7 Best Sintra Beaches to Explore In Portugal 2022 (With Map)
Just 30 minutes outside Lisbon in the countryside of Portugal is the charming, historic town of Sintra. Scattered throughout Sintra is a variety of historical architecture including a castle, palace, and mansion (more on that later).
Not only is Sintra a town, but also a region within the greater Lisbon district of Portugal, home to many gorgeous beaches. The Atlantic coast of Portugal is stunningly unique and maintains a wild, rugged quality. I highly recommend visiting one or a few of these Sintra beaches on your trip to Portugal.
7 BEST SINTRA BEACHES, PORTUGAL
Sintra’s beaches face West into the Atlantic making them ideal for surfing and kite surfing. They can be cooler and windier than other beaches in the south of Portugal but their unique, natural beauty makes them worth a visit.
1. PRAIA DO URSA
This was my favorite of the Sintra beaches that I visited. Praia do Ursa is a stunning, secluded beach just a few kilometers away from the most western point in Europe, Cabo da Roca. I highly recommend making a day out of visiting this beach.
To get to this beach you have to take a short hike along the cliffs of the Atlantic which only added to the experience for me. Park in the Cabo do Roca parking lot and backtrack a little way up the road where you will see a trail on the left-hand side.
The trail will take you down to the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Make sure to wear supportive walking shoes because there is one section of the hike that is a bit tricky. Pack some snacks and a swimsuit and spend the day down at this stunning beach.
2. PRAIA DAS MAÇÃS
Praia das Macas is a great option if you are in the historic center of Sintra and want to spend some time at the beach. You can easily take a bus from the Portela de Sintra station. There is also a 100-year-old tram that runs from the city center to the beach. Catch the tram next to the Sintra Museum of modern art (tickets are 2-3 Euro) and get off 40 minutes later at the beach.
Praia Das Macas is one of the most popular Sintra beaches. It is popular with locals and families because it has a long sandy beach break and many affordable local restaurants.
3. PRAIA GRANDE
Praia grande – or big beach – lives up to its name. It is two kilometers of golden sand with large rock formations and a saltwater pool making the biggest of the Sintra beaches.
Praia Grande draws lots of visitors in the summer, but its size accommodates the tourists. This is a great surfing beach with plenty of dining options as well.
If you want to explore, there is a staircase that will take you up to the cliffs overlooking the coast where dinosaur footprints have been fossilized into the rock.
4. PRAIA DO MAGOITO
Praia do Magoito is at the base of a stunning cliff face making it the perfect place to soak up the views and rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast.
It is a bit more off the beaten path and often has fewer tourists than other beaches in Sintra. There are several hiking trails along the cliffs but if you are not a fan of heights at low tide you can walk up and down the rocky coast. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Cabo do Roca.
5. PRAIA DO GUINCHO
Just outside of Cascais is the ideal spot for surfers, kite surfers, and windsurfers. If you want to join in on the action there is a shop that offers lessons and rentals on the beach.
There are also two small beach bars. Both have great views and make the perfect place to sit in the shade and cool off with a snack and drink.
6. PRAIA DA ADRAGA
Tucked into the cliffs near Cabo do Roca, Praia da Adraga is known for its wild and scenic beauty. It has massive rock formations and you can explore caves and tunnels along the coast.
The tides can be very strong here and it is not always suitable for swimming but I highly recommend this beach for a stroll (or a swim if the conditions are right).
7. PRAIA DE SAO JULIAO
Sao Juliao was one of my favorite sintra beaches I visited just outside Ericeira. It is a long stretch of coastline with waves for all levels of surfers and a sandy bottom great for beginners. It can be a sanctuary on windier days and is the perfect sunset location.
MAP OF SINTRA BEACHES
AIzaSyAnmM5nDYV4mN1WfyjFsSAVu8faasZnkQQWHERE TO STAY IN SINTRA, Portugal
Sintra is diverse in the activities it has to offer and it has plenty of options for accommodation whether you want to be near the beach or the historic center. Here are my top pics for accommodation in Sintra.
Best Luxury Hotel: Tivoli Palacio de Seteais
This stunning 18th-century 5-star hotel (read palace) is an absolute dream. The architecture, design, and decor will make you feel like you are staying in a museum.
Tivoli has luxurious amenities, spectacular service, and great food. It is also in the perfect location to explore Sintra. If you want to feel like European royalty for a few nights, Tivoli is worth the splurge.
Best Budget Friendly Hotel: Sintra Boutique Hotel
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option in the heart of Sintra, Sintra Boutique Hotel is hard to beat for location, quality, and price. Sintra Boutique Hotel is simple, and clean with a great breakfast selection and mountain views.
Best Boutique Hotel: Charm Nature
Just above the cliffs of Playa do Ursa settled in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Charm Nature, is the perfect mix if you’re looking for adventure and luxury. The rooms are modern but cozy, each room has its own fireplace and terrace.
There is a gorgeous infinity pool, and the bar and restaurant have excellent food and drink options. Because it is in the Natural Park, Charm Nature is a great location if you want to hike, explore and visit any of the beaches listed above.
Best Hostel: Casa Azul Hostel
When it comes to Hostels, it’s all about the vibes, and the hospitality at Casa Azul is what sets it apart. The staff is welcoming and makes you feel instantly at home. It is clean, well kept, and about a 10-minute walk from the city center.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN SINTRA, PORTUGAL
If you are looking to see a bit of everything on your trip to Sintra, it is possible to visit the beach and the historic center all in a day. Of course, you can spend more than a day in Sintra and take your time exploring the city and the beaches. Either way, here are some activities to do in Sintra.
Visit Pena Palace
This is the most touristy option, but there is a reason so many people come to see the palace. Pena Palace is vibrant and colorful with excellent views of the forest and mountains surrounding it. You can wander through the gardens and the interior of the palace – just be sure to get there early to avoid the crowds and lines.
Visit Quinta da Regaleira
It is easy to spend hours exploring the beautiful gardens of Quinta da Regaleira. Within the gardens are hidden staircases, small trails, beautiful architecture, and lush greenery. There is plenty to see so make sure to get here early and buy your tickets online in advance.
Hike Castelo dos Mouros
The hike to Castelo dos Mouros is no joke but the views from this medieval castle are worth the climb. From the castle, there are stunning panoramic views of Sintra and the surrounding countryside. Walking through the winding paths of the old fortress you feel transported through time. It can be windy and the trail can be tricky at times so make sure to wear proper attire.
Explore the Old Centre of Sintra
The old center of Sintra is quaint and picturesque, full of shops and restaurants. Spend some time strolling through the charming alleyways and visiting the local stops. I recommend coming early and stopping for a coffee – you will need it for all the walking you will be doing!
Conclusion: Best Sintra Beaches, Portugal
Sintra’s beaches should not be missed on your trip to Portugal. Being exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, Sintra’s beaches are a water-sport enthusiast’s dream. They are ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. But even if you are not interested in water sports, Sintra’s beaches are worth a visit to experience the unique beauty of Portugal’s coastline.