From family-friendly spots to hidden gems surrounded by breathtaking scenery, here are seven places you shouldn’t miss during your stay in Sintra.

1. Magoito Beach – One of Sintra’s Largest Sandy Beaches

Magoito Beach is one of the widest beaches along the Sintra coastline and a favourite among both locals and visitors. Surrounded by impressive cliffs, it offers plenty of space for long walks, sunbathing or simply enjoying the fresh Atlantic breeze.

Known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect escape if you’re looking for a quieter beach away from the busiest summer crowds.

One of the unique features of both Magoito Beach and Praia das Maçãs is the small sweet water stream that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer, it creates shallow, calmer areas, making it perfect for children who prefer calmer waters and for adults who enjoy dipping in sweet water.

Best for: Families, beach walks and relaxing by the sea.

2. Praia Grande – Surf, Restaurants and a Lively Atmosphere

Praia Grande is one of the most popular beaches in Sintra, especially among surfers. Its powerful Atlantic waves attract beginners and experienced surfers alike, while several surf schools make it easy to join a lesson.

The promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants, making it an excellent choice for spending an entire day by the ocean.

Best for: Surfing, families and groups of friends.

3. Praia das Maçãs Ocean Pool – Perfect for Families

Located right next to Praia das Maçãs, this ocean pool is one of the most popular places to cool off during the summer. Filled with fresh Atlantic seawater, it offers a calmer alternative to the open ocean, making it especially suitable for children.

With changing facilities, a café and easy access from the beach, it’s a great option for a relaxed family day.

Best for: Families with children and swimmers who prefer calmer waters.

4. Ursa Beach – Sintra’s Wildest Beach

Praia da Ursa is often considered one of Portugal’s most spectacular beaches. Reaching it requires a fairly steep hike, but the reward is unforgettable.

Towering rock formations, golden sand and dramatic Atlantic scenery make this one of the most photographed beaches in the country.

The trail can be challenging, so comfortable footwear and plenty of water are highly recommended.

Best for: Hikers, photographers and nature lovers.

5. Adraga Beach – One of Europe’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Praia da Adraga is regularly featured among Europe’s most beautiful beaches, and it’s easy to understand why. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, caves and impressive rock formations, it offers one of the most scenic landscapes on the Portuguese coast.

After a swim, many visitors choose to enjoy fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurant overlooking the ocean.

At low tide, you can also explore the natural caves and rock pools along the shoreline.

Best for: Couples, photographers and food lovers.

6. Azenhas do Mar Ocean Pool – Swim with an Unforgettable View

Few places in Portugal are as iconic as Azenhas do Mar. Built into the rocks at the foot of the cliffs, its ocean pool is naturally filled by the Atlantic, creating one of the country’s most unique swimming spots.

The whitewashed houses perched above the cliffs provide an extraordinary backdrop, making this one of the most photographed locations in Sintra.

If you’re looking for a memorable place to swim while enjoying spectacular coastal views, this is it.

Best for: Families, couples and photography enthusiasts.

7. Casa do Valle Swimming Pool – Relax with the Best Views in Sintra

If you prefer a quieter setting away from the busy beaches, the swimming pool at Casa do Valle offers a completely different experience.

Surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Sintra hills, the pool enjoys breathtaking views of the historic town, the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring Sintra’s palaces, forests and walking trails.

Whether you spend the afternoon reading by the pool or simply taking in the scenery, it’s one of the most peaceful places to enjoy a summer day in Sintra.

Book your stay here.

Best for: Couples, relaxation and guests looking for a peaceful retreat.

Which Beaches and Pools in Sintra in Sintra Is Right for You?

• For families: Praia das Maçãs Ocean Pool, Casa do Valle Swimming Pool, and Praia Grande.
• For surfing: Praia Grande.
• For spectacular scenery: Casa do Valle Swimming Pool, Ursa Beach, and Adraga Beach.
• For a unique swimming experience: Azenhas do Mar Ocean Pool.
• For peace and relaxation: Casa do Valle Swimming Pool.

