Between the built-up seafront of Costa da Caparica town and the quiet sand of Fonte da Telha lies a run of dune-backed beaches, reached by a little train in summer. Praia da Morena and Praia da Sereia are two of the better known.
The Transpraia train
From about June to September a narrow-gauge train, the Transpraia, runs south along the back of the dunes from Costa da Caparica town, stopping at each beach in turn. It is the easy way to reach the further beaches without the car, and a ride in itself.
The beaches
Wide Atlantic sand, low dunes, cold clean water and usually some surf. Each stop has a beach bar or two — grilled fish, a drink, music in the afternoon. The further south you go the emptier it gets, and some stretches down here are traditionally naturist.
Good to know
- The Transpraia runs in summer only; out of season these beaches are reached by car (limited sand parking) or a long walk
- Little shade — bring an umbrella
- Atlantic currents can be strong; swim where it is flagged
- About 10 minutes by car from our apartment to the Caparica end