Praia da Adraga Portugal is one of the most famous beaches in the Sintra-Cascais region. The large sandy area, its wild environment and great rock formations make Adraga Beach a must-see. Discover it in photos and video.
Information to plan your visit at the end of the article
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Praia da Adraga Beach Video
Let's start with a short video showing you the peaceful feeling of Adraga Beach (when not in peak season...):
Praia da Adraga Portugal
Praia da Adraga Portugal is a remote beach in the Sintra -Cascais National Park. It has quite a deep sandy area with soft sand.
At the south end is an arch and at the North end big black boulders cut by erosion.
The Arch of Adraga Beach Portugal
I know most photograph go to the other end of the beach for the point black rock formations (see next section), but I really fell in love with the arch. It is really close to the parking.
I love its proportion and the cut in the rocks. Some call it the Elephant rock.
Just be careful at high tide as you could be taking a picture inside when a wave comes all the way on your feet 🙁
This location, along with many other beautiful places, is included in my eBook: The Road Trip Guide - Portugal.
It is a practical tool to plan your trip with maps, photos, planning tips, GPS coordinates...
Praia da Adraga, best at Low tide...
Because I was limited in time and really wanted to explore Magoito Beach, I stayed on the South side of Adraga beach. But there are some great views and rock formations towards the North.
It is best at low tide to be able to explore further and get fantastic angle.
Praia da Adraga is acutally loved by photographers because of these dark rock formations. However they are not as impressive as those you can see in the Algarve region (such as on Marinha Beach or Ponta da Piedade).
As this beach is more easily accessed from Lisbon, it has become a favorite for a lot of photographers. The waves crashing on those rock formations are amazing at sunset...
But again, it is better to explore the beach at low tide. See this photo below from another photographer:
Adraga Beach Café Restaurant
Adraga Beach is still quite wild. There is only a parking with a cafe (Restaurant d'Agrada) and facilities. The next beach Praia Grande as several restaurant but less drama...
INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Praia da Adraga Beach
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
How to get to Praia da Adraga Portugal
- West coast of Portugal, in the Sintra-Cascais National Park, North of Cabo da Roca
- Near the town of Almoçageme
- Sintra to Praia da Adraga - 25 min (13km) - small roads
- Lisbon to Praia da Adraga - 50min (44km)
This location with its GPS coordinates and planning info is included in the eBooks - Road Trip Guide Portugal and Road Trip Guide: Lisbon/Sintra/Algarve
Visiting Adraga Beach
- Avoid the weekends in Summer - parking and beach will be full!
- Restaurant and facilities
- Better to explore at low tide
- Be careful the waves are really strong
Want to see more of PORTUGAL?
Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Portugal Destination Guide.
Stunning arch, isn't is?
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Some great shots here – the night and day beach photos. Amazing video and pics. Thank you so much for sharing it.