Category: Nature > Beach
District: Lisboa > Sintra > Casa da Adraga
Adraga Beach is located in the municipality of Sintra, in the locality of Casa da Adraga, and is part of the protected area of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Situated on the western side of the Sintra Mountains, the beach is accessed by a winding road that descends through the landscape, eventually revealing the vast sandy expanse. It is sheltered by imposing cliffs and rocks that rise into the clear blue ocean.
This beach is remarkable for its scenic beauty and the purity of its waters. The vast sandy stretch is punctuated by various dark rocks, which give it a unique identity, blending the mountainous surroundings with the coastline. The wild environment and untouched nature are striking features of Adraga Beach, where Atlantic waves break on the sand, providing a natural and dynamic backdrop.
Adraga Beach is rich in unique geological formations. On the southern cliff face of the beach, one can observe the Pedra de Alvidrar, a large rock that descends almost vertically to the sea. There is a local tradition that associated it with a place where young people demonstrated their courage. Nearby, about fifty meters from the cliff, is the Fojo, a very deep natural well. This geological phenomenon, which communicates with the sea at its base, resulted from the corrosive action of rainwater and wave erosion on the limestone rocks, creating a complex labyrinth of caves and fissures. An ancient Roman belief linked the sound of the sea in the Fojo to the presence of a Triton.
The quality of Adraga Beach is widely recognized. In 2003, it was highlighted by the British newspaper The Sunday Times as one of the twenty best European beaches. Years later, in 2019, it received for the third consecutive year the "Praia com Qualidade de Ouro" (Gold Quality Beach) distinction, awarded by Quercus, National Association for Nature Conservation, attesting to its excellence in terms of water purity. Although its waters are clear, the temperature is generally cold. The beach offers an inviting setting for seaside walks and, during low tide, the opportunity to explore a set of natural caves. It should be noted that the northern part of the beach is a frequently chosen location for naturism.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.8042891,-9.4848278
Coordinates DMS: 38°48'15.4"N 09°29'5.4"W
Weather Casa da Adraga
On-duty Pharmacy Casa da Adraga
