The 12 Most Breathtaking Sintra Beaches in Portugal

Located on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Sintra Beaches are the perfect place for a seaside vacation. From sparkling, clear waters to majestic rock formations, these spots have a unique landscape that offers breathtaking views. 

There are plenty of beaches to choose from, each with unique draws. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach to soak up some sun or a spot with powerful waves and adrenaline-filled activities, there is a beach for you. 

Check out our list of the top 12 beaches near Sintra, Portugal, below. 

Best Sintra Beaches

Praia Grande

Best beach for surfing.

Praia Grande, or Big Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Sintra–and for good reason! 

The beach is only 10.7 km (6.6 miles) from town, and a direct bus brings you here several times a day. It’s not only the proximity that makes Praia Grande great. This 2 km (1.2 miles) stretch of sand is absolutely gorgeous. When you arrive, you’ll immediately notice the breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. 

Surfers and bodyboarders flock to this beach because they are all but guaranteed to catch a few great swells. There are surf schools for those who don’t feel confident or are just beginning. 

For more seasoned surfers, Praia Grande hosts several international surf competitions every year. 

In addition to surfing, Big Beach is home to 175 million-year-old dinosaur footprints. One of Europe’s most significant track sites can be found at the southern end of the beach, where a large rock formation is covered in dino markings. You can walk along the cliff path to see the prints up close and personal and learn a bit more about which species left the tracks. 

If this spot was good enough for the dinosaurs, it is definitely worth visiting!

Plenty of facilities are nearby, like showers, bathrooms, and restaurants, making it a great place to try local food and relax for the day.

The line 1254 bus goes directly from the city center of Sintra to the beach and departs every 25 minutes. You can also drive in about 15 minutes.

Praia da Adraga

Best beach for stunning rock formations.

Praia da Adraga is another frontrunner for one of the best Sintra beaches in Portugal. 

This popular spot is home to towering cliffs surrounding an absolutely gorgeous beach. 

The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming during summer, and the powder-soft sand is ideal for sunbathing. 

What makes this beach so special, though, are the jaw-dropping rock formations nearby. These geographical wonders are any photographer’s dream, especially with the Atlantic Ocean as their backdrop. Head here to snap some photos and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. 

It is especially beautiful during sunrise.

In addition to its picture-perfect scenery, Praia da Adraga is great for surfing. Like other beaches in the area, it has fairly consistent waves all year long. The surf here is a bit more intense due to rough conditions, so you should only plan to surf if you have plenty of experience.

This stretch of coastline is less crowded than neighboring beaches, making it perfect for a peaceful day in the sun. Plan to spend the day relaxing on the shore, snapping photos, and enjoying a delicious seafood lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. 

Praia da Adraga is a short drive from the town of Sintra and is easily accessible by car or the line 1241 bus. 

Praia das Maçãs

Best beach for families.

Praia das Maçãs, sometimes called Playa de Sintra, is popular for families with young children. 

The quiet, shallow water lets kids swim and play safely. Additionally, a playground is close by for hours of enjoyment. 

This vast area of soft sand is ideal for family outings, fishing, paddle boarding, and beach volleyball.

Plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby serve fantastic regional cuisine and fresh seafood. So, grab a bite, and then go for a stroll along the beachfront promenade to soak up the amazing views of the Atlantic.

To get there, take the line 1248 bus from town to enjoy a great day at the beach.

Praia do Magoito

Best beach for gorgeous views.

Just a short drive from Sintra lies Praia do Magoito, a charming beach perfect for an afternoon of relaxation and reading a book under an umbrella.

This is the best beach for stunning views because of its natural, undeveloped scenery. In fact, this beach is much less developed than most of the other beaches near Sintra. 

Various caves and rock formations dot the coastline, so you should absolutely go for a stroll and take in the impressive views. 

However, if you want to get your adrenaline pumping, you can always go surfing. There are excellent surf conditions here, especially during the winter when the swells are high and consistent.

You can reach Praia do Magoito in a 40-minute bus ride on the 1249 line from Sintra.

Praia da Ursa

Best beach for sunbathing au natural. 

Praia da Ursa is one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in Portugal’s Sintra region. The beach is renowned for its untamed and rocky environment, impressive cliffs, and clean waters. It’s reachable on foot, but getting there requires climbing an arduous trek.

