Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement ceremony or dreaming of that perfect proposal, these beaches have become my go-to spots for creating unforgettable images. I’ve included all my honest insights about what makes each location special, plus the practical details that can make the difference between a good shoot and an absolutely magical one.
Praia da Ursa - The Adventure Worth Taking
This beach still takes my breath away every single time. Picture this: you’re standing on dramatic cliffs with the Atlantic stretching endlessly before you, surrounded by towering rock formations that feel like nature’s own cathedral. It’s raw, untouched, and absolutely stunning.
What Makes It Special:
The hiking trail down feels like a mini adventure – winding through rugged terrain until suddenly you’re in this hidden world of golden sand tucked between massive cliffs. The rock formations create natural alcoves that feel incredibly intimate, perfect for those quiet moments between you two. And if you’re not up for the hike? The viewpoint at the top is equally breathtaking and gives you that epic “edge of the world” feeling.
Perfect For:
- Proposals: That clifftop viewpoint is pure magic – dramatic, private, and unforgettable
- Intimate ceremonies: Whether up top or down on the secluded beach, you’ll have complete privacy
- Adventure couples: If you love a bit of challenge, the hike down adds to the story
The Reality Check:
Let’s be honest – this isn’t a flip-flops kind of beach. The 30-40 minute hike down involves loose rocks and steep sections, so comfortable hiking shoes are absolutely essential. I always tell my couples to bring water (seriously, don’t skip this!) and maybe a change of clothes so you’re not sweating in your beautiful outfits. The good news? Getting there by car or Uber is easy, and that upper viewpoint gives you all the drama without the workout.
Praia da Adraga - The Instagram Star
There’s a reason this beach was ranked among Europe’s top 20 – that natural stone arch is absolutely iconic. Every time I shoot here, I’m reminded why it’s so photogenic. The contrast between the golden sand, dark volcanic rocks, and that perfect arch creates images that look almost surreal.
What Makes It Special:
The beach has this perfect mix of accessible beauty and hidden corners. The famous arch creates the most incredible natural frame – I’ve shot elopement vows being exchanged right there and it’s absolutely stunning for proposals too. If you walk a bit further, you’ll find more intimate cliff areas where it feels like you have your own private beach. Plus, there’s this fantastic restaurant right on the sand – imagine ending your ceremony with fresh seafood while watching the sunset.
Perfect For:
- Classic romance: That arch is made for ceremonies and couple portraits
- Foodie couples: The beachfront restaurant is genuinely excellent
- Flexible timelines: Easy access means we can adapt to changing light conditions
The Reality Check:
Here’s what I wish I could predict – the weather! In spring and fall, this area can get completely fogged in, and you literally won’t know until you arrive. I’ve had shoots where we’ve driven here only to find we can’t see 10 meters ahead. But when it’s clear? Pure magic. The parking is small, so arriving early helps, and the easy access makes it perfect for older family members or anyone who wants beautiful beaches without athletic challenges.
Guincho & Crismina - The Perfect Combination
I absolutely love Guincho because it’s so incredibly convenient – just minutes from beautiful Cascais, which opens up amazing possibilities for longer sessions. Picture this: we start with a romantic walk through Cascais’ charming streets and historic center, then drive just 10 minutes to arrive at Guincho for those epic sunset shots. The logistics couldn’t be better!
What Makes It Special:
The sheer scale is breathtaking – endless golden sand stretching toward those mystical Sintra hills. Guincho gives you that raw Atlantic power with waves crashing and wind creating naturally tousled hair (perfect for dynamic shots!). Then there’s neighboring Crismina with its protected dune system and those beautiful wooden walkways that create such interesting lines and perspectives in photos. The restaurant scene here is incredible – from casual beachfront spots to the Michelin-starred Fortaleza do Guincho with those panoramic ocean views.
Perfect For:
- Extended sessions: For 2+ hour shoots, combine Cascais exploration with sunset at Guincho
- Convenience lovers: Full facilities including bathrooms, changing rooms, and multiple restaurant options
- Variety seekers: You can create completely different looks just by moving between locations
- Celebration dinners: End your session with dinner at world-class restaurants
The Reality Check:
Let’s be honest about the wind – it’s REAL here, especially at Guincho. I’m talking about hair-whipping, dress-flying kind of wind most of the time. It creates amazing dynamic shots, but bring hair ties and maybe rethink complicated hairstyles. Because it’s a popular beach, it’s not the most intimate setting, but the good news is it’s so wide that we can always find comfortable space even when it’s busy. The full facilities make it super convenient for outfit changes or touch-ups. Crismina tends to be more sheltered, so we can always move there if Guincho feels too intense.
Praia Grande - The Timing Game
This beach rewards those who plan ahead. When the tide is low, it transforms into this incredible playground of accessible rock formations, hidden pools, and dramatic cliff backdrops. I love the variety here – we can shoot at beach level, climb up for mountain views, or explore those fascinating dinosaur footprints in the cliffs.
What Makes It Special:
The wide golden sand gives us so much space to work with, and those cliffs at the southern end create this amazing natural backdrop. At low tide, you can walk between the rocks and discover these intimate little coves. The stairs leading up offer incredible elevated viewpoints – you can literally see all the way to Adraga beach on a clear day. And those 170-million-year-old dinosaur footprints? They add such a unique element to your love story.
Perfect For:
- Adventure couples: Exploring the tide pools and rock formations is like a mini adventure
- Variety lovers: Beach, cliffs, and mountain views all in one location
- Extended sessions: Plenty to explore for longer shoots
The Reality Check:
Timing is everything here. Those gorgeous rock formations and hidden coves are only accessible during low tide, so we absolutely have to check tide charts when planning. The good news is the access is super easy – parking right by the beach, restaurants nearby, and those stairs up to the viewpoints are well-maintained. It’s worth planning your whole day around the tides because when it works, it’s absolutely magical.
Costa da Caparica - The Sunrise Champion
In my honest opinion, this is hands down the best sunrise beach near Lisbon. There’s something so romantic about starting your elopement day as the sun rises over 15 kilometers of pristine coastline. The light here at dawn is absolutely golden, and you’ll practically have the entire beach to yourselves.
What Makes It Special:
The scale is incredible – endless beach stretching in both directions means total privacy and space to create. The light quality, especially at sunrise, is unmatched. The sand has this beautiful fine texture, and the waves create this perfect soundtrack for your vows. Plus, there are great beach bars and restaurants scattered along the coast for celebrating afterward.
Perfect For:
- Early risers: That sunrise light is pure magic
- Intimate ceremonies: So much space, you can find your perfect private spot
- Extended celebrations: Plenty of venues nearby for post-ceremony festivities
The Reality Check:
Let’s talk logistics – that bridge crossing from Lisbon can be a real challenge. What’s normally a 25-minute drive can easily become 50+ minutes when everyone’s heading to the beach on weekends. My advice? Either plan for very early morning (which works perfectly for sunrise shoots) or stay nearby the night before. The traffic is absolutely worth it when you see those sunrise photos, but planning ahead saves stress on your special day.
Praia del Rey - The Intimate Escape
This is my secret weapon for couples who want something truly special. It’s the furthest from Lisbon, but that distance creates this sense of escape and intimacy that you just can’t find at the more accessible beaches. The rock wall running along the entire beach creates this natural backdrop that feels almost sculptural.
What Makes It Special:
The intimacy here is unmatched – it feels like your own private coastline. That rock wall creates such interesting textures and patterns in photos, and the beach itself has this pristine, untouched quality. Because it’s less crowded, we can really take our time and explore different areas without feeling rushed. Plus, if you’re doing a longer elopement day, combining it with a visit to medieval Óbidos creates this beautiful contrast between coastal and historic settings.
Perfect For:
- Intimate couples: Perfect for those who want complete privacy
- Extended elopements: Great for full-day celebrations (4+ hours)
- Unique experiences: The combination with Óbidos makes for a truly Portuguese day
The Reality Check:
The distance is real – 1 to 1.5 hours from Lisbon, and you definitely need a car. But here’s what I offer: your couples can travel with me in my Tesla, which makes the journey part of the experience rather than a hassle. The drive along the coast is actually quite beautiful, and arriving feels like discovering a hidden gem. There are some lovely resorts nearby if you want to make it a weekend getaway.
Nazaré - The Dramatic Powerhouse
When people think of Portuguese beaches, Nazaré often comes to mind first – and for good reason. This is where the Atlantic shows its true power, with waves that can reach record-breaking heights. But beyond the famous surf culture, Nazaré offers incredible clifftop views and that authentic Portuguese fishing village charm that feels timeless.
What Makes It Special:
The sheer drama of this place is unmatched. Standing on the clifftops looking down at the beach below, you get this incredible sense of scale and power. The traditional fishing boats lined up on the sand tell stories of generations of maritime life, and the colorful houses climbing the hillside create this beautiful layered backdrop. The lighthouse at Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo offers panoramic views that are absolutely breathtaking for wide shots.
Perfect For:
- Drama lovers: The scale and power of this location is incredible
- Cultural enthusiasts: Deep Portuguese maritime heritage adds meaning to your story
- Epic landscapes: Some of the most impressive coastal views in Portugal
The Reality Check:
It’s about 1.5 hours north of Lisbon, so this is definitely a day trip commitment. The waves can be intense (this is where they surf 100-foot waves!), so it’s more about the dramatic backdrops than beach ceremonies. The wind can be strong, and parking can be tricky during peak season. But when you want something truly spectacular and uniquely Portuguese, nowhere else compares.
