In Portugal and around Lisbon there’s a fantastic coastal area that ‘s a treat for the eyes, starting with these beaches in Sintra.
It’s true that the weather doesn’t always cooperate and the sea can chill you to the bone, but there’s no doubt that the beaches in Sintra are some of the most beautiful and surprising in Greater Lisbon.
In addition to the unique landscapes of Ursa and Azenhas do Mar, there’s also the family atmosphere of Praia das Maçãs and the waves of Praia Grande, which delight surfers. Just to give you a few examples.
In fact, the coast offers beaches for all tastes and moments, some well-known, others “secret” and practically wild.
Discover them all in this itinerary we’ve prepared just for you!
Table Of Contents
Samarra Beach
Located on a narrow cliff, which you reach after a long descent, this beach is one of Sintra‘s best-kept secrets.
The sand is small (no more than 50 meters long), but it’s enough for the few holidaymakers who go there, those who don’t like big crowds and enjoy contact with nature.
Magoito Beach
At the bottom of a valley, Praia do Magoito reveals much more than a long stretch of sand and a sea of cold waters. For example, did you know that it is one of the beaches with the highest concentration of iodine in Europe?
By the way, if you go there, don’t miss the fossil dune (next to the access ramp), which is around 10,000 years old and has been classified as a geomonument.
Aguda Beach
It ceased to be classified as a beach in 2008, due to the risk of falls from the cliffs, but it is still frequented by some vacationers who like the quiet of this (almost) secret beach.
To get there, you have to climb down some (somewhat dangerous) steps on the cliff. The sea isn’t for everyone either.
Azenhas do Mar Beach
The village of Azenhas do Mar is undoubtedly one of the picture postcards of the municipality of Sintra, with its little white houses running down the cliff to the sea.
The sandy beach is tiny (sometimes it even disappears), but dives are guaranteed in the ocean pool. You also have to go to the viewpoint up there and, by the way, to the Azenhas do Mar restaurant, which offers incredible views and delicious dishes.
Maçãs Beach
The name comes from the Colares stream which, after crossing several orchards, carried the apples down to the sand and the sea.
It is one of the most popular beaches in Sintra, perhaps because of its family atmosphere and easy access, but also because of the famous streetcar that takes vacationers there.
There is no shortage of good restaurants around, but the “casinha de pão com chouriço” is still a must-visit. The kids, meanwhile, love the children’s playground and soccer rink just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Praia Pequena
The relatively narrow sandy beach gives its name to this beach, which is next to the more famous Praia Grande, and is especially popular with surfers.
Be very careful on this beach because the surrounding cliffs are at great risk of landslides.
Praia Grande Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches on the Sintra coastline and is a hit not only with young people and surfers, but also with families.
The long sandy beach means there’s room for everyone, but parking can be difficult to find on hot days. The southern cliff holds fossils of dinosaur footprints.
Adraga Beach
The scenery alone makes it worth walking down the winding road to the parking lot and then praying to the saints for a spot.
The reward comes at the end, thanks to a quiet stretch of sand with an incredible landscape, marked by cliffs, caves and tunnels. To the south is the so-called Buraco do Fojo, a vertical well in the cliff about 90 meters long.
When the tide is low, it connects to two very small beaches: Praia dos Namorados and Praia do Cavalo.
Ursa Beach
It may no longer be one of Sintra’s most secret beaches (Instagram says so), but it’s still one of the wildest and undoubtedly the most beautiful.
This is thanks to the cliffs that surround it and, above all, the two large rocks that resist the force of the sea, named Pedra da Ursa and Gigante.
Getting down to the sand is almost an adventure (it can take around an hour), but the natural beauty and tranquillity of this beach make up for the difficulty of the journey. On rainy days, a small waterfall forms here, caused by the waters of the Ribeira da Ursa.
Aroeira Beach
Not to be confused with Aroeira on the south bank. This wild beach, north of Cabo da Roca, has very difficult access, a small sandy beach and a rough sea that is not recommended for swimming.
Perhaps that’s why it’s sought after by nudists and those who like to discover secret, quiet corners.