Ferry from Lisbon to Montijo: Samouco beach, great day trip & pink flamingos

Away from the crowds, on the south bank of the river Tagus (Sul do Tejo), there’s the beach of Alcochete, located near the small city of Montijo . From Lisbon you can take a bus across the Vasco da Gama Bridge directly to Alcochete centre at Oriente station  (431, the most frequent), or 432 and 437.

Ferry to Montijo from Cais do Sodre station Lisbon

Ferry boat from Lisbon to Montijo

But it’s really worth it taking a ferry from Lisbon to Montijo (time schedule ferry boats, also from Cais do Sodré ferry terminal), walk around in this picturesque village, have lunch, take a bus to the centre of Alchochete and walk to the beach called Samouco (ca. 15 min.)

Ferry to Montijo at Cais do Sodre Lisbon 25 April Bridge

Beautiful views ferry boat to Montijo: Lisbon city and the 25 April Bridge.

The ferry trip to Montijo takes about 20 minutes which gives you a chance to enjoy the river and the views of Lisbon and also the surrounding areas. Return ticket: around 5 euro.

Montijo city centre Portugal

Montijo, Praça da República

You’re away from the crowds…and it is really a pleasure walking around here.

Montijo near Lisbon city centre cafe

Montijo , a lazy afternoon in September, Rua Guerra Junqueiro.

Not one tourist in sight! Coffee (bica) euro 0,60.

Beach Alcochete near Lisbon Samouco

Alcochete , Samouco beach

PINK FLAMINGOS

From Montijo, take a bus to Alcochete centre and walk 15 minutes to Samouco beach  (YouTube).  You can enjoy watching pink flamingos or egrets (white heron) near the Reserva Natural of the Tagus river, which is famous for the birds.

Beach Alcochete Samouco near Lisbon2

Alcochete , Samouco beach

Of course in July and August there are more tourists. On the background: Lisbon, Parque das Nações. 

Alcochete, like Sintra, has in the past been a popular haunt for royalty, coming here to relax and holiday. The town’s foundation dates back to the 7th century, after the Moors conquered Lisbon. Its name derives from the Arabic word for kiln, as there have been many found in the area.

Bullfighting also has a history here, and bulls are still let loose in the streets during the Barrete Verde and Salinas Feasts (the second weekend of August). 🙁  🙁

Beach Samouco Alcochete near Lisbon Fitness exercises

Alcochete , Samouco beach

Fitness exercises at the beach…. ! On de background: Vasco da Gama Bridge

beach near Lisbon Alcochete small cafe

Alcochete , Samouco beach

Near the beach there’s a small cafe. Very nice people!

Typical Portuguese snacks and drinks: coffee (bica) euro 0.60.

Lisbon Vasco da Gama bridge

Beautiful Vasco da Gama bridge Lisbon

By car it’s about 30 minutes from Lisbon to Alcochete beach.

The wonderful Vasco da Gama Bridge connects Alcochete and Montijo with Lisbon. It is the longest bridge in Europe (including viaducts),with a total length of 17.2 km (10.7 mi). The bridge connects the north of Lisbon with the south bank of the Tagus near Montijo.

Beach Alcochete near Lisbon

Alcochete , Samouco beach

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