Additionally, this lovely stretch of sand is a well-known destination for sunbathing au natural. Although not technically classified as a nudist beach, it is definitely gaining more popularity for those who don’t like to cover up. 

If you decide to head here, respect the people who choose to shed their clothes and get rid of all their tan lines. If this isn’t for you, check out a different beach!

Despite its isolation and lack of amenities, Praia da Ursa is a must-see beach for anybody who loves tranquility and untouched natural beauty. It also is the most western beach in all of Europe. So, if you pride yourself in seeing these types of landmarks, it cannot be missed! 

The untamed scenery of the beach makes a beautiful backdrop for photography. It’s also the perfect place for people looking to escape the throngs and reconnect with nature.

You can reach Praia da Ursa via the 1624 bus from Sintra or Cascais. No matter which direction you are coming from, it should take about 30 minutes. 

Praia das Azenhas do Mar

Best beach for Instagram shots.

Praia das Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque beach south of Praia do Magoito, and it is a favorite among photographers and Instagrammers. 

The beach is famous for its charming village-like setting overlooking the ocean, providing a stunning backdrop for Instagram shots. Be sure to capture a photo of the gorgeous white houses along the cliffside.

The lovely restaurant built on the cliff overlooking the sea is one of the beach’s highlights. If you love seafood, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a range of fresh seafood and local dishes while taking in the stunning ocean views. The oysters are to die for!

In addition to great food, locals love coming to Azenhas do Mar to swim, surf, and relax in the sun. A few natural tide pools peak out during low tide, making for a peaceful afternoon swim.

You should note that the shoreline is almost entirely submerged during high tide. You can still swim, but there won’t be a place to lay your towel or sunbathe. 

You can reach Praia das Azenhas do Mar via the 1248 bus from Sintra.

Praia da Aguda

Best local secret.

Just a short walk from Praia Azenhas do Mar, you’ll find Praia da Aguda. 

This small, secluded beach is the perfect place for sun worshipers looking for a break from summer crowds. If you head here for a day of peace and relaxation, you are more likely to run into locals and fishermen than spot other tourists. 

Cliffs and a thick forest surround the shore, offering guests a breathtaking natural backdrop. You’ll also find plenty of flora and fauna, especially birds and marine life, in the area. 

There isn’t a whole lot near Aguda Beach. You won’t find showers and bustling restaurants, but you will have a peaceful, isolated spot perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

You can reach this beach by walking from Praia das Azenhas do Mar. Just note that you will have to do a short climb to reach the beach.

Praia da Samarra

Best beach for swimming.

Another stunning beach among the Sintra Beaches is Praia da Samarra. 

Like many beaches in the area, it is surrounded by steep cliffs and lush green vegetation. 

It is best known for its clear, cerulean waters—a rare treat in the Atlantic, so take advantage of it by swimming and snorkeling. It also has excellent surfing conditions, with decent swells and a safe place to land on shore. Because of this, surfers flock to Praia da Samarra from all over the world.

There aren’t a ton of amenities here, so don’t expect to rent sun loungers and grab beers from the local cafe. What you will find, though, is a secluded and peaceful spot to swim, surf, or relax the day away.

A 45-minute bus ride on line 1245 from Sintra will take you directly to the beach. Buses run every 30 minutes.

Praia do Guincho

Best beach for water sports.

Praia do Guincho is a famous beach known for its strong winds and excellent conditions for water sports. In fact, it has hosted several international surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing competitions. 

Watersport enthusiasts from all over the world flock there to try their hand at the waves. 

If surfing isn’t for you, not to worry. The beach is also a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and even hiking. Several different hiking trails provide breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline. 

The easiest way to reach Praia do Guincho is if you are coming from Cascais. The local bus takes about 20 minutes. 

Praia Pequena do Rodizio

Best beach to take a stroll.

One of the best-hidden gems near Sintra is Praia Pequena do Rodizio. This tiny little beach is a fantastic place for a leisurely beach stroll. In fact, it is the perfect spot for a peaceful, romantic walk because of its calm atmosphere and stunning ocean views. 

Overall, this slice of paradise is an undiscovered treasure among the beaches in Sintra. It’s a serene and unspoiled haven for those seeking a quiet respite.

