Location
Portugal
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Praia do Meco
Praia do Meco, also called Praia do Moinho de Baixo, is a long Atlantic beach on the Setúbal peninsula in Sesimbra municipality, about 40 km south of Lisbon near the village of Aldeia do Meco. It has been the hub of Portuguese naturism since the 1970s and was officially legalised as a naturist beach in 1995, among the first in the country. Visit Portugal describes the signposted authorised naturist zone as running from Praia da Tramagueira to Praia do Rio da Prata, along the northern part of the wide sandy shore below eroded cliffs. The sand is extensive and the setting open, but the sea is rough, with deep holes and strong currents, so children need close watching. It is popular with families and hosted the official Légua Nudista run in 2013. The well-known Bar do Peixe, open since 1992, burned in 2021 and reopened in 2024 a few metres from its old site.
Getting there
By car, take the A2 south from Lisbon and exit toward Sesimbra/Azeitão, then follow the national road and the signs for Praia do Moinho de Baixo and Aldeia do Meco. Parking is near the beach access; capacity and fees were not confirmed. By public transport, take a bus to Sesimbra and change for Aldeia do Meco, then walk to the beach. Reaching the naturist stretch involves a walk along the sand.
What visitors say
Guides describe Meco as Portugal's classic naturist beach: spacious, sandy and relaxed, with a long-established mix of families, couples and older regulars. Common warnings concern the strong currents and rough sea. The reopened Bar do Peixe is a favourite stop. Some sources confuse the naturist zone's limits, so look for the signs on the sand.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Meco has been an officially recognised naturist beach since 1995 (one source gives 28 July 1995); Visit Portugal describes a signposted authorised naturist zone from Tramagueira to Rio da Prata. Outside that zone, normal beach rules apply.
Naturism at Praia do Meco sits under Portugal's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Portugal public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 38.4500, -9.1900
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Portugal
Frequently asked questions
Is Meco an official naturist beach?
Yes, it was legalised as a naturist beach in 1995, with a signposted zone from Tramagueira to Rio da Prata.
Is it safe to swim?
Take care: the sea is rough with deep holes and strong currents.
Can I get there by public transport?
Yes, by bus to Sesimbra and then a connecting bus to Aldeia do Meco.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, it is popular with naturist families, but supervise children closely in the water.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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