Praia da Ursa, Portugal: How to Visit and Get the Best Photos
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- By: Peter Orsel
Praia da Ursa, or Ursa Beach, is one of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines of Europe. Period. I dreamed about visiting this place for many years, and finally got the chance during a city trip to Lisbon.
It’s the perfect day trip from Lisbon, a quick escape from the city. This guide covers how to get there, what the hike down is like, and how to time your visit around the best light, since that was the whole reason I went.
In This Post
What is Praia da Ursa?
Praia da Ursa is a beach on the west coast of Portugal, just north of Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. It’s not too far from Lisbon as well.
There’s no road down to the beach itself. You reach it by hiking from the clifftop, which is exactly why it’s stayed as untouched as it has. No shops, no restaurants, no snack stalls, no crowds, no easy way in.
To prepare you: Praia da Ursa is an unofficial naturist beach, especially in the sections further from the main path down. You won’t find too many undressed people near to the main entrance, but it’s worth being prepared. And yes, it’s totally fine to leave your clothes on.
How to get to Praia da Ursa?
There are multiple ways to get to Praia da Ursa. I travelled there from Belém, but you can get there from anywhere in Lisbon. Cascais is another good base. It’s a popular destination and close to several beautiful beaches in the area.
Public Transportation
If you want to go to Praia da Ursa by train, it’s easiest to go through Cascais. Google Maps has all public transportation options available in their navigation system, so it’s best to just rely on that.
Step 1: Take the train from Cais do Sodre to Cascais. This should take about 40 minutes.
Step 2: Take bus 1624 to Sintra from Cascais and get off at Estr do Cabo da Roca Bus Stop. This should take about 45 minutes.
Step 3: Hike towards the sea and descend to Ursa Beach.
Public transportation is a cheap way to get to the beach, and it costs around €6 for a one-way trip. If you’re coming from Sintra instead, bus 1253 also stops at Cabo da Roca, so check the timetable for whichever direction suits your trip.
By Uber
Uber is a common option in and around Lisbon, with a wide range of drivers and cars available, especially in the city. A one-way ride to the parking area at Praia da Ursa shouldn’t cost more than €25. If you share the costs, it’s a very affordable way to get to the beach. Use this location as your destination point.
Getting back by Uber is harder. There’s little data coverage in this area, and since the beach is remote, don’t expect many cars to be available on demand. It’s better to rely on your own car or on public transportation. Take a photo of the bus timetable before heading down, so you have an actual plan for getting back.
By Car
You can also go by rental car. Renting is affordable in Lisbon, but you don’t need a car in the city center itself. Parking there can be hard and expensive, so I’d only recommend driving if you’re staying outside Lisbon. If you’re in search of a rental car, try DiscoverCars. They have a wide range of cars in every budget.
What's the best time to visit Praia da Ursa Beach?
The west coast of Portugal has a mild climate most of the year, with averages up to 28 degrees Celsius in summer and down to 15 degrees Celsius in winter. I went in May, and it was ideal: cool, but comfortable and not too crowded. It’s definitely more windy in this area, making it feel colder than the temperatures say.
For low crowds and pleasant temperatures, I would suggest spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). Summer leads more people to the beach, and the sun is stronger than the temperature seems to say. Winter is definitely quieter, but expect more rainfall, which makes the trails more slippery and a bit more dangerous.
Best Time of the Day
During my trip, my goal was to be at the beach around sunset. The sun sets behind the ocean, and surely delivers the best photos if that’s what you’re up for. During winter, the sun sets around 5:30 to 6PM. In summer, it’s closer to 9PM. Always check the actual sunset time before your visit, so you catch the beach in the best light.
To get the photos in this post, I flew my drone from around 1.5 hours before sunset until 30 minutes before sunset. That gives the glowing look, and wonderful golden hour light.
If the best light doesn’t matter to you, it’s good to arrive around midday, and leave some hours before sunset. This way you hike back in broad daylight, and there’s still public transportation available.
The Hike Down to the Beach
Before I went to Praia da Ursa, I had read that this hike isn’t for everyone. That turned out to be true. My trip to Portugal was with my aunts and my mom, all well in their sixties. I knew the hike would be a steep one, so I decided to go on my own and not all together.
You should be steady on your feet and reasonably fit to make this hike. There are some loose rocks, a rope to hold onto, and a steep final section, no matter what route you take. The path isn’t always clear, but after a few meters you’ll usually find it again.
For offline navigation, I recommend the app Maps.Me. Download the map beforehand, and you’ll never get lost. Below are two trail options.
Trail 1: From the Bus Stop
This is the trail I hiked myself, the same one described in the public transport directions above. It took me about 45 minutes to get down, including some photo stops. Great if you’re just looking for the fastest way to the beach. Find the hike here on Alltrails.
- Distance: around 2.1 km round trip (1.3 mi)
- Elevation change: roughly 116 meters (380 ft)
- Difficulty: moderate, with a steep final descent
Trail 2: From Cabo da Roca
This trail starts at Cabo da Roca itself, where there’s more parking space than at the bus stop. I haven’t hiked this one myself, so these are the numbers only, not firsthand tips. It’s the longer of the two options. Find it here on Alltrails.
- Distance: around 2.9 km round trip (1.8 mi)
- Elevation change: roughly 161 meters (528 ft)
- Difficulty: moderate, same steep final descent
Can You Swim at Praia da Ursa?
