Best Beaches: Praia da Adraga, Portugal

Portugal has no shortage of breathtaking beaches, the tiny country traces it’s outline in the Atlantic, and this influence of the sea is seen in the passion the Portuguese have in outdoor activities. Beaches here can be wild, the Atlantic is chillier than the Mediterranean Sea and the ocean has strong tides and waves – it’s a haven for surfers. One of our favorites is an easy detour for our visitors to Lisbon and Sintra, the Praia da Adraga.

This beach first dazzles you with it’s rock formations. Elephant rock, perhaps the most notable as well as the most photographed, is particularly photogenic at sunset, when the waves turn shades of rose and gold as the sun dips down in to the sea. At low tide, you can even enter the caves and grottoes, beachcomber for shells, mussels and even a fossil or two, but be careful – make sure you check the tide times because you will be stuck when high tide comes!

The ocean is strong at Praia da Adraga but the seabed is shallow for a bit, making this beach great fun for all ages looking to play in the waves by the shore. The golden sand beach is a deep stretch, a soft spot to relax in the abundance of shade that these interesting rock formations provide.

What really sets Paria da Adraga apart is the restaurant. From the outside, it looks like an unassuming cafe, but it is constantly rated as one of the best seafood restaurants not just in Portugal, but in Western Europe. The fish is simple and spectacularly fresh, matched only by the incredible kindness of the owner. This is a great spot to try the local delicacy of percebes, washed down by a cold beer, the sound of the waves and a cool salt spray to accompany all of it.

Paria da Adraga is an easy day at the beach, a short drive from Lisbon or Sintra, but we recommend exploring it mid-week. There is very limited parking, and on the weekends, it’s a local favorite and can get crowded – but any visitor will quickly understand why.