Meco Beach

Tourist Guide to the Trendy Nude Beach on the Lisbon Coast

Meco Beach

Meco is one of the official nude beaches on the Lisbon coast

Aldeia do Meco is a small village outside the town of Sesimbra, with a famous beach officially named Praia do Moinho de Baixo but known as Praia do Meco (“Meco Beach”). “Moinho de Baixo” literally means “Lower Windmill,” but there are no windmills in sight. This is a rather wild beach, surrounded by dunes and protected by cliffs and a pine forest. In the 1980s it became Portugal’s first nude beach (although only officially so in 1995).

Meco beach parasols

Parasols and loungers are available for rent in the summer

It has become one of the trendiest on the Lisbon coast, with a very popular bar-restaurant (Bar do Peixe) facing the sea, attracting Lisbon’s bohemians even outside the bathing season.

Meco nude beach

The naturist area is to the south of the main part of the beach

The often-rough sea isn’t very inviting for swimming, but the fine sand and the beautiful surroundings make it a wonderful beach for sunbathing (with or without your bathing suit). The nude section is located on the southern end, away from the restaurant (walk to the left when facing the sea).

Meco beach bar and restaurant

The beach bar and restaurant attracts Lisbon's trendiest and bohemian

Nearby (walking south for about 3km/2miles or just a few minutes’ drive away) is Rio da Prata, another official nude beach. If you’re driving, follow the signs to Praia das Bicas, park above the beach, and go down the steps to the sand. The nude section and Rio da Prata is just a short walk back north.


Beach for: Couples, Naturists
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes

How to Get to Meco Beach


Meco Beach parking lot

There's a parking lot right by the beach

Meco is located 40km south of Lisbon. As there’s no public transportation, you’ll need to rent a car. Cross 25 de Abril Bridge, follow highway A2 and exit to Sesimbra. Continue to road N378 in the direction of Alfarim, then take road N377 in the direction of Aldeia do Meco (you'll eventually see signs for the beach, "Praia do Moinho de Baixo"). There’s parking by the beach and the journey takes about 50 minutes.


Hotels by Meco Beach


There are no hotels in Meco, but there’s a number of highly-rated guesthouses: Meco Accommodation


Other Beaches by Meco


Keep walking north and you’ll reach Lagoa de Albufeira, a large beach with a lagoon connected to the Atlantic. To the north of the lagoon is Praia da Adiça, an official nude beach, from where you can walk or drive north to Fonte da Telha and other beaches of the 15km-long coast of Costa da Caparica. To the south of Meco are the calm waters of the beaches of Sesimbra -- Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, Praia do Ouro and Praia da Califórnia -- all 15 to 20 minutes away by car.


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