10 Best Beaches Near Sintra Portugal: Secret Spots & Views

There is a specific kind of magic that lingers in the air around Sintra. It’s a humidity that smells of damp moss, wild jasmine, and the faint, ancient dust of royalty. You spend your day navigating the impossible turrets of the Pena Palace or getting lost in the fog-shrouded paths of the Quinta da Regaleira, and by 4:00 PM, your legs are tired, your skin is sticky, and the mountains are calling for something else entirely: the sea.

Most travelers don’t realize that the Costa de Lisboa is a chameleon. Just a twenty-minute drive from the fairytale hills lies a rugged, wind-whipped Atlantic coastline that feels a world away. This isn't the gentle Mediterranean; this is the wild ocean. Finding the best beaches near Sintra Portugal is a quest for balance—between the dramatic cliffs and the soft sand, between the crashing waves and the quiet pools.

I’ve spent a decade chasing the light on this coastline, from the surf breaks of Ericeira to the hidden coves of Colares. I’ve eaten too many bifanas in smoky taverns and gotten sand in places sand shouldn't be. This is my definitive guide to the 10 best beaches near Sintra, where to find secret spots, and how to snag those million-euro sunset views without the million-euro crowds.

1. Praia da Ursa (The Witch’s Beach)

Address: Estrada da Praia da Ursa, 2705-001 Colares, Portugal

If you only have time for one beach, make it this one. Praia da Ursa isn't just a beach; it’s a geological statement. Located at the very tip of Cabo da Roca—the westernmost point of mainland Europe—it is a rugged, difficult-to-reach paradise that demands respect.

The journey is part of the adventure. You park at the designated lot near the lighthouse and hike down a steep path. As you descend, the view opens up to reveal two massive, needle-like rock formations rising from the turquoise foam like ancient monoliths. The water is shockingly clear, but the currents are strong. This is a place for strong swimmers and those who want to feel truly small against nature. It is isolated, raw, and undeniably the most romantic beaches near Sintra Portugal for couples.

2. Praia da Adraga (The Surfer’s Sanctuary)

Address: Almoçageme, 2705-001 Sintra, Portugal

Located just a few kilometers north of Ursa, Praia da Adraga is where the rugged cliffs give way to a wider, more accessible bay. It sits at the mouth of a small estuary, protected from the northern winds, making it a haven for surfers. The vibe here is "local secret." The beach is a mix of dark sand and pebbles, cool on the feet even on the hottest August day.

What makes Adraga special is the village behind it. After a session in the water, walk across the road to Mar à Vista or O Pescador. These are plastic-chair, salt-crusted shacks serving the catch of the day. It is the quintessential Portuguese beach experience: wild surf, warm hospitality, and simple, perfect food.

3. Praia Grande (The Grand Stage)

Address: Rua da Praia Grande, 2705-001 Sintra, Portugal

Praia Grande is the undisputed king of the Sintra coast in terms of size. It is a massive, sweeping arc of pale sand that stretches for nearly two kilometers. If you are looking for best beaches near Sintra Portugal for families, this is your top contender. The scale of the place is impressive, backed by a promenade lined with palm trees and cafes.

The waves here are consistent but manageable. But the real draw is the history buried beneath the sand. During low tide, you can hunt for fossils in the rock beds or explore the remnants of the Roman fish-salting tanks. It’s not the secluded hideaway that Ursa is, but it is vital, vibrant, and accessible.

4. Praia da Rainha (The Queen’s Hideaway)

Address: Rua do Porto, 2705-213 Colares, Portugal

Tucked away near the center of the coastline, Praia da Rainha (Queen’s Beach) is a tiny, semi-circular cove. Legend has it that this was the private beach of Queen Amélia, wife of King Carlos I. Finding it requires navigating a narrow, winding staircase carved into the cliff face.

