PRAIA DO MOGOITO

Praia do Magoito has a dramatic backdrop, a tall cliff wall that rolls over the horizon. The large beach comprises golden sands, with a sporadic scattering of rocks. Its waters are a beautiful turquoise colour and rich in iodine, supposedly richer in iodine than any other beach in Europe. Access to the beach is on the northern side down a long sloping pavement that follows a line of protected ancient fossilised dunes ending where the Mata stream empties onto the sands. The path leading to the beach starts just off from the village of Magoito. It's worth pausing at the top to admire the view stretching over to Cabo da Rocha in the distance. There are good amenities at Praia do Magoito, including a couple of restaurants, public showers and toilets. The power of the waves here attracts surfers year-round. Little ones might be safer keeping to the many rock pools found here. Even with its proximity to Sintra, Praia do Magoito stays relatively quiet most of the time. Those who visit the Praia do Magoito enjoy the rugged beauty of the area.