Sintra was the chosen destination by the Portuguese royalty. Proof of this can be seen in the numerous palaces scattered throughout the region. The beaches of Sintra make the destination even more interesting and are incredible outings for families. My children love them! The sea water may not be as warm as in the Algarve, but I assure you that the fun is guaranteed! The beaches are beautiful, with indescribable natural beauty! Sceneries that are true paradises! In this article, I list the 5 beaches in Sintra that I consider the most interesting for family outings. Praia da Adraga is my favorite ❤️😊!
Before listing the beaches, it’s important to mention that Sintra has a microclimate, which means it can be sunny in surrounding cities and cloudy in Sintra. Therefore, I recommend checking the weather before leaving home.
Sintra reminds me a bit of a tropical climate. The vegetation of the mountains and the more humid microclimate bring a touch of tropicalism that can only be found in this region of Portugal. This was also one of the factors that made royalty choose the region as their favorite. I love it! On very hot days (Portugal’s summer sun is quite strong), I even prefer it when the weather is a bit cloudy.
🚨🔔 ATTENTION: As with any beach in Sintra and Cascais, there’s a warning: Depending on the tide, the waves can become strong and treacherous. Usually, most beaches are monitored by lifeguards in the summer. So, always be careful and keep an eye on the children!
1 – Praia Grande: One of Sintra’s Most Popular Beaches
Praia Grande Beach in Sintra gets its name precisely because it is the largest in the region and is famous for its extensive stretch of golden sands. It is also considered one of the cleanest beaches in Portugal. Abundant in waves, it serves as a stage for national and international surf and bodyboard competitions.
Like most of Sintra’s main beaches, it is surrounded by a very beautiful landscape, with a large cliff at the end creating a beautiful natural scenery. The highlight is the cliff to the north of the beach, perpendicular to the sea, which creates a unique landscape.
Praia Grande in Sintra is also known for its Dinosaur footprints! That’s right… Click here to learn more about Praia Grande Beach!
2 – Praia das Maçãs: Another Popular Sintra Beach
Praia das Maçãs is a coastal gem that combines the serenity of the beach with a relaxed and fun atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a complete seaside experience. The peculiar name of the beach comes from the small apples that used to be washed up on the sand by the river that flows into the sea. Nowadays, the beach is known for its central square with a quaint old tram that still transports visitors between the beach and the nearby village. The vast stretch of sand allows families to build sandcastles and play fun games. The gentle waves make the water ideal for swimming, and the presence of lifeguards ensures everyone’s safety. With nearby restaurants, cafes, and leisure facilities, Praia das Maçãs is a charming retreat where families can create precious memories while enjoying the Sintra coastline. Learn more about Praia das Maçãs
3 – Praia do Magoito in Sintra
Praia do Magoito in Sintra is another refuge known for its natural beauty. Not as popular as Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs, it is known for its extensive golden shoreline accompanied by an imposing cliff that creates an immersive environment, along with the turquoise sea. It’s an incredible setting!
The beach offers good waves, which attract surf and bodyboarding enthusiasts. In the distance, you can spot Cabo da Roca to the south.
The tide, as in many Sintra beaches, often changes a lot. With it, the waves can become strong. At low tide, the formation of sandbanks and natural pools is common, to the delight of children (and adults).
The most fun, especially for the little ones, is a stream that flows from the Sintra mountains, crosses the shore, and flows into the sea. This stream, which varies in depth throughout the day and the seasons, functions as a natural pool for children, warming up in the sun and making the experience enjoyable for swimmers.
The beach has parking, a good seafood restaurant, bathrooms, and outdoor showers for swimmers.
An interesting feature of Praia do Magoito is a consolidated dune, just to the left of the access ramp, classified as a geological monument. Learn more about Praia do Magoito
4 – Praia da Adraga: My Favorite in Sintra!
I always make it a point to say that Praia da Adraga is my favorite in the Sintra region! It’s personal… I know! The natural beauty of this beach, with its rock formations and still wild atmosphere, brings me incredible peace. My kids love it! It is considered one of the best beaches in Europe!
Because it’s located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the beach is protected from aggressive tourist development, preserving its natural beauty and untouched environment.
There is a very good seafood restaurant on-site, where showers and restrooms are also available for beachgoers. There is also parking on-site.
A curiosity of Praia da Adraga is the “Fojo da Adraga,” a cave that seems to have piqued the interest of the Romans. It’s one of the most interesting attractions in the area. Want to know more about this Roman story and the main curiosities of Praia da Adraga? Then click here to see photos and a video I made inside Fojo da Adraga.
5 – Praia de Azenhas do Mar: Historical Charm and Seaside Fun
Praia de Azenhas do Mar is a true historical charm, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and traditional charm. The spectacular scenery is complemented by natural pools carved into the rocks, which are ideal for families looking to explore marine life in a safe environment. Children can have fun jumping from the stone platforms or exploring the small shallow pools. Additionally, the beach is known for its beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the white houses of Azenhas do Mar, which frame the landscape quaintly. Local restaurants offer delicious food options, allowing families to savor local cuisine after a day of seaside fun.
In summary, the beaches of Sintra offer a diverse range of seaside experiences for families seeking moments of fun, relaxation, and exploration. Whether it’s Praia do Magoito with its natural and adventurous atmosphere, Praia Grande with its ample space and tidal pool, Praia da Adraga with its picturesque serenity, or Praia de Azenhas do Mar with its historical charm, each of these beaches provides a unique opportunity to create unforgettable family memories. On your next trip to Sintra, be sure to explore these seaside treasures that captivate both adults and children, offering a perfect family vacation retreat.
How about living near these beaches in Sintra?
The municipality of Sintra is an area that goes beyond the city of Sintra itself. You can find ideal places to live that are even closer to Cascais than to the city of Sintra. For this reason, it is a very interesting area for expatriates. The best international schools are in this region. At the same time, you will 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, contact me now and chat with me on WhatsApp: Click here to chat with me on WhatsApp (Bruna Barros).