Tips for Visiting Beaches and Pools in Sintra during the Summer

• Summer is the busiest season in Sintra, so arriving early is always a good idea, especially at weekends.
• Before heading to the beach, check the sea conditions, as Atlantic waves can be strong even on sunny days. If you plan to visit Ursa Beach, wear suitable footwear and bring enough drinking water for the hike.
• Finally, help preserve the natural beauty of Sintra by respecting the walking trails, taking your rubbish with you and protecting the surrounding landscape.

The post 7 Best Beaches and Pools in Sintra for Summer Days appeared first on Casa do Valle.

How they came to be

The dinosaurs did not of course walk like lizards, up the walls. They walked on muddy and horizontal ground, imprinting their footsteps on the ground that was then covered by layers of sediments.  When the Sintra Mountain was formed, the grounds were deformed and raised – and consequently the top layers crumbled away, leaving once again the layer with the footprints uncovered for everyone to see.

And I mean everyone.   Roughly a 370-step staircase leads from the South end of the beach up to the top of the cliffs, all along which these footprints are clear and easy to see.Millions of years ago (125 million to be a bit more exact), large dinosaurs roamed in Sintra. Plant eating Saurôpodes and Ornitôpodes as well as meat eating Terôpodes,  walked on these lands way before the Sintra Mountain was a mountain. They were all about 2.5meters tall only until the hip.  We can now observe their footprints, some of which are a humongous 67cm tall and 60cm wide. Observing the path of the prints, we know that the vegetarian Saurôpodes with its elephant-like large body, long neck and small head walked between 6 to 7 km/hour. The Terôpodes who walked on two strong legs, of which only three of the four toes touch ground, walked about 2 kms/hour.  It is fascinating to see the three distinct types of footprints, all different sizes, and all well conserved, on the vertical cliffs of Praia Grande do Rodízio. There are a total of 66 foot prints, 51 of them are in 11 tracks and the rest are isolated.

How they came to be

The dinosaurs did not of course walk like lizards, up the walls. They walked on muddy and horizontal ground, imprinting their footsteps on the ground that was then covered by layers of sediments.  When the Sintra Mountain was formed, the grounds were deformed and raised – and consequently the top layers crumbled away, leaving once again the layer with the footprints uncovered for everyone to see.

And I mean everyone.   Roughly a 370-step staircase leads from the South end of the beach up to the top of the cliffs, all along which these footprints are clear and easy to see.

How to get there

Those keen on seeing the footprints and not able to walk steps can see a part of them from the platform up top. This is accessible by car. The staircase is a part of Sintra’s E9/GR11 and PR7 footpaths, on the stretch between Praia da Adraga and Praia Grande.  Praia Grande is served by the local Scotturb busses 439 and 441.  The best time of the day to see the prints clearly is in the afternoon, when the sun hits the wall before setting down.

Also in Sintra

The Natural History Museum boasts of the only complete flying dinosaur, (Brasileodactylus Barbosensis), skeleton in the world. In addition to it, there are dinosaurs’ nests complete with eggs and a great collection of fossils in remarkable state – and even fragments of the Nantan meteorite that fell in China in the 16^th century.

Add another dimension to your stay in Sintra and get a real Jurassic experience!

The post Jurassic Sintra appeared first on Casa do Valle.

Here is a short 2-minute introduction video to the beaches:

Praia da Ursa – (Our cover  foto) The southernmost of Sintra beaches got its name from a double arch that used be on the beach that resembled a bear sculpted by a giant. The beach is accessible by foot only, on a accentuated footpath (good shoes are advisable due to loose rocks). Though the ‘bear arches’ no longer exist, there are many other rock formations on the beach, and the effort of the descent is well worth it. This is the closest beach to Cabo da Roca,  the westernmost point of Continental Europe.  This is the only beach in Sintra where you will see nudists.

Bus #403 toward Cascais gets you to Azoia and Cabo da Roca – distance from Casa do Valle is about 14 kms.

Praia da Adraga comes next. With its stone arch it is one of the most beautiful beaches of Sintra.  It is an accessible beach, with parking and a great restaurant.  It is popular for walks even outside the bathing season, and during the bathing season it has lifeguards and also lounge chairs and shades to rent. A few of our guests actually got married on the beach there!  The cliffs have caves that you can explore.  Busses #403 and #439 take you to Almoçageme, the beach is another 2.8 kms down from the village. Distance from Casa do Valle to Almoçageme is 10 kms, 13 kms to the beach.

