Top Swimwear Photo Spots Near Lisbon
Date of publication: 01 Jun 2025Looking for the perfect Lisbon swimwear or bikini photo shooting locations? Lisbon is surrounded by stunning beaches that offer diverse backdrops for swimwear photography. From wild cliffs to calm sandy stretches, each place offers a unique mood. This guide covers how to choose the best spot and lists top beaches near the city for your next shoot.
How to Choose a Swimwear Photo Location
Lighting
Light is everything. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best soft light - warm, flattering, and cinematic. Avoid midday when the sun is high and creates harsh shadows. Look for places with natural reflectors like sand or light rock to keep the light soft and glowing.
Background and Aesthetics
The background should support your look, not distract. Clean horizons, rock textures, dune lines, or water reflections - each adds a unique mood. Avoid cluttered spots or anything with too much visual noise.
Privacy and Comfort
Feeling confident comes easier in spaces where you're not being watched. For a relaxed bikini photo session, less crowded beaches or hidden coves can make a huge difference. These quiet spots help you move more freely, feel at ease, and enjoy the shoot without distractions. Whether you're going for a playful summer vibe or something more intimate - even nude-style photos - the right level of privacy sets the tone.
Vibe and Concept
Think of what mood you want: elegant, wild, fun, dreamy? That helps match the location. Each beach has a feeling. And your swimwear, props, and posing will look more natural when everything is in sync.
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Top Swimwear Photo Locations Around Lisbon
This table sums up all the key beach spots covered in the article. It's a fast-access guide with driving distance, time, and nude-friendly status - perfect for planning your ideal swimwear shoot around Lisbon.
Table of contents: Swimwear Location Guide
| Name of the beach | Area | Distance (km) | Distance (min) | Nude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praia do Guincho | Cascais | 30 | 35 | ⚠️ |
| Praia da Ursa | Sintra | 40 | 50 | ✅ |
| Praia da Adraga | Sintra | 40 | 45 | ⚠️ |
| Praia da Mata | Costa da Caparica | 20 | 25 | ❌ |
| Lagoa de Santo André | Alentejo | 130 | 90 | ✅ |
| Praia da Maçã | Sintra | 40 | 50 | ❌ |
| Praia de São Julião | Ericeira | 45 | 50 | ⚠️ |
| Praia de Santa Cruz | Torres Vedras | 70 | 60 | ⚠️ |
| Praia da Mexilhoeira | Torres Vedras | 70 | 60 | ✅ |
🏖️ Praia do Guincho (Guincho Beach)
Praia do Guincho is a windswept, cinematic beach set within the Serra de Sintra Natural Park. Its dramatic dunes, crashing waves, and wide horizons offer a raw, wild energy that's perfect for dynamic shots. It's popular with surfers and wind lovers, so the atmosphere feels active and alive. Ideal for shoots with movement, flowy fabrics, and hair caught in the wind. Nude photo sessions are possible in less crowded areas during weekdays, though discretion is needed as it's not an officially nude beach.
- 📍 Coordinates: 38.7329° N, 9.4722° W
- 📏 Distance from Lisbon: ~30 km (35 minutes by car)
- 👙 Nude shoot: ⚠️ Possible in less crowded areas
Some photos of Praia do Guincho
🏖️ Praia da Ursa (Ursa Beach)
Praia da Ursa is known for its wild beauty and dramatic rock formations. It's remote, accessed by a steep hike, but that also means it's quieter and more private. The raw nature and cliffs make it perfect for artistic or bold swimwear shoots. Nude photography is common here among locals and visitors - it's not officially labeled as a nude beach, but it's widely accepted.
- 📍 Coordinates: 38.790403° N, 9.492290° W
- 📏 Distance from Lisbon: ~40 km (50 minutes by car)
- 👙 Nude shoot: ✅ Common and accepted in remote areas
Some photos of Ursa Beach
🏖️ Praia da Adraga
This beach is a hidden gem with rugged cliffs and deep textures. It feels more enclosed, which creates a moody, cinematic vibe. Best for creative compositions or fashion-style photos. It's quieter on weekdays, making discreet nude shoots possible in some corners, but it's not officially allowed or typical.
- 📍 Coordinates: 38.802485° N, 9.484807° W
- 📏 Distance from Lisbon: ~40 km (45 minutes by car)
- 👙 Nude shoot: ⚠️ Discreet only, not officially nude
Some photos of Praia da Adraga Beach
🏖️ Praia da Mata
Part of the Costa da Caparica stretch, Praia da Mata is more accessible but still feels natural. There are dunes and a mix of open sand and small cliffs. It's a balanced spot for soft or playful photos. It's not officially nude-friendly, but early morning weekday sessions might offer private corners for tasteful nudes.
- 📍 Coordinates: 38.623992° N, 9.223002° W
- 📏 Distance from Lisbon: ~20 km (25 minutes by car)
- 👙 Nude shoot: ❌ Not suitable for nude photography
Some photos of Praia da Mata Beach
🏖️ Lagoa de Santo André
This one's further away, but totally unique. A shallow lagoon meets the sea with a peaceful, almost surreal landscape. Great for minimal, calm photos. The whole vibe feels untouched. Because of its isolation, nude sessions are possible and often go unnoticed. Perfect for bold ideas or fashion–art crossover shoots.
- 📍 Coordinates: 38.0954° N, 8.7987° W
- 📏 Distance from Lisbon: ~130 km (90 minutes by car)
- 👙 Nude shoot: ✅ Quiet and suitable for nude photos
Some photos of Lagoa de Santo André
🏖️ Praia das Maçãs
Praia das Maçãs is a charming beach located in the Colares area of Sintra, easily accessible by road and even via the historic tram from Sintra town. It has a wide sandy area, a laid-back village vibe, and cliffs on both sides that give nice variation to compositions. The beach is family-friendly and quite popular in summer, so it's not ideal for private shoots. Still, early mornings or off-season sessions can offer a calm, scenic backdrop. Nude shoots are not advised here due to its popularity and open layout.
- 📍 Coordinates: 38.825707° N, 9.469505° W
- 📏 Distance from Lisbon: ~40 km (50 minutes by car)
- 👙 Nude shoot: ❌ Not suitable for nude photography
Some photos of Praia das Maçãs
🏖️ Praia de São Julião (Praia da Foz do Lizandro)
Praia de São Julião and the next beach, Praia da Foz do Lizandro are located between Sintra and Ericeira and feel like a hidden gem compared to the more touristy beaches. With tall cliffs, rolling waves, and plenty of open space, it offers a wild, natural atmosphere. It's often less crowded, especially on weekdays, and the cliffs provide both dramatic backdrops and some privacy. This makes it a great location for bold bikini photo shoots and, in the right conditions, even discreet nude sessions. Just note that access involves a bit of a walk and stairs from the parking area.
- 📍 Coordinates: 38.941702° N, 9.416042° W
- 📏 Distance from Lisbon: ~45 km (50 minutes by car)
- 👙 Nude shoot: ⚠️ Possible in quiet areas with discretion
Some photos of São Julião
Praia de Santa Cruz
Praia de Santa Cruz is a stunning stretch of coast further north of Ericeira, known for its tall cliffs, striking rock formations, and long, open beach. The scenery here is bold and dramatic, making it perfect for stylized swimwear photo sets with a fashion or editorial edge. Its size and variety of secluded corners allow for more privacy than most central beaches, especially outside weekends. While not officially a nude beach, it's possible to find quiet areas where discreet nude photo sessions can be done, particularly during early mornings or off-season.
- 📍 Coordinates: 39.134623° N, 9.383408° W
- 📏 Distance from Lisbon: ~65 km (1 hour by car)
- 👙 Nude shoot: ⚠️ Possible in remote areas with discretion
Some photos of Praia de Santa Cruz
Praia da Mexilhoeira
Praia da Mexilhoeira is a hidden gem nestled between cliffs just south of Praia da Ursa. It's small, wild, and remote - ideal for adventurous photo shoots far from the crowds. Getting there requires a hike along unmarked trails, which adds to the feeling of seclusion and exclusivity. This isolation makes it one of the rare beaches near Lisbon where nude photography is not only possible but often comfortable, especially during the week. The rocky landscape and golden sand provide a raw, untouched look that's perfect for artistic bikini or nude imagery.
- 📍 Coordinates: 39.154859° N, 9.368892° W
- 📏 Distance from Lisbon: ~45 km (55 minutes by car)
- 👙 Nude shoot: ✅ One of the best secluded beaches for nude photography
Some photos of Praia da Mexilhoeira
Final Words
Wherever you choose, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable, inspired, and excited. Each location offers its own mood, and I'll help bring it to life in a way that feels honest and beautiful.
Take a look at my swimwear photography portfolio to see how different locations come alive through the lens.
