Fonte da Telha Beach

Praia da Fonte da Telha is a spectacular, expansive stretch of golden sand located on the Costa da Caparica, framed by the impressive Arriba Fóssil (fossil cliffs). This beach beautifully blends its heritage as a traditional Portuguese fishing village with the vibrant atmosphere of modern beach bars, seafood restaurants, and surf schools. The golden cliffs, topped with lush pine forests, provide a breathtaking natural backdrop that glows warmly at sunset, creating a magical setting for evening walks. With kilometers of sand stretching in both directions, it offers both lively concessioned areas with excellent amenities and remarkably quiet, wilder spots for those willing to walk south towards Praia dos Medos. It is a beloved destination among locals from Lisbon and Almada, offering a fantastic escape into nature without traveling far from the capital. Visitors can enjoy dramatic coastal views, taste exceptional freshly caught seafood, and ride reliable Atlantic waves that make it a perfect playground for surfers, kitesurfers, and bodyboarders of all levels. The contrast between the imposing ancient cliffs and the vast ocean makes this beach truly unforgettable.

Practical info

Beach typeSandy beach

WaterThe Atlantic Ocean water is clear but refreshingly cool, deepening gradually though strong waves are common.

Getting thereAccessible by car via a winding road that descends the cliffs from Aroeira.

ParkingThere is parking right at the beach, but it can become very full and chaotic during the summer months.

EntranceAccess to the beach is free, sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for a daily fee.

LifeguardDuring the official bathing season (June to September), the beach is supervised by lifeguards.

ShadeThere is no natural shade on the sand, but umbrellas can be rented at the concessioned beach areas.

Best timeThe best months are June, July, and September when the weather is warm but the massive August crowds are avoided.

NearbyThe town of Costa da Caparica is a short drive north; nearby is also the beautiful natural protected area of the Arriba Fóssil.

Family-friendly & For kids

A great beach for families due to the fine sand and good infrastructure with many restaurants, though caution is needed when swimming due to Atlantic waves.

Kids love the vast expanse of sand for playing and building castles; local surf schools offer exciting lessons for older children.

Food & drink

Peixe grelhado — Freshly grilled fish in the traditional restaurants right along the beach.
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato — Savory clams with garlic and coriander as a perfect starter in beach bars.
Choco Frito — Fried cuttlefish, a regional specialty you should try at the local taverns.

Facilities

Restaurants
Beach bars
Sunbeds
Umbrellas
Surf schools
Showers
Toilets
Lifeguard

Events nearby

O Sol da Caparica 2026-08-13 to 2026-08-16 (annually mid-August) · annual
The largest festival dedicated to Portuguese-language music, held at the Parque Urbano da Costa da Caparica next to the beach. The 2026 edition runs August 13-16 with artists such as Sara Correia, Quim Barreiros and Nininho Vaz Maia. Source
Caparica Surf Fest 2026-04-03 to 2026-04-12 (annually in April) · annual
A national surf festival on the Costa da Caparica coast (Praia do Paraiso), organised by the local surf association ASCC with the Portuguese Surf Federation. The 2026 edition runs April 3-12 and includes surf, bodyboard and longboard competitions plus the return of the National Clubs Championship. Source

Tips

Arrive early in the summer to secure a good parking spot.
Bring a windbreak as the Atlantic breeze can be strong.
Enjoy the spectacular sunset from one of the elevated beach bars.
Pay attention to the colored flags flown by lifeguards indicating water conditions.

FAQ

Is the water warm at Fonte da Telha?

No, being the Atlantic Ocean, the water remains quite cool even in the middle of summer (typically around 17-19°C).

Can you learn to surf here?

Yes, there are several surf schools right on the beach offering lessons for beginners and advanced surfers, as well as equipment rental.

What is the parking situation like?

There is parking at the beach, but on summer weekends it can get extremely crowded and cause traffic jams on the access road.

Are there public restrooms and showers?

Yes, the concessioned beach areas and restaurants provide restrooms and showers for beachgoers.

Places nearby

Beaches nearby

View on map

← All beaches