Meco (Aldeia do Meco) is a little village on the coast of the Sesimbra municipality, about a 30 minute drive southeast of Lisbon. It is popular for its beaches and seafood restaurants. Loved by locals and tourists alike for its naturist beach and water sports, like surfing and bodyboarding.
In the 1970’s this location became popular with hippies and naturists. This area is blessed with several unspoilt beaches, protected by cliffs and a pine forest, which offers a degree of privacy. Today it is an internationally renowned gay-friendly summer destination.Meco is also located in close to ‘Serra da Arrabida’, a nature park that’s famous for its flora and maritime fauna, limestone rocks and dinosaur fossils.
Beaches
Moinho de Baixo is an unspoilt sandy beach with good facilities and easy access. A little further along the coast you’ll find ‘Rio Prata’ Beach, one of the first naturist beaches established in the country.
Bicas Beach is located near a popular campsite, Campimeco. It is more exposed to the north and west winds than the others and is a favourite with surfers and body boarders.
South of Bicas Beach, the cliffs become increasingly high and steep, and you’ll find coves like the small Foz Beach. This beach is ideal for those who want a little peace and quiet. The currents are strong in this area so caution is advised while swimmimg.
Food and Drink
Grilled fish and seafood is the speciality in this village. You’ll find many restaurants on the beachfront with sea-facing terraces. You’ll also find some great restaurants in Aldeia do Meco, on the main street, Rua do Comércio. Meco is also popular for its homemade bread, baked in wood burning stoves, and fresh cheese made with sheep’s milk, honey, pears and apples. Another special sweet from this region is made with wheat flour, eggs, chocolate, sugar and lemon zest, known as ‘toasted flour’.
Shopping
Quinta do Conde is an expansive market, selling fruits, vegetables, fish, bread, pastries, cheeses and plants. It also has a retail area with several indoor and outdoor stores. In Sesimbra city you’ll find one of the oldest functioning markets in the country, popular with local organic farmers.
Getting Around
The best way to reach Meco Beach is by car. However there are buses running from Sesimbra to Aldeia do Meco. If you are travelling from Lisbon, you can take a bus to Sesimbra from ‘Praça de Espanha’.
