The coastline of Sintra not far from Lisbon has some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches that promise an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a surfer, a sunbather, or simply someone who loves scenic views, here are four must-visit beaches in the Sintra region with its own unique charm.
1. Praia do Guincho: Perfect beach for water sports
Just west of Cascais, Praia do Guincho is known for its wild and natural setting. This beach is located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is a great spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Due to its powerful waves and strong winds, more and more water sports enthusiasts are loving this place.
Moreover, Praia do Guincho has hosted several international water sports competitions. Besides that, there’s even a surf school right on the beach for those looking to try out surfing, or you can just walk along the beach and enjoy the view over the Atlantic coastline. This is what we did on a very windy day in February.
By the way, movie fans might recognise Praia do Guincho from the 1969 James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
2. Praia da Adraga: Stunning cliffs and clear waters
Praia da Adraga is surrounded by dramatic cliffs that create a beautiful backdrop for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Furthermore, the beach is known for its unique rock formations, which add a special character to this magical place.
If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes and crystal-clear waters, Praia da Adraga is the right place to be. While it’s a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing in the summer, it becomes a calmer spot for peaceful walks during the cooler months.
3. Praia do Magoito: Beach paradise with incredible views
Praia do Magoito is famous for its breathtaking cliffside views and its wide sandy beach. Here, the water has a high concentration of iodine and is said to be among the highest in Europe, which add a healthful touch to your beach experience. Furthermore, the beach at Magoito is a popular spot for surfing as the waves are quite high and consistent, especially during the winter months. This makes Praia do Magoito to one of the best places to surf in the Sintra region.
On top, the views from the beach are incredible, especially on clear days when you can see all the way to Cabo da Roca. But Praia do Magoito is not just visually stunning, there is also a fossil dune formed by the accumulation of sand, water and wind. This geological formation adds an interesting and unique touch to this place and cannot be compared to the other beaches in Sintra!
4. Praia da Ursa: Westernmost beach of mainland Europe
Last but not least, one of our favourite beaches in Sintra – Praia da Ursa. This beautiful beach is a hidden gem that remains mostly unknown to many, but gains recently more and more popularity on social media. Praia da Ursa is located near Cabo da Roca, which is the westernmost point of mainland Europe and offers a spectacular scenery with its rugged cliffs as well as pristine waters.
Nevertheless, the access to this wonderful paradise is quite challenging and more for the athletes among us, as getting to the beach requires a walk down to a steep path. But the effort is worth it, and, in addition, it is less crowdy compared to other beaches in Sintra. Once you have arrived, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of cliffs and clean waters. For those who prefer tranquillity and untouched natural settings, Praia da Ursa is the place to go!
Best beaches near Sintra – you have the choice
Each of these four beaches in the Sintra region provides an unique and excited experience. Regardless of whether you like active water sports activities, sunbathing in a quiet natural beauty or just enjoying a peaceful walk with impressive cliffside views on colder days, there is something for everyone!
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