As you descend, the world shrinks. The beach is hemmed in by towering rock walls, and the water is often calm, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling. I stumbled upon this beach on a Tuesday in May, looking for a place to escape the crowds. I found a German couple playing chess on a driftwood log and a local fisherman mending his nets. If you are looking for quiet beaches near Sintra Portugal off the beaten path, this is a gem.

5. Praia do Guincho (The Windy Playground)

Address: Estrada do Guincho, 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal

Technically, Guincho is in Cascais, but no list is complete without it. It is just a short drive from the Sintra mountains and offers a cinematic landscape that has appeared in James Bond films. Guincho is defined by wind. It is a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers.

The dunes here are massive and constantly shifting. The water is a stunning emerald green, and the waves are powerful. Don't come here for a quiet sunbath. Come for the drama, the sports, and the sheer power of the elements.

6. Praia de Penedo (The Surfer’s Mecca)

Address: Rua do Penedo, 2655-285 Ericeira, Portugal

Driving from Sintra to Ericeira, you pass through rolling hills of eucalyptus before the ocean suddenly explodes into view. Penedo is a small, tight cove that sits right at the entrance to the world-famous surf reserve. The beach is framed by jagged black rocks and whitewashed villas.

The water clarity here is exceptional—some of the best beaches near Sintra with crystal clear water. It’s a spot favored by bodyboarders and intermediate surfers. My favorite memory here is watching the sunrise, casting a golden glow on the surfers silhouetted against the waves. Even if you don't paddle out, the atmosphere is infectious.

7. Praia da Raposeira (The Quiet Reflection)

Address: Rua da Praia da Raposeira, 2705-001 Colares, Portugal

Sandwiched between the massive Praia Grande and the popular Praia da Rainha, Praia da Raposeira is often overlooked, which is exactly why it’s wonderful. It is a small, unassuming strip of sand that serves as a quiet buffer between the tourist hotspots.

The beach is accessible via a dirt track and a short set of wooden stairs. It’s popular with locals from the Colares village who prefer a low-key afternoon. The rock pools at low tide are fantastic for kids (or adults) looking for crabs and starfish. It’s a place to bring a book, apply sunscreen, and let an afternoon slip by unnoticed.

8. Praia dos Moleiros (The Family Favorite)

Address: Rua da Praia dos Moleiros, 2705-001 Sintra, Portugal

Located right next to Praia Grande, Praia dos Moleiros is a smaller, more sheltered cove. The name refers to the "mole" or breakwater rocks that protect the beach, creating a natural pool effect. This is the ultimate spot for best beaches near Sintra Portugal for families with young children.

The waves are significantly tamer here, and the sandy bottom slopes gently into the water. You will see families setting up camp for the day with colorful buckets and spades. The infrastructure here is excellent, with easy parking and plenty of ice cream options.

9. Praia de Santa Maria (The Ericeira Gem)

Address: Rua da Praia de Santa Maria, 2655-207 Ericeira, Portugal

Ericeira is the only surf reserve in Europe, and Praia de Santa Maria is its heart. Located directly in the town center, this is a beach that you almost stumble upon as you wander the narrow, cobbled streets. It is enclosed by high cliffs and a small pier, making the water often very calm.

It’s a favorite spot for local fishermen and a great spot for best beaches near Sintra for surfing beginners. After a swim, grab a table at a local cafe and watch the sunset paint the cliffs gold. It’s sophisticated yet rugged—a combination that defines this coastline.

10. Praia da Lagoa (The Algarve of the North)

Address: Rua da Lagoa, 2655-228 Ericeira, Portugal

The final stop on our tour takes us further north toward Mafra. Praia da Lagoa is a stunner. It sits at the bottom of a steep valley, and the view looks uncannily like the Algarve—turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and sea caves. It is a bit of a hike down, so it deters the casual tourist.

But for those who make the effort, the rewards are immense. The rock formations here are sculptural, and the water is shockingly clear and calm, making it a favorite for snorkelers. This beach feels like a secret that the locals are keeping to themselves.