Caparica Mini-train

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Setúbal > Almada > Costa da Caparica > Minicomboio

Location

The Caparica Mini-Train is located in the coastal area of Almada, stretching along the vast stretch of beaches of Costa da Caparica to Fonte da Telha. Its route offers a unique perspective on the extensive sandy area and the natural landscape of dunes and the seaside, providing a smooth and scenic connection along the Atlantic.

Its position allows visitors to enjoy the sea breeze and open views while moving between different areas of the coast, from the busier areas of Caparica to the quieter and more secluded beaches to the south.

The Seaside Journey

This peculiar tourist railway unfolds along a nine-kilometer route, connecting the famous beaches of Costa de Caparica and Fonte da Telha. The route is punctuated by four stations and fifteen halts, allowing passengers to easily explore the various sections of the coast.

The journey offers a relaxing experience, gliding smoothly over the sand and alongside the sea, ideal for those seeking a tranquil way to appreciate the region's natural beauty and access areas that would otherwise be more difficult to reach on foot.

A History of Beach Access

Inaugurated on June 29, 1960, the Caparica Mini-Train represented a significant innovation in access to the beaches of the municipality of Almada. Founded by two local industrialists, Canas Cardim and Casimiro Pinto, this pioneering service was, for a long time, the main way for bathers to reach the more remote sandy areas of the coast.

Throughout its existence, the route has adapted to the dynamics of the coast, with its northern terminal being relocated in 2007, demonstrating its capacity for evolution and its continued importance in the history of the region's tourist infrastructure.

The Uniqueness of the Track and Rolling Stock

The Caparica Mini-Train stands out for its track, which has a narrow gauge of 600 millimeters, a characteristic that makes it one of the most unique examples of railways in Portugal. The single-track layout, with some passing loops for crossings, underlines its special and picturesque nature.

The trains, pulled by diesel locomotives, are formed by open wagons, often of the "imperial" type, which allow passengers an unobstructed view of the landscape and a complete immersion in the coastal environment. The open side steps invite an experience of closeness to the sea and sand, reinforcing the informal and inviting character of the journey.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt