A Magical Getaway Less Than an Hour from Lisbon

Praia da Ursa is a coastal spot of stunning natural beauty. It is located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, next to Cabo da Rocha, which is the westernmost point of continental Europe.

Its name (Bear Beach) comes from a rock formation called Rocha da Ursa, which, when viewed from the north, resembles a bear holding a cub.

This is a golden sandy beach with crystal-clear waters situated in a wonderful and somewhat wild setting, due to its inaccessibility. However, the difficulty of access is more than compensated by the spectacular views and the natural beauty of the beach.

As mentioned, accessing Praia da Ursa requires some effort. There is no road to the beach; you have to walk along a trail. From the Cabo da Roca lighthouse (which we talked about in our article on lighthouses), you need to walk south following the signs that indicate the path to the beach. Note that the trail can be quite steep and rocky at some points, so we recommend wearing closed and suitable footwear for this type of hike.

The descent takes about 40-50 minutes, during which you can enjoy incredible panoramic views that will make the effort (especially on the way back, which is uphill) worth it.

Whether on the beach or along the access trail, if you enjoy photography, you will love it here. The rock formations, caves, and natural arches of the beach offer plenty of opportunities to capture stunning images.

Take the opportunity to relax and unwind, enjoying the sun, sand, and the sound of the sea. Although the waves can be quite strong, in some areas you can swim with caution.

The surroundings of the beach are ideal for hiking and observing the local flora and fauna. The region has great biodiversity, and with some luck, you can spot different birds and see very striking plant species.

• The spring and autumn months are ideal for visiting Praia da Ursa, as the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. However, in summer it remains a relatively tranquil place.
• Remember to bring enough water and some food, as you won’t find anything in the beach area.
• Don’t forget sunscreen (not just on the beach, but also during the walk). A hat and a towel to lie on the sand will also come in handy.
• Check the weather forecast in advance to ensure the conditions are good. And if you feel like getting in the water, do so with caution, as the currents can be strong.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and be careful on the way to the beach, as some sections can be tricky.
• Don’t forget to bring a bag to collect any trash you generate and not leave anything that doesn’t belong to the beach, as there are no bins.
• Be respectful of the environment and the local flora and fauna.

We hope this beach recommendation inspires you to embark on new beach adventures. And as we always say: if you know or visit this beach, let us know on the app! You know that your beach reviews and photos help the entire iPlaya community.

Don’t forget all the information about these beaches and thousands more in iPlaya. You can download the app to plan your visit having all the information at hand: hourly weather forecasts, topographic maps, photos and videos, and other users’ ratings and comments. We hope you’ll join the iPlaya community!