Join the inhabitants of Lisbon, who come to the Costa da Caparica every summer to sunbathe and swim in the sea. Share the lively atmosphere of the bars and café terraces that stretch all along the seafront.

But don’t think that the beach is just somewhere you go in the summer. On sunny winter days - and Portugal has lots of these - you can remind yourself of the pleasures of the summer season, strolling along the promenade, paddling in the sea and breathing in the fresh sea breeze.

The backdrop to the beach is the protected landscape of an impressive fossil cliff.

This was the water line millions of years ago. Lying hidden at the top of the cliff is the charming Convento dos Capuchos, built in the 16th century. Ringed by carefully kept gardens, a lively Music Festival is held here every summer, while the convent offers you an excellent view over the beach.

To the south of this protected landscape, separated from the beach by a line of dunes, is the Lagoa de Albufeira, a lagoon that provides excellent conditions for sailing.