6 Best Best Beaches in Sintra

Praia das Maçãs (Apple beach) is one of the most popular beaches within striking distance of Lisbon. The name comes from the fact that once upon a time apples would fall off trees upstream of the (Ribeira de Colares) river that flows along the southern side of the beach. These would then wash up on the beach - hence the name.

One reason for the popularity of this beach is the tram line which connects Praia das Maçãs to Sintra during the Summer months.

Praia Grande is probably the closest, and certainly the mostly easily accessed, beach from Sintra. The name translates to "Big beach" and whilst the beach isn't massive, it is the biggest on the Sintra - Cascais coast, rivaled only by Guincho in terms of size. The expanse of golden sand is big enough to hold the summer crowds who flock here, many coming straight from Sintra on the tram which stops close to Praia Grande before continuing on to Praia das Macas.
As you'd expect for a popular beach there are plenty of facilities such as cafes, bars toilets and plenty of parking.

Just around the corner from Praia Grande is another local favourite Praia da Adraga. This sandy little cove is backed by high cliffs with a deep valley winding down to the beach. The beach here is usually quieter than the better known beaches in the area and is mostly the preserve of locals. However, it can get quite busy at weekends when parking is at a premium.

Backed by imposing cliffs this long sandy beach is located at the mouth of the river Mata.

Set on the Atlantic west coast just north of Cabo da Roca is a little gem of a beach - Praia da Ursa. Unspoilt and wild, this little beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the area. The name of the beach comes from the "Rocha da Ursa" (bear rock) one of two huge sea stacks at the northern end of the beach. It is said that the rock resembles a bear with its cub, although I can't quite see this myself!

Situated just around the corner from Cascais's famous Guincho beach is the lovely intimate little cove of Praia do Abano. This little gem is easily overlooked. After the sand strewn vista over Guincho the Sintra coast road winds through pine woods, and it is off a dirt track through these woods that you will find Praia do Abano. Abano has some similarities with its bigger neighbour; it is exposed to the strong winds and powerful waves that often pummel this exposed coast.