But since Lisbon's summers are long, you'll likely be drawn to the beach -- it can be pleasant and warm enough as early as April, all the way to October! But no, you don't have to compete with sandcastles and screaming children for space to spread your towel on. Lisbon has a wonderful gay beach ("Beach 19"), with plenty of sand, sea, and some secluded (and usually discretely occupied) dunes. You'll ideally have a car to reach it, otherwise, take the "toy train" from the overcrowded Costa da Caparica beach all the way to stop 19 (hence the name of the beach).