1. Fojo da Adraga and Carneiro Beach Viewpoint

Hidden among the cliffs of Adraga Beach, the Fojo da Adraga is an impressive and little-known geological formation. It is a vertical cavity that connects the surface to the sea, forming a natural shaft that, on high-tide days, amplifies the sound of the waves with an almost mystical force. Access requires caution, but the view and the sense of discovery are well worth the effort. It is an ideal spot for lovers of geology and adventure.

You can reach Fojo da Adraga via the GR11 Atlantic Route hiking trail and the Cabo da Roca, Adraga Beach path, both available on the Walk Sintra app and at walksintra.com.

Along this route, before reaching the Fojo, you’ll find the Caneiro Beach Viewpoint, one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Located between Ursa Beach and Adraga Beach, this viewpoint sits at a high point with difficult access. The path requires an adventurous spirit, but the reward is one of the wildest and most unspoilt coastal landscapes in Portugal, perfect for watching the sunset.

2. Dinosaur Footprints

At Praia Grande, hidden within the limestone cliffs, lie fossilised dinosaur footprints that are millions of years old. These traces bear witness to the presence of dinosaurs in the region during the Jurassic period. The location is discreet and poorly signposted, making the experience feel even more special — like discovering a secret place.

How to get there
For those unable to climb stairs, part of the footprints can be observed from an upper platform, accessible by car and followed by a short walk. The staircase is part of the E9/GR11 and PR7 Sintra walking routes, between Adraga Beach and Praia Grande. Praia Grande is served by Scotturb local buses 439 and 441.

The best time of day to see the footprints is in the afternoon, when the sunlight illuminates the rock face.

For prehistory enthusiasts and dinosaur lovers, the Sintra Natural History Museum is a must-visit. There, you can see fossils that are millions of years old and explore an exhibition designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. Click here to check the museum’s opening hours.

3. The Circular Chapel of São Mamede

Probably dating back to the 16th century (or earlier), the Chapel of São Mamede stands out for its circular floor plan — a rare feature in Portuguese religious architecture. Its simple, whitewashed structure resembles a dovecote, giving it a peculiar charm and raising questions about the influences behind its construction.

The circular shape, associated with eternity and divine perfection, is uncommon in Christian chapels and may have roots in pagan traditions that predate the Christianisation of the region.

Complemented by a south-facing porch, the chapel is set in a landscape where the grandeur of the Sintra mountains meets the Atlantic breeze.

How to visit (with a bit of luck)
Visiting the Chapel of São Mamede is a rare privilege. Outside the August festivities, access is virtually impossible, as the building remains closed to the public for the rest of the year. Those wishing to attend the traditional blessing of the animals or to see the interior of the chapel must follow the local religious calendar.

Still, the surroundings are well worth exploring. The landscape is shaped by natural trails with magnificent views over the countryside and the ocean. Sitting beside the chapel, listening to the wind and birdsong, can feel like a quiet communion with the spirit of São Mamede. Some secrets, after all, are best when they are never fully revealed.

The chapel can be reached via the PR8 walking route (Vinho de Colares), available on walksintra.com.

4. Santa Eufémia Viewpoint

Little known even among locals, the Santa Eufémia Viewpoint offers a unique view over the town of Sintra and Pena Palace, framed by the lush vegetation of the mountains. Located next to an ancient hermitage, this is an ideal spot for a picnic or a peaceful break during a walk. Far from the bustle of the most popular tourist attractions, it is a true refuge for nature and photography lovers.

A wooden boardwalk has recently been installed, elevated above the ground and equipped with stairs, connecting the viewpoint to Miguel Torga Street. The route begins at the Chapel of Santa Eufémia and leads to Casa da Lapa. At 470 metres above sea level, the view over Lisbon and the Tagus River is simply stunning.

The recent intervention also included transforming an old ramp into a staircase and restoring the surrounding walking paths. Benches were placed along the route so walkers can pause and enjoy the landscape, sounds and scents of the Sintra hills.

The project also enhanced the surroundings of the hermitage, which dates back to the 13th century. It is believed that the water from the Fountain of Santa Eufémia once had healing properties, making this an important pilgrimage site.

5. Odrinhas Museum

The Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas is a hidden gem for lovers of history and culture. Located in Odrinhas, this museum brings together artefacts from across the region, offering a fascinating journey through the lives of the peoples who passed through here over the centuries.

From ceramics to coins and jewellery, the collection is diverse and impressive. The exhibitions explore themes such as ancient art forms, traditional lifestyles and craftsmanship from other eras.

More than just a museum, this space is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Portugal’s cultural heritage. With interactive exhibitions and an engaging atmosphere, it is ideal for those who wish to explore the past in greater depth. If you’re nearby, don’t miss this experience.

Sintra hides secrets that only the most curious are able to uncover. These five places are just a glimpse of what awaits those willing to venture beyond the obvious. Put on your walking shoes, bring water, and embrace your explorer’s spirit — the true Sintra reveals itself to those who are willing to discover it.

And if you wish to spend more than just a few hours in Sintra, stay at Casa do Valle: a place where you can watch the end of the day surrounded by nature, with exclusive views of Sintra’s most iconic landmarks, such as Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira. And yes, it is yet another place we consider a secret. In fact, we can confidently say that Casa do Valle is Sintra’s 6th best-kept secret.

The post Sintra’s Best-Kept Secrets: 5 Places Almost No One Knows About appeared first on Casa do Valle.

Our Hike & Wine suggestions take you to wonderful, local, award winning special vineyards of our region, where you can enjoy a guided tour and a wine tasting at the end of your walk. Best yet, there is a perfect walk for everyone:  there is a route for you, whether you wish to walk through the countryside, on the coast, or in the mountain. You can choose to walk just 5 kms or make it a day with a 15 km walk. Want to have lunch on the way? Also possible.

Following are some of our suggestions for you,

Through the mountain paths: Casa do Valle to Almoçageme and Casal Santa Maria or Adega Viuva Gomes, 13 kms.  Or 5,5 kms if you start near Monserrate palace.   There are nice little restaurants in the village for lunch or dinner.

From the Historic Center to the countryside of Janas: Casa do Valle to Quinta San Michel, 7.5 kms.  Lunch options in the nearby village.

The classic Colares roundtrip wine route:  15 kms in the Colares region in the villages, on the coast and in the in the pine forest starting and finishing at the Adega Regional of Colares. You can take the historic tram or a bus from Casa do Valle to the starting point.

These walks are great for you alone or for a group activity!

Take a look at short 1 minute videos on our YouTube Channel of what the walks and places look like.

And while you are at it, there are other little videos on walking in Sintra, our beaches and Casa do Valle!  Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications on new suggestions for your Sintra adventures.

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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!

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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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