Guide to Route 3708: from Costa da Caparica to Cais do Sodré, among beaches, history, and flavors

Guide to Route 3708: from Costa da Caparica to Cais do Sodré, among beaches, history, and flavors

Route 3708 connects Costa da Caparica to Lisbon and passes through some of the main leisure, cultural, and gastronomic settings on the south bank and along the Tagus waterfront.

The route begins near the urban center of Costa da Caparica, passes by the beaches, São João da Caparica, and Trafaria, and continues through the residential areas of Monte da Caparica, Fomento, and Pragal. It is a journey that combines seaside areas, neighborhood commerce, and landscapes of the south bank.

In Almada, the route approaches the historic center, Cacilhas, and Cova da Piedade, areas marked by their connection to the river, industrial heritage, and a growing range of restaurants, museums, and cultural spaces. After crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge, the bus enters Lisbon through Alcântara and Santos before reaching the busy Cais do Sodré.

Notice: the distances indicated are approximate and estimated from the coordinates of the route and the reported stops. According to the data provided, the route has six departures in each direction on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Frequency, fares, and operations should be confirmed before traveling.

Costa da Caparica Beaches

The beginning of Route 3708 is also the gateway to one of the Lisbon region's most traditional beach destinations. From the stops at Torre das Argolas, Avenida do Mar, and Avenida do Oceano, passengers can take a short walk to the urban beach front, the promenade, and the areas with bars, terraces, and visitor facilities.

Costa da Caparica offers different settings along its extensive sandy coastline: more urban and busier stretches near the town, areas geared toward water sports, and quieter beaches heading south. It is a good option for combining the bus with a walk by the sea, especially outside the busiest times.

• 📍 Location: Urban seafront and beaches of Costa da Caparica, Almada.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Torre das Argolas, Avenida do Mar, and Avenida do Oceano, between 0.4 and 0.9 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach, leisure, and outdoor sports.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: An extensive group of beaches with different characteristics, terraces, and a connection to Transpraia during operating periods.

Costa da Caparica Municipal Market

Located near the initial section and particularly accessible from the stop identified as Mercado in the return direction, the Costa da Caparica Municipal Market concentrates traditional local commerce. Fishmongers, butchers, delicatessens, fruit and vegetable stalls, florists, and food establishments make the space an interesting stop for experiencing everyday life in the town.

The market complements a visit to the beaches: visitors can begin their itinerary with shopping and local flavors or end their visit with a simple meal before boarding Route 3708 again.

• 📍 Location: Praça da Liberdade, Costa da Caparica.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Costa da Caparica, Mercado stop, between 0.1 and 0.3 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Municipal market, shopping, and dining.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Preserves Costa da Caparica's commercial and food-market character, with an emphasis on fresh fish and daily produce.

Casa da Cerca – Contemporary Art Center

In Almada's historic center, Casa da Cerca occupies a former palace and hosts contemporary art exhibitions, cultural activities, and the O Chão das Artes botanical garden. The space is dedicated especially to drawing and the visual arts, with a program that changes throughout the year.

In addition to the exhibitions, the building itself, the courtyard, and the privileged view of the Tagus and Lisbon make a visit worthwhile. The area can be reached from stops in central Almada, with a walk through the city's historic streets.

• 📍 Location: Rua da Cerca, Almada historic center.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Praça Gil Vicente and Avenida D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, between 0.6 and 0.9 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Cultural center, contemporary art, and botanical garden.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Combines exhibitions, historic architecture, educational activities, and a garden overlooking the Tagus estuary.

Cacilhas Square and the waterfront

Cacilhas is one of the most inviting sections of Route 3708 for getting off and exploring at an unhurried pace. The area serves as an important transport interchange and brings together restaurants, cafés, maritime heritage, and a panoramic promenade beside the Tagus. Cândido dos Reis pedestrian street is known for its restaurants specializing in fish and Portuguese cuisine.

In Cacilhas Square, the landscape is marked by the Lighthouse, the D. Fernando II e Glória frigate, and the Barracuda Submarine. Redevelopment of the area created pedestrian zones, green spaces, benches, and an amphitheater facing the river, making it ideal for an itinerary on foot.

• 📍 Location: Cacilhas Square and the Cacilhas waterfront area, Almada.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Avenida 25 de Abril and the section of Avenida Aliança Povo MFA, between 0.4 and 0.7 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Waterfront walk, heritage, dining, and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Concentrates restaurants, historic vessels, views of Lisbon, and river connections in a single area.

