Praia de Tróia-Mar
A picturesque peninsula with soft white sands, clear turquoise waters, and unique low-tide sandbars, offering a tranquil escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm breeze, fewer crowds
Praia de Tróia-Mar
Best Time
Warm breeze, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque peninsula with soft white sands, clear turquoise waters, and unique low-tide sandbars, offering a tranquil escape.
"This beach is a true gem, offering stunning views and a rare sense of calm even in the heart of summer."
Pack your own supplies
Bring water, snacks, and everything you need as some beach areas are wild.
Low tide magic
Experience incredible sandbars by checking the tide times before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandbars
During low tide
Walk for miles on shallow sandbars emerging from the turquoise waters. A unique experience for beach lovers.
Soft, White Sand
Sink your toes into incredibly soft, fine sand that rivals top global beaches. Perfect for sunbathing and relaxation.
Crystal-Clear Turquoise Waters
Swim in calm, clean waters that shimmer with beautiful shades of blue and green.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Tróia-Mar
Best Beach Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack your own supplies
Bring water, snacks, and everything you need as some beach areas are wild.
Low tide magic
Experience incredible sandbars by checking the tide times before you go.
Ferry convenience
Ferries run frequently, especially on weekends. Dogs are allowed!
Walkable peninsula
Tróia is compact; explore on foot via well-marked paths and boardwalks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack your own supplies
Bring water, snacks, and everything you need as some beach areas are wild.
Low tide magic
Experience incredible sandbars by checking the tide times before you go.
Ferry convenience
Ferries run frequently, especially on weekends. Dogs are allowed!
Walkable peninsula
Tróia is compact; explore on foot via well-marked paths and boardwalks.
Sunset ferry ride
Take the ferry back to Setúbal around 7:30 PM for a stunning sunset view.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Praia de Tróia-Mar is lauded for its stunning, soft white sand and incredibly clear, calm waters, especially the unique sandbars revealed at low tide. Visitors appreciate the peaceful, unspoiled atmosphere and the convenience of frequent ferries, though some find lounge rentals expensive and the water quite cold.
"Gorgeous beach, super soft and fine sand and during low tide a shallow sand bar appears that you can walk/swim to! The ferry over runs very often as well."
Maggie Lam
"Have died and gone to heaven. Was introduced to Troia by a tour guide when we visited the National Park Arrabida and I knew straight away Troia was where I was going to stay for my last 3 days in Portugal. The Troia Peninsula is very similar to the Whitsundays in Australia. The sand is soft and white, and being a sand snob I would rate it 9/10 and especially so when low tide you can walk across the vast sand banks out to the Atlantic. No seaweed and the water is calm, although freezing/refreshing.
Troia sand, views and waters beat Albufeira, Carvoeiro - the Algarve in general by a long shot! It is even better than Cascais but equivalent to natural beauty Adraga. Adraga has waves for those wave catchers.
Renting a shared lounge is expensive, €25 for the entire day. Well worth travelling out here, off the beaten track!
Lifeguards are at every beach around Troia and they even help kids in wheelchairs to get from the boardwalk to the beach! Great service Troia Rescue.
How to get here / heaven:
1) Bolt/Uber from Lisbon to Setubal wharf (Atlantic ferry) = €25-35 and can take 45-60mins. Train is about €10.
2) Passenger Return ferry or speed boat is €9-10 leaving every hour during weekdays and almost every 30mins on weekends. They allow dogs on the ferry!
3) There is also the option of driving your vehicle over via Atlantic Ferry as well.
4)
Troia itself is quite small so you can walk everywhere with well designated footpaths and boardwalks.
The supermarket is pretty good, has almost everything including roast chicken.
Portuguese people are friendly and it felt safe"
JJ Chen
"If you’re looking for an unspoiled, peaceful beach far from the typical tourist crowds, Tróia Beach is a true gem. Located on the Tróia Peninsula, directly across the bay from Setúbal, this spot offers stunning views and a rare sense of calm – even in the heart of summer.
