Praia da Ursa Beach, Portugal : Tips for Visiting

Praia da Ursa-the secret paradise of Portugal’s coastline. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and indulge in the unspoiled beauty of Portugal’s coastline, Praia da Ursa is the perfect spot for you.
This stunning beach is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting unique rock formations and unspoiled landscapes that will leave you speechless. The beach is located near Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe!

What to expect when visiting Praia da Ursa

A wild and rugged landscape, free of any amenities or tourist traps. You’ll be greeted by stunning limestone rock formations and sea cliffs, creating a truly unique and picturesque environment that is perfect for exploration and photography. With no distractions to take away from the tranquility of the place, you can fully immerse yourself in nature and discover a sense of adventure you won’t find anywhere else.

Don’t forget to check out the unique rock formations, including an arch hanging over the sand and a giant formation behind the “bear” rock. If you visit when it’s raining, you’ll be treated to the Ribeira da Ursa river forming a waterfall in a narrow crevice.

Discover the beauty of Praia da Ursa, a photographer’s paradise

If you’re looking for a place to take stunning photographs, Praia da Ursa is a must-visit destination. With its unique rock formations, including the bear-like Rocha da Ursa and the gorgeous golden sand, this beach offers endless opportunities to capture breathtaking images. Plus, the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean will take your pictures to the next level. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just love taking pictures, make sure to add this spot to your bucket list.

What makes this beach truly unique are the rock formations scattered throughout the shore. And there’s one in particular that you just can’t miss. It looks like the outline of a bear!

The magical legend of Ursa beach

According to legend, this is because many millions of years ago, a mother bear and her cubs lived here during the ice age. When the thaw came, the gods ordered all animals to leave the sea. But the animals stayed on land and for that, they turned to stone. And that’s why this beach in Portugal is called “Ursa”, which means bear in Portuguese.

The best time of year to visit Urca Beach

The best time to go is during the warmer months when the sun is shining. The water is perfect for a refreshing dip. Just remember that this beach is fairly remote. So be sure to bring along any necessary supplies, such as food and water, as you won’t find them readily available.

How to get to Praia da Ursa beach from Lisbon by public transport

To reach Praia da Ursa from Lisbon, take the train to Sintra, then catch bus 403 from the station. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the stop with the sign for Praia da Ursa in front of Cape Roca. From there, the shortest path leads to the beach. You’re only a hop, skip, and jump away from paradise.

Once you get to the beach, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views that the surrounding area has to offer.

This beach is a hidden gem and not for the faint of heart. You have to climb down a cliff to get there, but it’s worth the effort. The paths may be inaccessible, but that’s what keeps the crowds at bay.
The fairly extensive stretch of sand is about 200 meters long, with plenty of neighboring areas to explore.

How to get to Praia da Ursa beach from Lisbon by car

If you are driving, take the gravel road from Cabo da Roca. If you don’t have an SUV, it’s best to leave your car and walk the last stretch. Then, you’ll have two ways down to the beach. The way on the left side is more convenient and relatively accessible.