide variety of beaches, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.

Caparica's first beach is Cova do Vapor, located in a fishing village. If you pass by, order a "Cai Bem" - a typical drink made with "ginjinha" and lemonade.

Among the busiest and liveliest beaches are Nova Beach, Dragão Vermelho Beach and CDS Beach. They all have a wide range of restaurants, bars and stores.

If you're looking for quieter, more secluded beaches, we recommend Castelo Beach, Riviera Beach and Mata Beach.
 

Rua dos Pescadores is Costa da Caparica's most emblematic street and a real treasure for lovers of the sea and fishing.

Its name pays homage to its first inhabitants and those who still keep the heritage alive today - the fishermen! 

This is the town's main shopping area, where as well as fishing tackle stores and fishmongers, you'll find local craft stores, ice cream parlours, pastry stores and several traditional restaurants - most of which specialize in fresh fish and shellfish (caught by the skilled hands of the region's fishermen).

In 2021, the street underwent a refurbishment, receiving a commemorative column with a replica of the coat of arms of the "Casa da Coroa", where D. João VI used to stay overnight.

Much more than a path between the town and the beach, Rua dos Pescadores is a link between the past and the present!
 

©LisbonBeachesGuide.com

Popularly known as Rua 15, Rua Mestre Adrião is considered the most traditional street in Costa da Caparica.

Full of old traditions, ranging from bonfires outside houses to the popular St. John's festivities, Rua 15 values simplicity and authenticity. 

Another very peculiar feature of this street is the ground itself; it is completely covered in paintings (drawings and phrases) in vibrant colors. Every year, a week before the Santos Populares festivities, the residents get together and touch up the sidewalk. 

A picturesque neighborhood where neighbors still gather around the table and where socializing is also a tradition!
 

©Notícias de Gandaia

Mata dos Medos is a botanical reserve located on the Fossil Cliffs of the Costa da Caparica, with an enormous wealth of flora.

With a view of the Sintra mountains to the north and Cape Espichel to the south, this is the ideal place for a family picnic.

If you prefer to go for a walk, the area has well-preserved trails that allow you to explore the surrounding nature, namely the Green Trail (1.2 km) and the Blue Trail (2.2 km). 

Note: Both trails start and end at the Zimbral Picnic Park.
 

Mata dos Medos is a botanical reserve located on the Fossil Cliffs of the Costa da Caparica, with an enormous wealth of flora.

With a view of the Serra de Sintra to the north and Cape Espichel to the south, this is the ideal place for a family picnic.

If you prefer to go for a walk, the area has well-preserved trails that allow you to explore the surrounding nature, namely the Green Trail (1.2 km) and the Blue Trail (2.2 km). 

Note: Both trails start and end at the Zimbral Picnic Park.
 

Mata dos Medos is a botanical reserve located on the Fossil Cliffs of the Costa da Caparica, with an enormous wealth of flora.

With a view of the Sintra mountains to the north and Cape Espichel to the south, this is the ideal place for a family picnic.

If you prefer to go for a walk, the area has well-preserved trails that allow you to explore the surrounding nature, namely the Green Trail (1.2 km) and the Blue Trail (2.2 km). 

Note: Both trails start and end at the Zimbral Picnic Park.
 

Inspired by the famous Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Cristo Rei is the most emblematic monument on the south bank and is located just 8 km from Costa da Caparica.

The sanctuary was founded in 1959 and is an astonishing 110 meters high.

Climb to the top of this monument and enjoy a magnificent view over the city of Lisbon, the 25 de Abril bridge and the Sintra-Cascais and Arrábida natural parks!

Price normal ticket 8€

Opening hours From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where to eat and drink:

In Cova do Vapor, you don't wait for the “Bola de Berlim” vendor to show up on the beach, you go to Panicova.

Panicova is a family-run bakery known for selling the best “Bolas de Berlim” on the south bank. The price? The same as always!

€1 for each “Bola de Berlim”, whether plain, with cream or with hazelnut chocolate!

Come and try this classic!

Opening hours 

From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 

©Panicova

Located on São João beach, Leblon is a restaurant bar with a menu that ranges from breakfast to dinner.

Here you'll find fruit bowls with yogurt and açaí, steak burgers and even more traditional dishes such as octopus rice. 

And to drink? Wines, mojitos, caipirinhas, sangrias, natural juices and much more!

Come and enjoy the sunny days in a light and relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by palm trees and straw hats.

Opening hours 

From 11 a.m. to midnight
 

©Leblon

Located in Praia do Norte, the Sentido do Mar restaurant focuses on what the region has to offer: fish!

With a strong Japanese and Asian influence, the restaurant's sushi and sashimi dishes have won several gastronomic awards. You can also opt for grilled fish.

On the menu you'll also find seafood, excellent quality meats and gourmet cuisine by Chef Jorge Guerreiro.

The ideal place to see and taste the sea!

Opening hours

12h00 - 15h30 / 18h30 - 22h30
 

©Sentido do Mar

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