How to Get to Praia da Ursa: 2 Ways to Reach the Beach

Nestled on the rugged coastline of Portugal near the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Praia da Ursa is a true hidden gem. It is untouched by the hustle and bustle of the more commercialized beaches. This secluded paradise offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere that can make any hike worthwhile. In this travel blog, we will explore two scenic routes to reach Praia da Ursa: one from Cabo da Roca and another from Praia da Adraga. We will also show you how to reach a viewpoint over Ursa without tackling the challenging portions of the trail.

Be aware that the trails down to Praia da Ursa are challenging. steep, and slippery even under the best of conditions. Good hiking shoes are a must, and a walking stick can be helpful. This trail is not for everyone, but it is one of our favorites.

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Hiking Tours to Sintra-Cascais Nature Park

The hikes to Praia da Ursa are not straight forward. See our recommended tours below if you prefer to have a guided tour to explore these or other area trails.

Getting to Praia da Ursa from Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca, known for its dramatic cliffs and as the westernmost point of continental Europe, serves as a stunning starting point for the hike to Praia da Ursa. To begin your adventure, make your way to Cabo da Roca. To get to Cabo da Roca:

• By car, it is about 45 minutes from Lisbon, 30 minutes from Cascais, and 15-20 minutes from Sintra. Parking at Cabo da Roca is free. Before reserving your rental car, be sure to check out the top tips for renting a car in Portugal!
• By public transport from Lisbon, take the train to Sintra, then transfer to a short bus ride to Cabo da Roca.
• By public transport from Cascais, take the bus to Sintra, then transfer to a short bus ride to Cabo da Roca.
• By public transport from Sintra, take a short bus ride to Cabo da Roca.

The whole trail is 2.0 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip and has 597 ft (181 m) in elevation loss (on the way to the beach), and equivalent gain on the way back.

Starting Point

Start at the parking area near the Cabo da Roca lighthouse. If you need restrooms before heading out on the trail, you’ll find these in the visitors center (bring coins along).

From the north side of the parking lot, you’ll find a dirt path marked by a sign that points towards Praia da Ursa. The path is not very well marked, so keeping the coastline in sight is a good strategy.

The Trail to the Viewpoint

The first section of the trail (pictured below) is on a narrow dirt trail. As you can see, there tend to be a number of options you can take. Download the trail map from Alltrails before heading out, in case you lose cell service. As a general rule of thumb, stay on the path closer to the coastline, but don’t go downhill to Praia da Aroeira.

You will reach an overlook where you can see Praia da Ursa (before the trail heads downhill). If you would just like a view of the beach without the steep and challenging hike, this is your spot to take photos before retracing your steps.

The Trail Down to the Beach

This is where the trail gets more challenging. As you descend, the path narrows, and you will need to navigate through some rocky and rugged terrain. There is one section with a rope attached, which you can use for support on the way down and up again. I am never sure if this is truly needed, but it certainly makes this section easier. Use caution when descending down the trail to the beach. The sand and rocks are loose, and it is easy to slip.

After approximately 30 to 45 minutes of hiking, you will be rewarded with the sight of Praia da Ursa’s stunning beach. The beach is named after the rock formation resembling a bear and her cub, a natural marvel that enhances the magical feel of the secluded cove.

Exploring Praia da Ursa

Take some time to explore Praia da Ursa, enjoying the stunning landscape and an often empty beach. Please keep in mind:

• There are no amenities at the beach (no lifeguard, no restrooms, no water, no food). Bring more water than you think you need, and swim at your own risk.
• The beach is shady in the mornings, and fully exposed to the sun in the afternoons.
• Bring a windbreaker; it is often windier at the beach than at your starting point.
• Pack out whatever you bring in.
• Do not sit under the cliffs, in case of falling rocks.

There are rocks you can climb around on both on the north and south sides of the beach. The photo above was taken during a lower tide. In Spring, you can sometimes find a small waterfall in the gap between the cliffs.

Alternate Route to Praia da Ursa from Praia da Adraga

For those looking for a slightly longer and more challenging route, consider starting your hike at Praia da Adraga. This is another beautiful beach located north of Praia da Ursa and offers its own unique landscapes. This beach is lifeguarded and has a restaurant, Restaurante da Adraga, serving excellent seafood. We enjoy starting our hikes here, since we can enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the beach after we finish our hike.

Starting Point

Begin at Praia da Adraga, where free parking is available. You can drive or take a bus from Sintra in under 30 minutes.

The Trail

You can find this route on Alltrails as Circular Ulgueira-Adraga-Ursa trail. Start by walking up the road for the parking area, and turning right onto the 1st dirt road. This challenging trail hugs the coastline and has stunning views, but requires an additional steep downhill and steep uphill, before connecting with the steep downhill described above to Praia da Ursa. It is challenging and certainly not for everyone.

It is listed as a circular trail. After visiting Praia da Ursa, it takes a rolling and moderate dirt road back to Praia da Adraga. It is on the road for about 100 meters, but otherwise is a quiet rural dirt road. We saw one mountain biker and one motorcycle on the path to Adraga, but it was otherwise empty.

Exploring Praia da Ursa is a perfect adventure for those who love nature and seek tranquility away from crowded tourist spots. With its stunning landscapes and serene beach, it promises to be an unforgettable part of your Portuguese travels.

Where to Stay when Visiting Praia da Ursa

Essential Hiking Tips

• Mountain weather: Always check the forecast before heading out and watch for rapid weather changes. When you see bad weather coming, get below timberline.
• Hydration and Fuel: Bring more water for your day hikes than you think you’ll need. Electrolytes can help you stay hydrated (e.g., Nuun and LiquidIV). Don’t drink water from streams and ponds, unless you are using a LifeStraw or similar. Pack energy-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits, and energy bars.
• Leave no Trace: Preserve the natural beauty by following the Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Wildlife Awareness: Be aware of the wildlife in the area. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals and know what to do in an encounter with local animals.
• Navigation: If you are using a map on your phone, make sure that it is downloaded. Cell service can be unreliable in the wilderness areas. Inform someone of your hiking plan and expected return time.
• First Aid: Carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries. This should include, at minimum, Band-Aids, antiseptic, aspirin, mirror, matches, and a jack-knife, a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool.
• Check our post on Day Hike Essentials for a more comprehensive list of items to bring on your day hike.

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