Praia das Bicas is sheltered by tall cliffs
Located to the south of the more famous Meco, by a campsite, this beach is reached via a long wooden staircase and also provides access to a more secluded nude beach called Rio da Prata.
The northern side of Praia das Bicas is known as Rio da Prata, an official nude beach.
It has no lifeguard supervision, bars or restaurants, and remains rather wild. The sea always has strong waves, so you won’t find any swimmers, only sunbathers, mostly in their birthday suits, especially in the northern section and as you approach Rio da Prata.
There's a wonderful view over the beach of Rio da Prata from the pine forest above it.
It’s an alternative to Meco, if you want to avoid tan lines and are looking for even more peace and quiet, and a beautiful landscape of ocher cliffs and pine trees.
The beach of Rio da Prata is never crowded, even on an August weekend.
Don’t be surprised if you see people slathering themselves with mud -- many believe it’s a good moisturizer for the skin (it also acts as sunblock). They let it dry onto the skin and then rinse themselves in the ocean.
Beach for: Surfers, Couples, Naturists
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Showers: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia das Bicas and Rio da Prata
The wooden staircase leading down to Praia das Bicas
There’s no public transportation to Praia das Bicas, but it’s a 25-minute drive from Sesimbra and less than 10 minutes from Meco. There’s parking above the beach, which is then reached via a staircase (pictured at the top of this page).
To reach the Rio da Prata nude beach, walk north (to the right at the end of the staircase). You can also walk south from Meco, taking you about 30 minutes. Alternatively, many people leave their car on the pine forest close to the camping site above Rio da Prata and then follow a trail down to the beach. However, it’s much easier to park at Praia das Bicas and walk from there.
To get to Sesimbra from Lisbon and from there to this beach, cross 25 de Abril Bridge, follow highway A2 and then road N378 to Sesimbra. The total travel time is about 40 minutes.
Hotels by Praia das Bicas and Rio da Prata
Campimeco by Campigir
The camping site by this beach has self-catering bungalows with private bathrooms, and outdoor pools. Obviously it isn’t luxurious accommodation, it’s for those on a budget, and who like to stay surrounded by nature.