Swimming at Praia da Ursa, Portugal isn’t a great idea, as the currents are very strong and it gets very windy. There are no lifeguards and, most of the time, no phone reception either. Some people take a short dip close to shore on a very calm day, but this beach works better for photos and time on the sand.
What to bring to Praia da Ursa?
Praia da Ursa is a beach without any facilities. No shops, no showers, no sun beds, no trash cans, and no toilets. Bring everything you need yourself, and carry it back up with you as well. Pack enough water, some food or snacks, a towel, and whatever else you’d normally bring to a beach. Keep the beach clean and don’t leave any garbage behind. In general, the beach stays very clean, and everyone takes their belongings with them.
Can I fly my drone at Praia da Ursa?
As you’ve probably guessed from the photos, yes. Praia da Ursa is located in an Enhanced Warning Zone. According to the DJI website, this means:
Enhanced Warning Zones: In these zones, you will be prompted by GEO at the time of flight to unlock the zone using the same steps as in an Authorization Zone, but you do not require a verified account or an internet connection at the time of your flight.
I didn’t have any problems flying my drone here. Make sure you follow European drone regulations, and you’re good to go.
Keep in mind it’s located on the coastline, so it gets windy. Very windy. I used the DJI Air 2S, which handles heavy wind well. I don’t know how a DJI Mini series would respond to the conditions here. If you’re unsure, fly low first and keep an eye on the wind warnings on your screen.
How to get home with the best photos?
The cover photo of this post is one of my favorite drone shots ever, and it even got featured by DJI on X. Let’s just ignore the fact that they thought it was taken at sunrise.
Early-morning wake up calls to get a spot to yourself 🚁
— DJI (@DJIGlobal) June 30, 2023
📸: IG/ peterorsell, #DJIAir2S, #SkyPixel pic.twitter.com/VCCv5kdF75
The best photos of Praia da Ursa are taken around sunset, during golden hour. I usually fly my drone during that window while shooting with my camera at the same time.
Try to come home with a variety of shots. I liked capturing the lighthouse and the beach from the other side. I also shot a bunch of video for Instagram Reels. Since I was travelling alone, I didn’t use many people in my photos, but this place works well for portraits too.
Here are some of my favorite photos from my visit.
Do you like the photos? If you wanna level up your drone photography, check my drone guide. Another stunning destination for drone photography in Europe is Meteora. If you want to check how to get your best drone photos there, read this guide.
Getting back to Lisbon/Cascais/Sintra
After your visit, it’s time to climb back up. Give yourself at least 45 minutes for the climb, and don’t forget to look back for some last photos. If you’re visiting around sunset, make sure you already know how you’re getting back to your accommodation.
I planned to go back by Uber, since I wanted to leave the beach after the last available bus. In the end I didn’t need one. I met a kind Portuguese couple who offered to drop me off in the city center of Lisbon. I’m not sure I would have gotten an Uber anyway, since I barely had phone reception. My backup plan was to walk to the main road (about 2km) and try my luck there, or hitchhike to the nearest train station if that failed. I never needed either option, but it’s worth having a plan before you head down.
If that kind of improvising isn’t for you, plan your transportation back before you leave.
Where to Stay Near Praia da Ursa
If you plan on staying closer to Praia da Ursa (which is a great plan, cause it’s a beautiful location still close to a big city as well), there are some beautiful hotels nearby in Azoia. Charm Nature has very high ratings and would be a real treat. Another option is Chicken Raiser Cabin. Both options are available on Booking.com.
Other Beaches and Things to Do Nearby
Besides Praia da Ursa, there’s a lot more to do in this area. Cabo da Roca itself is worth a stop, the lighthouse you could start your hike.
Praia da Adraga, the closest beach north of Ursa, is about a 15-minute drive, or roughly 45 minutes on foot along a marked coastal trail. Praia Grande, Sintra’s largest beach, is also around 15 minutes by car. Unlike Ursa, it has showers, restaurants, and sun loungers.
If you have more time, Sintra’s palaces are worth a full day on their own, and Cascais is a wonderful touristy town where you could easily spend a day or two.
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FAQ about Praia da Ursa, Portugal
Is Praia da Ursa worth it?
Yes, 100%. The beach is remote and dramatic, with no big crowds and no facilities, which is what sets it apart from most beaches near Lisbon. If a steep descent over loose rocks doesn’t sound appealing, Praia Grande or Praia da Adraga nearby are easier to reach and still beautiful.
Is Praia da Ursa safe to visit?
Yes, as long as you stay on the marked trail, wear proper shoes, and take the steep sections slowly. The hike is doable for those who come prepared. The descent gets more slippery after rain.
Can you swim at Praia da Ursa?
Not recommended. Strong currents, no lifeguards, and limited phone reception make this better suited for sunbathing and taking photos than swimming.
How long does the hike take?
About 45 minutes down and back up via the bus stop trail. The lighthouse trail is longer, closer to 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. Both depend on your fitness level and how many photo stops you make.
Is Praia da Ursa a nudist beach?
It’s known as an unofficial naturist beach, mostly in the sections further from the main trail. I can’t really remember seeing undressed people and I’m sure I would have if I saw them, and you surely can leave your clothes on.
Do I need a car to visit?
It’s handy, but you don’t have to. Public transportation gets you there via Cascais or Sintra. A car gives you more flexibility, especially if you’re timing your visit around sunrise or sunset.
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About Me
Peter Orsel is a Dutch travel photographer based in Bali, specialized in drone and landscape photography. He has visited over 40 countries and writes detailed, no-nonsense guides based on firsthand experience.