Praia Grande

Praia Grande is probably the closest, and certainly the mostly easily accessed, beach from Sintra.

The name translates to “Big beach” and whilst the beach isn’t massive, it is the biggest on the Sintra – Cascais coast, rivaled only by Guincho in terms of size.

The expanse of golden sand is big enough to hold the summer crowds who flock here, many coming straight from Sintra on the tram which stops close to Praia Grande before continuing on to Praia das Macas.

As you’d expect for a popular beach there are plenty of facilities such as cafes, bars toilets and plenty of parking.

Praia Grande is well known as a surf spot and it can indeed get good here.

It is a good choice when the swell is fairly small and the high cliffs provide some shelter from the wind towards the southern end.