Anybody visiting modern Costa de Caparica can only experience difficulty in trying to imagine the small fishing village of squat houses and peaceful streets that existed just a short while ago. The last half of the 20th century saw this town undergo rapid expansion with its beaches, previously given over only to fishermen, becoming among the most popular in the Greater Lisbon Metropolitan area. This was further boosted by the inauguration of the bridge over the river Tagus in 1966 making it much easier for many to get over to the south bank.
In order to protect both the sands and the town from flooding, a series of sea breaks were built in between which there is a sequence of small beaches. These are separated from the town by a promenade that makes for a very pleasant stroll in wintertime. The beaches, all with lifeguards, are named after the various cafes they accommodate with their popularity further boosted by the close proximity of public transport services.
Blue Flag 2012 - Praia do CDS, São João da Caparica and Tarquínio/Paraíso |