Praia da Adraga, Coastal beach in Sintra, Portugal
Praia da Adraga is a beach on Portugal's western coast that stretches along a sandy cove bordered by tall dark cliffs made of volcanic rock with scattered boulders and natural cavities near the waterline. Behind the sand, the terrain climbs steeply upward with rugged cliff faces rising directly from the shore.
The beach formed where an ancient river valley cut through the western hills of Sintra over thousands of years, leaving a deep gorge that reaches the sea. The dark cliffs are made of solidified lava, evidence of volcanic activity that shaped this coastal region long ago.
The beach has long served as a working space for fishermen who still cast their nets from the shore and sell their daily catch to locals and visitors. This everyday fishing activity remains visible along the waterline, shaping how the place feels and functions.
The beach has showers, restrooms, and a parking area, with lifeguard presence during summer months from June through September. Access to the shore involves a walk down from the parking area, and visitors should note that the cliffs are steep and natural conditions change significantly with the tides.
The cliffs contain several natural tunnels and caves carved by Atlantic waves relentlessly eroding the volcanic rock over time. At low tide, some of these cavities become accessible to visitors, allowing exploration of the stone formations up close.
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