Praia das Maçãs boasts a wide expanse of sandy shoreline, offering abundant amenities and watersports facilities. Its name, meaning "Beach of Apples," originates from the Rio das Maçãs (also known as the Rio de Colares), which flows into the sea at the southern end of the beach. This river, traversing orchards along its path, often carries apples downstream during autumn, which wash up on the beach.
The charming town of Praia das Maçãs has evolved into a delightful resort area, featuring numerous dining options, cafes, bars, craft shops, and accommodation options. Residents of Sintra frequent this locale year-round, drawn by its superb seafood offerings. During the summer months, the historic Sintra tram terminates its scenic journey here, providing passengers with a delightful 45-minute ride through the picturesque countryside of Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais.
Praia das Maçãs is an ideal family destination, boasting a large outdoor swimming pool with slides, diving boards, and a children's pool right on the beach. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a playground and picnic area, adding to the beach's allure.
The beach at Praia das Maçãs
The origins of Praia das Maçãs trace back to the 19th century, with the first three houses erected by notable figures; including Father Matias del Campo, Manuel Prego, and Alfredo Keil, the composer of the Portuguese national anthem, "A Portuguesa."
However, human presence in the area dates back much further, with archaeological evidence indicating occupation as early as the 2nd to 3rd century AD. Notably, the mound known as Alto da Vigia, located south of Praia das Maçãs beach, holds remnants of a Roman sanctuary linked to the Sun, Moon, and Imperial worship. Subsequently, during the Islamic era, it served as a ribat in the 11th century.
During its peak, Praia das Maçãs attracted affluent residents of Lisbon, seeking a retreat, with many maintaining holiday homes in the area to this day. Besides its pristine beach and tranquil waters, the town is renowned for its abundance of fine fish restaurants, making it a popular destination for day-trippers.
Sintra's historic tramway has resumed its weekend service, offering a nostalgic journey from the heart of Sintra to Praia das Maçãs on the coast. This charming tram, with its characteristic squeaks and judders, traverses an idyllic 11.5km (7 mi) route through the picturesque Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, passing by Colares and Banzão along the way. Despite the bone-shaking ride lasting approximately 45-50 minutes, passengers are rewarded with the delightful destination of Praia das Maçãs, located just steps from the beach. While a quicker and more comfortable option exists with the Scotturb bus, riding the vintage tram offers an experience brimming with nostalgia and old-world charm that cannot be replicated.| Old Tram Sintra - Praia das Maças Timetable
Adult: €3.00 Single, OAP & Child: €2.00 Single, Infant: FREE
Avenue Heliodoro Salgado, Sintra, Portugal. |
38º 48' 12.0" N | 08º 37' 17.62" W
+351 219 238 789 | dtur@cm-sintra.pt | Website
Praia das Maças Old Tram (Eléctrico de Sintra)
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You are spoiled for choice with the mass of restaurants at your disposal with a diverse range of prices and quality on offer. Shopping around to find the right one to suit you is a must. Fish is the mainstay of many of these establishments, caught locally and served as fresh as possible, keep an eye out for the local sea bass – it's excellent. There are still plenty of restaurants offering different fare if fish isn't your thing. | |
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There are toilets on the beach. | |
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There are showers on the beach. | |
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There is ample parking spaces around the town, spaces closest to the beach are in highest demand. | |
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The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer season (May to mid-October). | |
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The are a couple of designated disabled parking slots close to the ramped access to the beach opposite Restaurante o Loureiro. |
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From Sintra take the Estrada Nacional 247 west through Colares 11.6km (7mi). | |
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• Scotturb bus #441 leaves from Sintra Train station to Praia das Maçãs. Scott URB Website |
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