#473 European Rank
Praia da Ursa
Sintra / Lisbon Coast, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Rnbc (talk) at en.wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.40/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
19.8°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€25/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Fine White Sand
Deep Water
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Sintra / Lisbon Coast · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
15.2°C
Air 11°C
Feb
14.6°C
Air 12°C
Mar
14.8°C
Air 14°C
Apr
15.4°C
Air 17°C
May
16.6°C
Air 20°C
Jun
18.2°C
Air 23°C
Jul
19.4°C
Air 25°C
Peak
Aug
19.8°C
Air 25°C
Sep
19.2°C
Air 23°C
Oct
18.2°C
Air 20°C
Nov
16.8°C
Air 16°C
Dec
15.6°C
Air 13°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 19.8°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Portugal Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.8 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.9 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.1 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.8 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.9 / 5
About Praia da Ursa
Considered by Michelin Guide as one of the most beautiful wild beaches in the world, framed by colossal limestone sea stacks near Europe’s westernmost point.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Steep 30-minute hiking trail down an unpaved coastal cliff path starting near Cabo da Roca.
•Protected Status / Environment: Located within Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais), preserving an untouched cliff ecosystem with zero commercial facilities.
•Notable Feature: Dramatic limestone and granite sea stacks including 'Rocha da Ursa' (Bear Rock), situated just north of Cabo da Roca, mainland Europe's westernmost point.
Official Tourism Authorities:visitportugal.com
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
NoGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
NoNudist / FKK Friendly
YesGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
From Sintra or Cascais, drive to the Cabo da Roca parking area, then take the cliff trail north to Ursa.
•Wear sturdy hiking boots for the steep 30-minute rocky scramble down from Cabo da Roca
•Named after the 'Ursa' rock stack which resembles a mother bear holding her cub
•Pack all drinking water and food as there are zero facilities in this untouched sanctuary
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
LIS · 30m drive30-min scenic coastal train or drive from Lisbon (LIS).
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Praia da Ursa?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Praia da Ursa
What is the water temperature at Praia da Ursa?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Praia da Ursa averages 19.8°C (68°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Praia da Ursa?
Praia da Ursa is classified as a fine white sand shoreline located in Sintra / Lisbon Coast, Portugal.
Is Praia da Ursa good for families with kids?
Praia da Ursa has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Praia da Ursa?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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