Praia do Magoito, or Magoito Beach, is another hidden treasure in Sintra, still relatively unknown to tourists and less crowded, especially when compared to the popular Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs, also in Sintra. Its extensive golden shoreline, accompanied by a massive shale cliff, creates an incredible and unique natural setting, complemented by the turquoise blue of the sea. In the distance, to the south, you can even spot Cabo da Roca.
Frequented by families, it also offers great waves, attracting surf and bodyboard enthusiasts. Depending on the season and time of day, the tide can change significantly, forming natural pools with sandbanks. Children have a blast (and adults too).
A stream descending from the Sintra Mountains crosses the beach and flows into the sea. This stream, which varies in depth throughout the day and the seasons, serves as a natural pool for children, warming up under the sun, providing a pleasant experience for swimmers.
Infrastructure at Praia do Magoito Beach
Despite being a quieter and more natural beach, Praia do Magoito offers some basic infrastructure for visitors. There is a beachfront bar-restaurant with restrooms and a large terrace where you can sit and enjoy coffee or a drink while savoring the natural beauty of the location. Next to the bar, there is an open parking area, and outdoor showers are available for beachgoers.
Consolidated Dune
One of the most notable features of the beach is a consolidated dune, which means it has stabilized and hardened over millennia. This dune is located on the left side as you descend the beach entrance ramp and is classified as a geological monument. Archaeological studies indicate the presence of humans in the region since Paleolithic times.
In the video below, you can see the consolidated dune on the left, right at the beginning. In the background, the shale cliff.
Another curiosity about Praia do Magoito is that its waters are rich in iodine, featuring one of the highest concentrations in Europe.
“Mexilhão Santo”: Easter Tradition at Praia do Magoito Beach in Sintra
Every year during Easter, Praia do Magoito in Sintra welcomes hundreds of people for an event called “Mexilhão Santo.” It is an ancient tradition that seems to have originated from the prohibition of eating meat on Good Friday. Early in the morning, local residents, along with their friends and family, flock to the beach armed with knives and buckets to collect mussels from the rocks during low tide.
This tradition is not exclusive to Praia do Magoito and can also be witnessed on other popular beaches in the Sintra and Cascais regions.
Magical Sunset
One of the most enchanting moments at Praia do Magoito is sunset. As the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, the sky transforms into a spectacular palette of colors. Many visitors gather on the cliffs to witness this natural spectacle and capture photos.
Location: How to Get to Praia do Magoito Beach in Sintra
Praia do Magoito is located in the municipality of Sintra, in the Lisbon district of Portugal (see Google Maps below).
Access to the beach is by car. There is parking available on-site, and it is generally easy to find parking spaces, even during the summer days.
Searching for an ideal home near the beach in Portugal?
If you’re interested in living near the beautiful beaches of Sintra, the municipality of Sintra offers much more than just the city of Sintra itself. You can find ideal places to live that are even closer to Cascais than to the city of Sintra. This region is very appealing to expatriates, with the best international schools in the area. You’ll also be close to Cascais and Lisbon. The price per square meter is not as high as in Cascais and Lisbon, and the quality of life in this region is excellent.
If you want to know more about real estate in Sintra or any other region of Portugal, please contact us now and chat with me on WhatsApp: Click here to chat now via WhatsApp (Bruna Barros).