The new Adraga–Praia Grande boardwalks in Sintra: what to know

What is the Parque Ecológico da Adraga e Praia Grande?

It is a protected area of more than 60 hectares on the clifftops between two of Sintra's best-known beaches, Praia da Adraga to the south and Praia Grande to the north. Sintra Council is restoring the land, removing invasive plants so native coastal vegetation can recover, and building wooden boardwalks so visitors stay on marked paths instead of trampling the cliffs.

The project is funded by the Aga Khan Development Network under an agreement with the council. The area sits inside the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and within the protection zone of the Sintra cultural landscape, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The route

The first phase is a circular route of about 2.5 km that mixes boardwalks with natural trails. It runs along the clifftops with views over Praia Grande on one side and Praia da Adraga on the other, and it links on foot to the villages of Almoçageme and Azóia. Part of the boardwalk is designed to be accessible for people with reduced mobility.

A second phase adds another circuit of about 3 km, plus viewpoints, rest areas and an environmental interpretation centre.

What you can see along the way

• Dinosaur footprints on the rock face at the southern end of Praia Grande, one of the best-known sets of tracks near Lisbon.
• Palaeolithic sites on the clifftops, where stone tools linked to Neanderthal groups have been found.
• Geological landmarks such as the Calhau do Corvo rock and the Praia Grande do Rodízio geomonument.
• Vale das Armérias, a small valley that turns pink when the coastal thrift flowers in spring.
• Old dry-stone walls from the time this land was farmed.

When does it open?

The council's plan was to have the 2.5 km first phase ready in the second half of 2026, with the full park finished by the end of 2027. During construction parts of the route were closed for safety, including a cliff-edge section behind fencing. Before you go, check the current status on the Sintra Council page for the park, and only use sections that are open.

How to get there from Villa Rio Seco

Villa Rio Seco is in Almoçageme, the village directly above both beaches. Praia Grande is about a 15-minute walk from the house, and the trails onto the clifftops between Praia Grande and Adraga start on the edge of the village. You can walk out of the gate, do the loop, and be back by the pool for lunch, without moving the car.

Tips

• Stay on the boardwalks and marked paths. The cliffs are high and the edges can be unstable.
• Wind is common on this coast, even on sunny days. Bring a layer.
• Go early in the morning or near sunset for softer light over the Atlantic and fewer people.
• Combine the walk with a swim at Praia da Adraga or a surf session at Praia Grande.