Category: Nature > Beach
District: Lisboa > Sintra > Colares
Praia da Ursa is located in the Colares area, part of the municipality of Sintra, on a section of the Atlantic coast characterized by its wild nature. Integrated into the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this beach stands out for its isolated position and wide ocean views. The surrounding environment is one of rugged beauty, with the landscape dominated by high cliffs and the immensity of the Atlantic.
Access to the sandy beach is via a challenging path, contributing to the location maintaining its untouched character and an atmosphere of quietude, away from crowds. This particularity shapes the experience of visitors, offering a purer contact with coastal nature.
Praia da Ursa (Bear Beach) gets its name from one of its most emblematic rock formations, Pedra da Ursa (Bear Rock), which rises from the sea. It is believed that its shape, with a larger rock and a smaller one beside it, evokes the figure of a bear with its cub, thus giving the entire beach its name.
Next to this, another imposing rock stands out, known as the Giant. These monumental geological structures are the result of millions of years of action by the sea and wind on the limestone and volcanic rocks of the cliff, creating a dramatic and distinctive scenery that marks the identity of this beach.
Praia da Ursa is a remarkable example of untouched natural beauty. Its sandy beach, surrounded by steep and impressive cliffs, remains in an almost primitive state, without any modern intervention or infrastructure.
The force of the Atlantic Ocean is manifested in the waves breaking on the coast and the constant sea breeze, reinforcing the sense of a place where nature prevails. This pure and rugged environment invites a complete immersion experience in the coastal landscape, ideal for those seeking a refuge of tranquility and natural grandeur.
Praia da Ursa is recognized as one of the most photogenic locations on the Portuguese coast. The interaction of the imposing rock formations with the ocean, the cliffs that plunge over the sandy beach, and the colors of the sky at different times of the day create a visual composition of great impact.
The contrasts between the golden sand, the dark tones of the rocks, and the varied blues of the sea and sky offer scenarios that inspire the capture of unique images. It is a point of interest for landscape photography enthusiasts, providing memorable perspectives on Sintra's dramatic coastline.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7908322,-9.4922352
Coordinates DMS: 38°47'27.0"N 09°29'32.0"W