Ursa Beach (Praia da Ursa) is a wild, stunning beach located near Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, in Sintra, Portugal. It's named after the "Bear Rock" (Ursa means bear in Portuguese), a distinctive sea stack that resembles a bear with its cub.
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Ursa Beach in Sintra Portugal |
What makes Ursa Beach special:
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🏞️ Dramatic scenery: Huge rock formations, steep cliffs, and powerful Atlantic waves.
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🥾 Adventurous access: The hike down is steep and rocky—around 20–30 minutes—so good shoes and some agility are required.
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🌅 Seclusion & beauty: It's more remote and less crowded than many other beaches. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
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👙 Naturist-friendly: Due to its remoteness, it's often used as a nudist beach (though not exclusively).
Tips for visiting:
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Bring water, snacks, and good hiking shoes.
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Avoid during high tide or if the weather is rough—the path and waves can be dangerous.
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Sunset here is spectacular, but be cautious hiking back up in the dark.