The crystal-clear waters shimmer with shades of turquoise, and the long, sandy shoreline is perfect for barefoot walks, sunbathing, or simply listening to the waves. It’s a free beach, meaning no umbrellas, no beach bars – just pure, untouched nature. Even during peak season, you’ll often find yourself alone or with just a few others around. It truly feels like a deserted paradise.
🚗 How to get there:
The most scenic and convenient way to reach Tróia is by ferry from Setúbal:
The car and passenger ferry departs regularly from the Setúbal ferry terminal (Terminal Fluvial) and takes about 25 minutes to reach Tróia.
Alternatively, you can take the passenger-only catamaran, which is slightly faster and perfect if you’re not bringing a car.
Once you arrive, the beach is easy to access on foot or by bike. Some areas are completely wild, so it's a good idea to bring water, food, and everything you need for a relaxing day by the sea."
Marco C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a train or Bolt/Uber from Lisbon to Setúbal wharf, then catch the passenger ferry or catamaran to Tróia. The ferry ride is scenic and takes about 12-25 minutes.
Yes, you can drive your vehicle over to Tróia via the Atlantic Ferry from Setúbal.
Ferries run frequently, typically every hour on weekdays and almost every 30 minutes on weekends. It's advisable to check the latest schedule before your trip.
Tróia is quite small and walkable. Well-designated footpaths and boardwalks make it easy to get around on foot once you arrive.
The passenger ferry takes approximately 25 minutes, while the catamaran is slightly faster.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip passenger ferry ticket typically costs around €9-10 per person. For a family of three, it might be around €26.40.
Praia de Tróia-Mar is a free beach, meaning there are no admission fees. It's known for its natural, untouched state.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the ferry to Tróia, making it a pet-friendly destination.
Ferries run frequently throughout the day, with more frequent departures on weekends. It's best to check the specific operator's schedule for exact times.
While some areas might have upscale resorts offering lounge rentals (which can be expensive, around €25), many parts of the beach are wild and offer no amenities. It's recommended to bring your own if needed.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The sand is exceptionally soft, fine, and white, often compared to the Whitsundays in Australia. It's not too hot even on warm days.
The water is described as cold but refreshing and clean. You can acclimate to it, and it's perfect for a cooling dip on hot days.
Yes, lifeguards are present at the beaches around Tróia and provide excellent service, even assisting children in wheelchairs.
Some areas have amenities like clean bathrooms and ample trash cans. However, many parts are wild, so bringing your own supplies is advised.
Even in peak season, Tróia Beach is often uncrowded, offering a sense of peace and a 'deserted paradise' feel.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the expansive sandbars at low tide, the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the picturesque boardwalk leading to the beach. The sunset views from the ferry are also spectacular.
Early morning or late afternoon offers beautiful light for photography. The golden hour around sunset is particularly magical, especially when viewed from the ferry back to Setúbal.
Keep an eye out for the outdoor cat colony along the boardwalk to the beach; they are often cared for by locals and make for charming subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and sandbars. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone to capture aerial views of the peninsula and beaches.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Nature Enthusiasts
🚗 Day-Trippers from Lisbon
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tróia Peninsula
Beyond the beaches, Tróia boasts a marina, a casino, and various dining options. For those seeking a more active experience, boat trips are available, offering coastal tours and the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
Historically, Tróia has a past that contrasts with its modern resort image. Old photographs show a different scene, with beach huts and even a shipwreck serving as a backdrop in the summer of 1927, highlighting the evolving landscape of this picturesque location.
Getting to Tróia: Ferry and Transport Options
Travelers coming from Lisbon can easily reach the Setúbal ferry terminal via train, Bolt, or Uber. While driving distances might seem similar via different bridges from Lisbon, the ferry is the key to accessing the peninsula.
For those looking for a more exclusive experience, private boat trips are available from Setúbal, offering personalized itineraries and the chance to explore hidden coves and observe dolphins.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit