Praia do Castelo, Sand beach in Costa da Caparica, Portugal.
Praia do Castelo is a sand beach along the Atlantic coast with fine golden sand, framed by steep sandstone cliffs in yellow and red tones. These cliffs form a natural barrier behind the shoreline and rise noticeably above the water.
The beach takes its name from remains of a 16th-century defensive structure built to counter raids from across the sea. These historical fragments are barely visible today, but they marked an important period in the area's development.
Local fishermen continue to use the beach as a working space, and you can watch small boats being launched into the water in the early morning hours.
Access to the beach is via wooden stairs located behind the beach bar, which makes the descent to the sand easier. A lifeguard is on duty during the warmer months, making swimming safer for visitors.
The cliffs undergo constant natural erosion, regularly creating new shapes and small protected bays. This ongoing change means each visit reveals different landscape patterns.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.