Located between the Cascais Marina and the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, Praia de Santa Marta is in a small cove with a very secluded atmosphere and is still quite “out of sight” of tourists.
It’s when the tide is at its lowest that you can be dazzled by its charm, when the crystal-clear waters allow you to see the rocky bottom and, in the corner, you can spread out your towel on a small “hidden” beach.
But what makes this beach special? That’s what we’ll find out next.
Location and tranquillity
Although this place doesn’t always have the right conditions for a full day at the beach, either because the sea conditions don’t allow it or because there may be some garbage on the site, the truth is that – almost always – it’s a delight to enjoy this idyllic “corner” in Cascais.
The small sandy beach, the easy accessibility for those who choose to walk or cycle, and the tranquillity offered by Praia de Santa Marta are often what lead people to choose this place to spend a day away from the crowds of the beaches on the Linha.
As for the scenery, it’s idyllic! In the background, but close to the sea, you can see the well-known Farol de Santa Marta, housed in an old fort, which adds historical value to this paradise; the Museu Biblioteca dos Condes de Castro Guimarães, a revival-style building that houses a valuable art collection and a library with rare specimens; and the Ponte de Santa Marta, a road and pedestrian structure that connects the town of Cascais to Boca do Inferno and Guincho, and which also serves as a bridge over the Ribeira dos Mochos, having been built in the 1970s.
Our exclusive tips
With its clean and usually mild waters, this is one of the best places in Cascais for those who like to dive, especially by jumping off the rocks (ask the locals for the best spots).
Of course, you can only do this when the tide is high and, in our opinion, it’s when the tide is lowest that it’s worth coming to Praia de Santa Marta , because that’s when small sandbanks appear between the rocks, allowing you to relax with a view of the bridge and all the surrounding architecture.
We also advise you to arrive early so that you can get to know it in a quieter and more private way, or, if you want, to explore throughout the week so that you can get to know the best times of day to spend a few hours relaxing here.
But Santa Marta isn’t just a beach. As it’s close to several places of interest, it’s part of a cultural route that’s well worth a visit:
- Santa Marta Lighthouse-Museum;
- Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum;
- Casa-Museu de Santa Marta;
- Dom Luís I Foundation;
- Paula Rego House of Stories.
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