Coastal walks from Almoçageme: Adraga, Ursa and Cabo da Roca

Almoçageme is one of the best bases for walking on the Sintra coast. The village sits on a plateau above the sea, so beaches, clifftops and pine woods are all within reach on foot. These are the walks we recommend to guests.

1. Almoçageme to Praia da Adraga

Difficulty: easy. A walk down the valley from the village to Adraga beach, with its cliffs and rock arches. Have lunch at the beach restaurant and walk back up, or arrange a lift.

2. The new boardwalks between Adraga and Praia Grande

Difficulty: easy to moderate. A circular route of about 2.5 km on the clifftops, with boardwalks and viewpoints over both beaches. It was under construction in 2026, so check what is open before you go. Read our guide to the boardwalks.

3. Clifftops to Praia da Ursa and Cabo da Roca

Difficulty: moderate, with a steep, rough final descent to the beach. Heading south along the coast, the path passes high above the sea to Praia da Ursa, with its enormous rock stacks, and continues to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, with its lighthouse. Only go down to Ursa if you are steady on loose ground, and never in the wet.

4. Into the Sintra hills

Difficulty: moderate to hard. Inland, trails climb through the forest towards Peninha, a hilltop sanctuary with one of the widest views on the coast, and on towards the Convent of the Capuchos and the Sintra palaces. Many people drive part of the way and walk the rest.

Safety on the Sintra coast

• Cliff edges can crumble. Stay on marked paths and away from the edge, especially with children and dogs.
• Wind and fog change fast. Bring a windproof layer even in summer.
• Carry water. There are few places to buy anything between beaches.
• Check tide times before exploring caves or walking between beaches at sea level.

Walking from the villa

Villa Rio Seco is in Almoçageme, so all of these walks start close to the door. Pets are welcome at the house, which makes it easy to bring the dog on the trails.