Praia Pequena do Rodizio is only a 20-minute bus ride on line 1254 from town. 

Praia da Vigia

Best beach for nature lovers.

If you want a small, undeveloped beach, head to Praia da Vigia. This is the perfect spot for nature lovers—you’ll be in awe of the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the fascinating rock formations in the area.

There aren’t many amenities, but despite the fact that you can’t hit up a cafe or rent an umbrella, there is plenty to offer here. It’s an excellent place for a private dip or a peaceful afternoon in the sun.

Praia da Vigia is best reached by taxi unless you are up for a 2.5 km (1.5 miles) walk from the nearest bus station. If walking sounds good, take the 1245 bus from Sintra and get off at Largo Fonte do Alheiro 4A. You will have to walk the rest of the way. 

Praia de São Julião

Best beach for a relaxing day.

Our final beach on the list is Praia de São Julio. It is another popular spot for swimming, tanning, and water sports, much like a lot of other beaches near Sintra. 

Between the crystalline waters, golden sand, and rich greenery surrounding the beach, it is the perfect place to come with a book or an interesting podcast and sit and relax for the day.

You can easily reach Praia de São Julião by taking the 1633 bus from Sintra. The ride will take about 45 minutes, but it will be worth it!

Weather in the Sintra Beaches

You’ll find that Sintra beaches experience warm summers and mild winters, allowing you to visit any time of year.  

Summer runs from June to September in Portugal, and the weather is categorically warm and sunny during this time. Temperatures average between 22°C to 27°C (71.6°F to 80.6°F), which is perfect beach weather. The ocean ranges from 17°C to 20°C (62.6°F to 68°F), which is ideal for swimming, surfing, and other water sports. 

Visiting during peak season will come with lots of crowds, as it is one of the most popular destinations in Portugal. Because of this, consider booking your accommodation and any activities in advance. 

From December to February, the weather near Sintra is cool and mild. Temperatures average between 8°C to 16°C (46.4°F to 60.8°F). While you may not be lying out in the sun, it isn’t too cold to keep you away from the beach. 

If you are considering swimming, think again. The ocean waters range from about 14°C to 16°C (57.2°F to 60.8°F), which is pretty cold for swimming. One bonus, though, is that the crowds are much smaller during the winter, and the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy the beautiful ocean views. 

Looking for some middle ground? Try shoulder season, which falls during April, May, and October. The weather is cool, and the ocean is mild, plus the crowds haven’t started to swell yet. If you enjoy the beach but prefer to avoid large groups of people, this would be the best time to visit the beaches near Sintra, Portugal. 

Packing List Essentials for Sintra’s Beaches

Packing for the beach in Sintra is similar to pretty much any other beach vacation. You’ll want to plan on bringing the following things:

• Plenty of bathing suits 
• Sunscreen: The sun can be intense, so pack a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin.
• A good cover-up to help avoid nasty sunburns.
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Beach towel: Pack a lightweight beach towel that dries quickly and doesn’t take up too much space in your bag.
• Sandals or flip flops
• Water bottle: Not all these beaches have restaurants or shops, so bring one with you to stay hydrated.
• Camera or GoPro
• Portable phone charger
• Lightweight jacket or sweater. The evenings can get chilly!

Map of Sintra’s Beaches 

Mapping out your beach hopping days is essential. Take a look at our map to get it all straight. 

How to get to the Sintra Beaches

Getting to Sintra’s beaches is relatively straightforward. As mentioned above, most are accessible from the town center via car, bus, or taxi.

However, if you’re traveling around the country without a car, you’ll need to find your way to Sintra first. Then you’ll be able to visit all of the stunning beaches nearby.

Swingo operates a minivan service from Lisbon to Sintra several times per day. The ride only takes about 30 minutes, and you’ll be treated to AC and WiFi. It is also possible to grab a seat on a public bus.

If you happen to be coming from Porto, taking a four-hour bus ride is the cheapest and most convenient option. 

Final Thoughts on Sintra’s Incredible Beaches 

When planning your travels around Portugal, you need to visit a few of the stunning Sintra beaches. No matter the time of year you visit, these natural beauties should be at the top of your European bucket list!

And if you can’t get enough, there are plenty of incredible beaches near Lisbon, as well.

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