Comporta - The Celebrity Hideaway
This is Portugal’s best-kept secret that’s not really secret anymore – celebrities from Madonna to Christian Louboutin have discovered this slice of paradise. What makes Comporta special isn’t just the pristine beaches, but the effortless luxury and boho-chic vibe that feels both sophisticated and completely relaxed.
What Makes It Special:
Picture endless stretches of white sand backed by pine forests, with stylish beach clubs that somehow manage to feel both upscale and laid-back. The landscape here is softer and more serene than the dramatic Atlantic beaches – gentle dunes, calm waters, and that famous “golden hour” light that seems to last forever. The rice fields and traditional architecture create this unique blend of coastal and countryside that’s purely Portuguese.
Perfect For:
- Luxury lovers: Chic beach clubs and upscale resorts create an exclusive feel
- Boho couples: That effortless, natural luxury aesthetic is perfect for relaxed celebrations
- Extended getaways: Worth making it a weekend destination
The Reality Check:
It’s about 1.5 hours south of Lisbon, and accommodation can be limited and expensive (book early!). This is more of a destination than a day trip – the kind of place where you want to stay overnight and really soak in the atmosphere. The infrastructure is less developed than other beach areas, which is part of its charm but means more planning ahead.
Bonus: Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo - The Secret Paradise (On My List!)
I’ll be honest – this is the one stunning beach on my list that I haven’t actually shot at yet, but it’s absolutely on my photography bucket list! People compare it to Thailand or the Caribbean because of that incredible turquoise water and pristine white sand. Every time I see photos from this hidden cove, I’m reminded why I need to plan a session there soon.
What Makes It Special:
The crystal-clear, calm waters look perfect for swimming, and the surrounding landscape of greenery, rocks, and sea stacks creates an almost tropical feeling. The beach sits in this protected cove surrounded by the Arrábida mountains, creating what looks like the most incredible natural amphitheater. The massive rock formation that gives the beach its name (cavalo means horse) creates a unique focal point, and the complete wildness of the place – no facilities, no crowds, just pure nature – looks like it would make every shot feel special.
Perfect For:
- Adventure couples: The journey adds to the story and sense of accomplishment
- Unique experiences: This truly looks like a hidden treasure
- Caribbean vibes: Without leaving Portugal!
The Reality Check:
Here’s why I haven’t shot here yet – the logistics are significant. It’s about 1 hour drive from Lisbon to Sesimbra, then you need to take a boat (around €15 per person round trip) or do a challenging 15-20 minute hike down steep, rocky terrain. For wedding photography, the time investment is substantial, but I know it would be absolutely worth it for the right couple who wants something truly extraordinary.
Since I haven’t photographed there yet, I can’t recommend specific spots or give you my usual insider tips about timing and positioning. But I’m planning to scout it soon, and once I do, I’ll update this guide with all my photographer secrets! If you’re drawn to this location, let’s chat – you might be the perfect couple to help me discover this paradise together.
Planning Your Perfect Beach Session
Timing Magic:
The hour before sunset creates that dreamy, golden light that makes everything look romantic. For sunrise shoots (especially at Caparica), we’re talking about some of the most magical light conditions you can imagine. I always avoid midday shooting – the light is harsh and the beaches are at their busiest.
Weather Wisdom:
I obsessively check weather apps, especially for Adraga where fog can completely change our plans. Wind forecasts are crucial for Guincho – sometimes we adjust locations based on conditions. For Praia Grande, tide charts are essential. I always have backup plans because Portuguese coastal weather can be wonderfully unpredictable.
What to Pack:
Comfortable beach walking shoes are essential (hiking boots for Ursa adventures). Light layers work best since coastal weather changes quickly. Hair ties are lifesavers at windy beaches. Always bring water, especially for Ursa. And I recommend backup outfits.
Planning Your Perfect Beach Session
Travel Times from Lisbon:
- Cascais area (Guincho, Crismina, Adraga): 30-45 minutes of scenic coastal driving
- Sintra beaches (Ursa, Praia Grande): 45-60 minutes through beautiful countryside
- South beaches (Caparica, Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo): 25-60 minutes depending on traffic
- Praia del Rey: 1-1.5 hours (but I can drive you in comfort!)
I always recommend car or Uber for flexibility and comfort. Some beaches have limited public transport, and having control over timing makes everything smoother.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Photo Session?
Each of these beaches has given me countless magical moments with couples from around the world. Whether you’re drawn to Ursa’s dramatic adventure, Adraga’s iconic beauty, or Praia del Rey’s intimate charm, we’ll find the perfect setting that matches your vision and personalities.
The Portuguese coast has this incredible ability to make every couple look and feel amazing – there’s something about the light, the landscape, and the romance of these places that just works. Ready to create some magic together? Let’s chat about which beach speaks to your hearts!
