Praia da Adraga or Adraga Beach is one of my favorites near Sintra and Cascais. The wild aspect and natural beauty brought by its rock formations create a unique and relaxing atmosphere. It’s simply stunning! 😍 And it’s not just me saying this… the beach has been considered one of the top 20 beaches in Europe by the Sunday Times.
Check out beautiful photos we captured of the beach, videos, and the reasons that make this charming place one of my favorites in Portugal in this article.
Praia da Adraga: A Protected Paradise
One of the most remarkable features of Adraga Beach is its location within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. As a result, it’s shielded from aggressive tourist development, preserving its natural beauty and untouched environment.
Praia da Adraga is not yet as popular, and therefore relatively uncrowded (…for now). We learned about it from a Ukrainian couple of friends who recently moved to Sintra and recommended it to us. Even some locals living in the area are unfamiliar with the place.
A stroll to Adraga Beach allows visitors to experience the authentic coastal beauty of Portugal without the excesses of crowds or modern constructions.
The beach is also famous for its caves and rock formations. “Fojo da Adraga,” a cave that seemed to pique the curiosity of the Romans, is one of the most intriguing attractions in the area. We’ll discuss it in detail later in this article.
Although it’s an ideal spot for families, including children, the waves can be strong. Therefore, children should be supervised and take special care. Lifeguards watch over the beach in the summer. The water is clean, and the beach has been awarded the “Blue Flag,” a symbol of environmental quality.
A great seafood restaurant is available on-site, which also provides showers for beachgoers and restrooms. There’s parking available as well.
Pedra de Alvidar – Alvidar Rock at Adraga Beach
The Alvidar Rock is another highly interesting point on the beach. It’s a geological phenomenon that formed millions of years ago, creating a layer of crystalline limestone positioned at nearly 90 degrees, vertically, creating a fascinating landscape right next to the water. There’s a tunnel in it where visitors enjoy taking photos.
The rock attracts young people and climbers who like to practice climbing on its walls.
Fojo da Adraga Cave and the Triton Legend
Another curious formation and perhaps the most interesting point on the beach is the “Fojo da Adraga” or “Fojo Cave.” Encircling the Alvidar Rock, there’s a huge crack in the rocky mountain caused by the corrosive action of rain on the limestone layers. It’s possible to enter the crack and proceed through dozens of meters of a dark cave. It’s recommended to use the light from your cellphone and exercise extreme caution. The crack is quite popular among visitors, but there’s no surveillance or guidance from authorities. Therefore, it’s at your own risk. I imagine that in the near future, this crack will face some form of visitation restriction.
The Legend of Fojo da Adraga
There’s a story, whether legend or not, where the Romans suspected the existence of a 🧜♂️ Triton inside the Fojo, playing a 🐚 búzio (conch shell) at the bottom of the cave. The Fojo naturally emits a sound caused by the waves, which fueled the suspicion. It’s even said that during that time (between 14 and 34 AD), reports were sent to Emperor Tiberius to report the suspicion.
Location of Praia da Adraga and How to Get There
Praia da Adraga belongs to the municipality of Sintra, within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, close to the towns of Colares and Almoçageme.
The journey to Adraga Beach is a highlight in itself. I’ve mentioned before on this blog that my family and I live in Quinta da Beloura, in the municipality of Sintra. The drive from our home to Adraga Beach is simply beautiful, passing through Sintra and Colares. The route around the city of Colares is particularly charming, making our visits to Adraga Beach (and other beaches in the region) very special.
Access to the beach is only possible by car via a road from Almoçageme, which leads directly to the beach, connecting to the parking area and the Adraga Restaurant.
Adraga Restaurant
Don’t miss out on savoring the delicious local cuisine at the Adraga Restaurant.
Located on the beach, the Adraga Restaurant offers bathrooms, showers, and more. The restaurant is popular among locals in the region and offers excellent seafood and local dishes. It’s a must-stop for visitors who want to experience the authentic flavors of fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes. Enjoying a seaside meal while watching the sunset over the Atlantic is truly a memorable experience. See reviews on TripAdvisor.
Remember to make a reservation before visiting the restaurant. The establishment is quite popular and has limited seating. Learn more on the official restaurant website.
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