Praia Grande has a long stretch of sand. The sea offers a great swell all year around, attracting surfers and body boarders. The World Body board championships, which are part of the sport’s international circuit, are held there every year, in the beginning of September.  Praia Grande has good facilities, as well as the advantage of having a car park  located very close to the sand, in an area with cafés and restaurants along the road on the beachfront. Life guards are on duty during the bathing season, lounge chairs and shades for hire as well.  In a basalt cliff face on the south end of the Praia Grande there are dinosaur footprints.  There is a paragliding take-off site close to the footprints.  You can reach Praia Grande with busses #441 and #439.  Also the old Sintra tram passes about 1 km from the beach.  Praia Grande is 10 kms from Casa do Valle.

Praia Pequena is just North of Praia Grande.  No facilities, great for fishing.  It is also sought after by lovers of water sports.  Though it has no lifeguards, it is favourite for bathing as it is sheltered. Same busses as to Praia Grande, #441 and #439.  It is also about 10 kms from Casa do Valle.

Praia das Maçãs, the Apple beach,is the first of the Sintra beaches to become famous for tourism; many families from the Lisbon region had their vacation houses here. An ‘eating house’ was built there in 1888 and holiday houses soon began to appear.  In 1904 the tramway terminus was built, and you can still take the tram down from Sintra centre.  Its name came from the large quantity of apples that used to to appear on the beach, carried by the water of the brook that crosses the lowland, where once there were numerous orchards.   It is well served by restaurants, shops, bars and parking. Public outside swimming pool with slides, and tennis courts are near by.  Lifeguards and lounge chairs are available during the bathing season.  In addition to the tram, you can reach the beach with bus #441 – about 10 kms from Casa do Valle.

Next beach to the North is Azenhas do Mar, a picturesque village sitting on a cliff and natural sea water pools down at the bottom.  Sometimes, depending on the tide, there is an accumulation  of sand, creating a small beach on the top of the rocks.  A nice restaurant, great for fishing, no lifeguards. Distance from Casa do Valle is about 11 kms, and the busses #440 and #441 take you there.

Praia da Aguda is reachable by a long staircase from the parking lot.  It is a long beach that in the winter months is often almost non-existent; during very low tides it is connected to Praia do Magoito. In the summer it is popular among families, as it is a dog-friendly beach.  There are no services here. The area on top of the beach is a take-off site for paragliding.

Praia do Magoito, like Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs, has a large stretch of sand. Formed in a valley cut by the Mata Brook, it forms a contrast with the surrounding cliffs.  It has good facilities, parking is up the hill, and it is quite popular during the bathing season.  It is reachable both with stairs and ramps from the parking area. It is 9 kms from Casa do Valle, and is served by bus #444.

Praia da Samarra is at the mouth of a brook between two slopes.  Its relatively small stretch of sand   opens itself to the quiet ocean in a vee.  The rocks on both sides of the mouth of the brook are great spots for line fishing.   The beach is only reachable through Assafora.  Follow the signposts till you reach Catribana, passing through Cortezia. At the end of the asphalted road  you will find the road to Samarra.  No facilities.   Assafora is about 15kms from Casa do Valle, Bus #443 takes you to Catribana.

Praia da Vigia is a beach with very high cliffs and access is currently difficult.  You can reach it  through a footpath called Caminho de Descedouro das Mós – or at low tide you can walk to Vigia from the Southern point of Praia de S. Julião. There are no services here.

Lastly, we have Praia de São Julião.  At the northern boundary of the municipality, and shared with the neighbouring municipality, Mafra. It is a large, sandy beach,  located at the mouth of Ribeira  de Falcão that has, throughout the years, excavated the cliff, forming a very sizeable creek.  It has good facilities, and can be quite crowded during weekends.  Access  to the beach is about 3 kms from Assafora village, 18 kms from Casa do Valle to the beach, and reachable by  bus #443 (to Assafora).

Lots of diffrent beaches to choose from, you can go to a different one everyday!

The following 5-minute version of the Beach Filme is with more details of the beaches, including information on services, facilities, and surfing possibilities amongst other things to help you make an informed choice for your day.

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