Ponto Final

For those wishing to extend their walk through Cacilhas, Ponto Final is located at Cais do Ginjal, directly facing the Tagus. This traditional Portuguese restaurant is known for its waterside location and the experience of dining in view of Lisbon's landscape, especially in the late afternoon.

Access from the route requires a longer walk from Cacilhas, following the waterfront toward Ginjal. It is therefore better suited to those who intend to turn the stop into a complete outing rather than simply a quick meal.

• 📍 Location: Rua do Ginjal, 72, Almada.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Avenida 25 de Abril, in Cacilhas, between 1.0 and 1.4 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Restaurant and waterfront walk.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Tables beside the Tagus and a unique setting in Ginjal's former industrial district.

Almada Museum – City House

In Cova da Piedade, Almada Museum – City House occupies the former Quinta dos Frades and presents exhibitions about the history and development of the municipality. The restored building preserves remains of the former estate and helps tell the story of Almada's transformation from religious and industrial properties into the contemporary city.

It is an especially interesting stop for anyone wanting to understand the territory crossed by Route 3708 itself. The museum is near the Largo 5 de Outubro section and can be combined with a walk through Cova da Piedade's public garden and the areas that reveal the local industrial heritage.

• 📍 Location: Praça João Raimundo, Cova da Piedade, Almada.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Largo 5 de Outubro and Cova da Piedade stops, between 0.2 and 0.5 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Museum, heritage, and local history.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Brings together a permanent exhibition, temporary displays, and the history of a former estate adapted for cultural use.

Peace Park

Peace Park is one of the main green areas in the municipality of Almada and offers a break from the route's urban setting. The park has walking paths, a lake, leisure areas, and broad spaces for resting, playing, or engaging in outdoor activities.

The most convenient stop is in the Cova da Piedade area, but access requires a longer walk than the other locations on this itinerary. For those with time, the visit works well as a complement to a walk through Cova da Piedade or as the destination for an afternoon outdoors.

• 📍 Location: Avenida Arsenal do Alfeite, Feijó, Almada.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Cova da Piedade Hospital section, between 1.2 and 1.8 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Urban park and outdoor leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A large green area with a lake, pedestrian paths, and spaces for different forms of recreation.

National Museum of Ancient Art

The Avenida 24 de Julho stop identified as Museu de Arte Antiga leaves passengers beside one of Lisbon's most important cultural institutions. The National Museum of Ancient Art houses collections of paintings, sculptures, goldwork, and decorative arts, with Portuguese, European, African, and Eastern works.

Highlights associated with the collection include the Saint Vincent Panels, the Belém Monstrance, the Namban Screens, and works by Bosch. The institution was listed as closed for renovations in the tourism information consulted; it is worth confirming its reopening before planning a visit. Even so, the surroundings of Janelas Verdes and the view of the Tagus make this section interesting for an urban walk.

• 📍 Location: Rua das Janelas Verdes, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Avenida 24 de Julho, Museu de Arte Antiga, between 0.1 and 0.3 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Museum, heritage, and culture.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A collection of major national importance, housed in a historic area near the Tagus.

Ribeira Market and Time Out Market Lisbon

The final stop of Route 3708 is one of the best places to end the itinerary. Ribeira Market combines the tradition of a historic food market with Time Out Market Lisbon, a food hall bringing together restaurants, kiosks, and bars in an environment focused on gastronomy and socializing.

Its proximity to the river terminal, metro, train, and other buses makes Cais do Sodré a strategic point for continuing the journey or exploring Lisbon's waterfront. After arriving, visitors can choose between a quick meal, shopping for fresh products, or a walk along Avenida 24 de Julho and through the historic center.

• 📍 Location: Ribeira Market, Avenida 24 de Julho, Cais do Sodré, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Cais do Sodré, Metro and Terminal, between 0.1 and 0.3 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Market, gastronomic hub, and entertainment.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Combines traditional commerce and contemporary gastronomy at one of the city's main transport hubs.

With six departures in each direction on all types of days indicated in the route data, Route 3708 can be used both for a beach outing in Costa da Caparica and for a cultural itinerary between Almada, Cacilhas, and Lisbon. The best strategy is to choose a section, get off near the desired location, and resume the bus at one of the stops along the itinerary, always checking the actual operating times in advance.

Sources

• Almada City Council – Municipal Markets
• Almada City Council – Beaches
• Almada City Council – Casa da Cerca
• Almada City Council – Cacilhas
• Almada City Council – D. Fernando II e Glória Frigate
• Almada City Council – Ponto Final
• Almada City Council – Almada Museum
• Almada City Council – River Garden
• Visit Lisboa – National Museum of Ancient Art
• Lisbon City Council – Ribeira Market
• Time Out Market Lisbon – How to get there