Located in Sintra-Cascais National Park, Praia do Magoito is one of the most impressive Portugal beaches. The dark cliff of Magoito beach is well completed by the rocks, the waves and the solidified sand dune. A pleasure of those in love with wild landscapes, beaches and geology. A place not to be missed! Below is my guide to help you plan your visit.
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Why visit Magoito Beach in Portugal?
Magoito is a magnificent beach where the golden sand contrast with the dark cliff. And it offers easy access to a viewpoint from above!
A picture is better than words...
Before we continue with photos from the beach itself, here is a short video to see the beach come alive with the waves:
You can probably understand why it made to my list of the Best Portugal Beaches
More photos after the planning tips.
PLANNING TIPS - Praia do Magoito Portugal
How to get to Praia do Magoito
- In the Sintra Cascais National Park, North West of Lisbon
- Near the town of Magoito
- Lisbon to Magoito = 1 h drive (40km)
- Sintra to Magoito = 20min drive
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Visiting Magoito Beach
- Facilities and restaurant
- Easy access via ramp
- Parking gets full in Summer
- Good for surf and body-boarding
- Paradise for photographers
- You can stay in Sintra to explore the region - Check out the best rated accommodations in Sintra
- Or you can stay closer to the beach - Check out the options in the area
The Beach of Magoito - viewpoint
The parking of Magoito Beach is located on top of the cliffs. This is why you can get splendid views of the the long stretch of sand from above.
This is the best place to admire the impressive dark wall straight up from the beach. It presents a succession of horizontal layers, showing the formation over millions of years.
It is facing the Atlantic ocean. This cliff leads the eye all the way to Cabo da Roca
Beach access and solidified sand dune (fossil dune)
Compared to the many beaches in the Algarve with hundreds of crazy steps to reach the beach (e.g. Camilo or Ponta da Piedade), there is a well maintained ramped to access the sand. This is very practical!
Plus the access (at the North end of the beach), goes down along a geological particularity. At that location the sand dune has solidified. It is also called a 'consolidated sand dune'.
This is quite fascinating to see:
The sand dune was formed by the accumulation of sand from the action of the sea and wind. According the the Portuguese Wikipedia Page, it is evaluated that it formed 10,000 years ago.
According to New World encyclopedia, they are called Lithified dunes. It is created when it becomes compacted and hardened.
Photos fo Praia do Magoito in Sintra Cascais
Once on the Golden Sand, the beach remains as impressive.
For those wanting to swim, it is a mix of sand and stones to reach the water depending on the tide. Ocean water can be cold.
Because of the rocks, Small pools are created which are great for the kids.
It is considered one of the European beaches with the highest iodine concentration.
Cliffs of Magoito & Cabo da Roca
To the North of Praia do Magoito you can continue walking on the cliffs and admire the waves crashing under you.
As you can see with the photo below and the zoom after that, the view stretches all the way to Cabo da Roca, the most Western point of Mainland Europe. You can see its lighthouse.
Want to see more of PORTUGAL?
Don't you find this cliff mesmerizing?
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