The water is relatively calm in Fonte da Telha on most summer days
Fonte da Telha is a beach by a fishing community at the southern end of Costa da Caparica. It’s the final stop of the Transpraia tourist train, which stops just before the village.
Away from the bars, to the north and south, Fonte da Telha is also a nude beach.
It has white sand, dunes and lush vegetation behind it, and a number of bars and restaurants facing the sea. By the road are fishermen cottages and sheds.
Walk north and the coast becomes nearly deserted
Traditionally a bohemian and nude beach, it’s now a beach for everyone. The central stretch (by the parking lots, bus stop and restaurants) is the crowded part, with wicker umbrellas for rent. The naturists tend to stay to the north (if you want to join them, walk to the right as you step into the sand), while the southern stretch (called Praia da Adiça) is also for nude sunbathing (it’s an official naturist beach since 2015).
The beach of Fonte da Telha can get very crowded in July and August
Although it’s not exactly famous as a surfing beach, this was where the prominent Portuguese surfer Tiago Pires (aka “Saca”) beat the world record of the world’s biggest surfing lesson in 2018, with 327 students.
The center of the beach has wicker umbrellas for rent and a number of bars and restaurants
Beach for: Couples, Naturists, Surfers
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
Transportation: Bus from Cacilhas
How to Get to Fonte da Telha
There's a bus from Cacilhas (across the river from downtown Lisbon) to Fonte da Telha. That's number 3012, operated by Carris Metropolitana, which departs once per hour and terminates by the beach in about 50 minutes.
There’s also a bus that goes through the center of Costa da Caparica (number 3030) that ends by the beach in Fonte da Telha, but only about every one to two hours.
If you’re driving from Lisbon, cross 25 de Abril Bridge and follow the signs to Costa da Caparica or “Praias” (“Beaches”). From there, follow the signs to Fonte da Telha. There’s parking by the beach and further to the north, behind the cottages.
From Costa da Caparica, you may also hop on the Transpraia beach train that runs in the summer. Fonte da Telha is its final stop.
Hotels by Fonte da Telha
Fonte da Telha Beach Hostel
There are no hotels in Fonte da Telha, but there’s this hostel with a terrace overlooking the beach. Perfect for those on a tight budget, it has a double room with shared bathroom and mixed dorms. There’s also a shared lounge and kitchen.
Aroeira Lisbon Hotel - Sea & Golf Resort
You’ll have to drive for 2km or take the free shuttle to the beach, but this is where you’ll want to stay if you want to relax on this coast. It’s as close as it gets to a beach resort in the region, with a beach bar and restaurant in Fonte da Telha offering parasols and loungers to those staying at the hotel. Guests also have the option of renting bikes, swimming in the outdoor pool or taking yoga classes. The shuttle also stops at the golf courses nearby.