Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Portugal Colares Praia da Ursa

Praia da Ursa

In Portugal, a secluded stretch of untouched natural beauty hides at the bottom of a steep hill.

Colares, Portugal

Added By
Samantha
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
View from the top of the cliff.   Keyword Adventuring / Atlas Obscura User
View north along the beach in evening sunlight.   Keyword Adventuring / Atlas Obscura User
View south along the beach.   Keyword Adventuring / Atlas Obscura User
The steep “hill” that must be scaled.   Keyword Adventuring / Atlas Obscura User
  Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
  Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
  Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User
  anniediaries / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Don’t expect to find amenities and souvenir shops at this beach, a sliver of sunbathed sand nestled at the bottom of a hill. Instead, just sit back and bask in the glory of having discovered an incredible spot to wander and enjoy the sunset.

Unlike at many of Portugal's other beaches, you won't find many other tourists crowding this wonderfully secluded spot. Accessing this beach is no small feat, but once you’re down on the sand, gazing at the beach’s spectacular view of the ocean, it will be totally worth it.

Determined travelers must hike (read: climb) down a steep hill face of dirt, grass, and loose rocks to reach the golden sand paradise. But once there, unique limestone rock formations and sea stacks waiting to be explored tower above the picturesque stretch of earth. 

The rocks look inviting to climbers, but just make sure not to be fooled by the wide availability of hand and footholds in the cliff faces—they have more rock pieces ready to fall away under your feet than it first seems. (Don’t fret, adrenaline junkies, you can climb away, just be careful.) Swimming and wading in the water are possible even in the colder months, but beware, the waves and currents can be quite strong, so do take caution.

Related Tags

Beaches Nature Hidden

Know Before You Go

Because of its perfect western exposure, Praia da Ursa is an ideal sunset viewpoint. If you view the sunset from down on the beach, make sure to bring a flashlight to make climbing back up the cliff easier as it starts to get darker. The sunset is just as beautiful if viewed from the top of the cliff as well, so you can also check it out as you climb back up after spending some time frolicking in the wonderland below.

Atlas Obscura Adventures

Portugal: A Culinary Adventure from Porto to Lisbon

Explore Portugal through food, from the cities to the seaside.

Book Now

Community Contributors

Added By

Keyword Adventuring

Edited By

Max Cortesi, anniediaries

  • Max Cortesi
  • anniediaries

Published

January 8, 2019

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • https://www.travel-in-portugal.com/beaches/praia-da-ursa.htm
  • http://www.sintraromantica.net/en/nature/beaches/praia-da-ursa-bear-beach
  • https://www.visitportugal.com/en/NR/exeres/27CC7F7C-94E0-4121-AAE1-9C2867C2556B
  • http://www.parttimebackpacker.com/blog/2014/9/27/praia-da-ursa-lisbons-best-beach
Praia da Ursa
Praia da Ursa
Colares
Portugal
38.790556, -9.492297
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Cabo da Roca

Colares, Portugal

miles away

Convent of the Capuchos

Colares, Portugal

miles away

Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra, Portugal

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Colares

Colares

Portugal

Places 3

Nearby Places

Cabo da Roca

Colares, Portugal

miles away

Convent of the Capuchos

Colares, Portugal

miles away

Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra, Portugal

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Colares

Colares

Portugal

Places 3

Related Stories and Lists

Around the World in 8 Wondrously Uncrowded Beaches

List

By Jessica Leigh Hester

Related Places

  • The ghost forest in the fog.

    Neskowin, Oregon

    Neskowin Ghost Forest

    The eerie remnants of an ancient forest were hidden under the sand for centuries.

  • Murder Hole Beach.

    Dooey, Ireland

    Boyeeghter Bay

    A spectacular hidden beach in Ireland has the dark, disturbing nickname of "Murder Hole Beach."

  • The boardwalk through a mangrove tunnel.

    Naples, Florida

    Clam Pass Beach

    A hidden beach at the end of a tunnel of mangrove trees.

  • Looking up from the entrance to the Hidden Beach.

    Islas Marietas, Mexico

    Hidden Beach

    A lovers' beach, tucked below the surface of the island, provides a safe haven for romance.

  • Beach at Basin Head

    Souris, Prince Edward Island

    Singing Sands Beach

    A walk along this white sand beach creates a symphony.

  • The Pensacola Lighthouse on Naval Air Station Pensacola. “Pensacola Lighthouse”

    Pensacola, Florida

    Pensacola Lighthouse

    A striking lighthouse with views of the Gulf of Mexico and of a military air show.

  • Sunset on Waites Island.

    Waites Island, South Carolina

    Waites Island

    A wildlife-filled oasis just off the coast of Myrtle Beach.

  • Sayulita, Mexico

    Cementerio de Sayulita

    This colorful, ornately-decorated cemetery sits next to a quiet cove known as "the beach of the dead."

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.