Best 10 Beaches in Cascais and Sintra Portugal

Nestled along the stunning Atlantic coast, and just a short drive from Lisbon, the towns of Cascais and Sintra boast some of Portugal’s most breathtaking beaches. These coastal gems offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern amenities. Whether you want to relax on the beach, go surfing, or hike to a remote beach, the beaches around Cascais and Sintra have something for everyone. Join us as we explore the best 10 beaches in Cascais and Sintra.

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Best Beaches in Cascais

Best for Surfers and Nature Lovers: Praia do Guincho

Praia do Guincho is renowned for its wild beauty and its incredible surfing and windsurfing. The backdrop of the Sintra mountains and surrounding dunes enhance its stunning scenery. Check out the great tours below for surf lessons and rentals. You can find surf conditions and live beach cameras here.

Praia do Guincho is also a great starting point for hikes along the coast. Take a short walk north from the beach to Fort do Guincho. One of our favorites hikes in the area goes from Fort do Guincho up to Peninha Sanctuary. While at the beach, don’t miss a meal or a drink at Bar do Guincho.

Biking to Guincho Beach from Cascais is also a very popular pastime. You can rent bikes easily from the MobiCascais stations, then bike along the coast out to the beach (about 8 km).

Best Beach for Accessibility and Family Visits: Praia do Tamariz

Praia do Tamariz is located in the heart of Estoril along the river. It’s easily accessible by train from Lisbon or Cascais. It’s popular for its lively atmosphere and beautiful sandy beach, complete with a picturesque castle overseeing it. There are plenty of restaurant options right at the beach. One of our favorites is Villa Tamariz Utopia.

Best for Solitude Seekers: Praia da Cresmina

For those in search of tranquility, the secluded Praia da Cresmina offers a peaceful haven with its fine sands and clear waters. We enjoy combining a visit to the beach with a walk through the Dunas da Cresmina. Walk up the 2 km wooden walkways to the interpretive center. There you’ll find a lovely little café, which is a great spot for a coffee or having a casual breakfast or lunch. Prefer to stay right at the beach? You’ll find a beach bar there as well.

Best for Swimming and Paddle Boarding: Praia da Duquesa

Praia da Duquesa is ideal for its calm waters and beautiful surroundings. Located near the heart of Cascais, it’s a great spot for a relaxing swim or a leisurely day under the sun. This is a common meeting point for open-water swims if you’d like to join in while in Cascais (bring your wetsuit or rent one, the water is chilly).

This is also one of the calmest spots around Cascais to go paddle boarding. Rent an SUP at the beach or take a lesson and enjoy a beautiful paddle in the harbor. While at Praia da Duquesna, enjoy a casual dinner at Capricciosa overlooking the water.

Best for Families and Cultural Enthusiasts: Praia de Santa Marta

Praia de Santa Marta is not only great for its swimming and sunbathing but also for its proximity to the adjacent lighthouse museum. If you’re looking for a quiet break by the water after exploring Cascais’ museums, Praia de Santa Marta would be a great spot for you. There is a nice café in the Parc Marechal Carmona, just a short walk from the beach.

Best Beaches in Sintra

Best for Seafood Lovers: Praia da Adraga

Praia da Adraga is know for its dramatic cliffs, stunning sunsets, and surf waves. It is a great starting point for many hiking trails and provides the perfect setting for couples and photography enthusiasts looking for breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy a meal at Restaurante da Adraga, known for excellent seafood.

Best for Family Outings and Easy Access: Praia das Maçãs

Praia das Maçãs is directly connected to Sintra by tram, making it not only picturesque but also convenient. The local amenities and family-friendly atmosphere make it a top choice for a leisurely day out.

Try Restaurante Neptuno for a beachfront meal.

Best for Health Buffs and Nature Lovers: Praia do Magoito

Praia do Magoito is known for its iodine-rich air and fossil-laden cliffs. This unique combination is believed to offer health benefits, attracting those interested in wellness and natural history.

For a bite to eat, try Esplanada Duna Mar, with beautiful views of the beach. Don’t miss a side trip to Azenhas do Mar, an incredibly picturesque village built into the cliffs along the Atlantic.

Best for Surfers and Dinosaur Enthusiasts: Praia Grande

Praia Grande offers not only great waves but also intriguing historical sites. There are preserved dinosaur footprints on the cliffs at the south end of the beach. It’s also a great surf spot.

The Arribas Sintra Hotel in Praia Grande has one of the biggest saltwater pools around, though only open during the warmer months (typically May-September). Non-guests can use the pool for a fee. If you’d like a beachfront full service hotel near Cascais and Sintra, this is an excellent choice.

Our favorite place to eat and watch the sunset in Praia Grande is Bar do Fundo. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.

Best for Adventurers and Solitude Seekers: Praia da Ursa

Best for adventurers and solitude seekers, Praia da Ursa requires a steep hike to reach its secluded sands, making it one of the most pristine and less crowded beaches in the region. Its dramatic landscape is perfect for those looking for a quiet getaway. There are no facilities at the beach, so come prepared with water and any food you’d like to enjoy at the beach. This is our favorite beach, but the hike down is not for everyone. Be sure to read more about how to get to Praia da Ursa before heading out on to the beach.

If you’d like to enjoy a restaurant on the water after going to the beach, try either going to Praia da Adraga, Praia Grande, or Praia da Guincho. All are close by, have parking, and have great restaurant options.

Cascais and Sintra not only enchant with their historic sites and lush landscapes but also with their diverse and stunning coastlines and beaches. From the surfer’s paradise at Praia do Guincho to the secluded beauty of Praia da Ursa, these beaches cater to all preferences, and are just a short distance from Lisbon’s buzz. Ensure your itinerary includes the best beaches in Cascais and Sintra for a truly comprehensive exploration of Portuguese coastal charm.

Where to Stay

Praia Grande	The oceanfront Arribas Sintra Hotel with its large swimming pool, restaurant, and sustainable practices is one of the nicest choices in the area.
Azenhas do Mar	Casa no Campo is a wonderful oceanfront house with a hot tub in Azenhas do Mar if you’d like to stay directly in town.
Sintra	If you’re looking for a full service hotel closer to Sintra, Vila Gale Sintra is a top choice.
Cascais	Casa Vela Guest House is quiet and has lovely gardens and pools. It is in a great location to reach all of the Cascais sites as well as the coast.

How to Get to Cascais and Sintra’s Beaches from Lisbon

Cascais: It is easy to get to Cascais from Lisbon. Simply take the line 19001 train from Cais Do Sodre. The train takes 40 min, with a view of the coast for most of the ride. It only costs €2 – €3. If you are interested in visiting the museums, check out the Cascais museum card, which offers you access to 15 museums and parks for 10 Euros (up to 24 hours). Praias Tamariz, Duquesa, and Santa Marta are all easy to walk to from town. To get to Guincho and Cresmina, we recommend renting a bike or e-bike, and taking a beautiful ride along the coast to get there. Buses do also run from Cascais out to Guincho.

Sintra: getting to the main part of Sintra is straight forward. From Lisbon, take the train to Sintra. Once in Sintra, take a bus to the beach areas (or in the case of Maças, take a tram). It may be faster to head to these beaches in a car, but public transport is certainly feasible.