Luiyo from Madrid, Spain / CC-BY-SA
Praia do Magoito
Off-leash OK
Year-round (see details below)
Parking available
Bring water
Praia do Magoito is a spectacular wild beach set beneath towering cliffs in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, about 30 minutes from Ericeira and an hour north of Lisbon. The beach features a long stretch of golden sand backed by dramatic sandstone...
Hours & Seasons
Year-round access on non-concessioned sections. During bathing season (June-September) the concessioned section may restrict dogs. Part of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Beach Rules
- ●Dogs welcome on non-concessioned sections year-round; check signage for concessioned zone restrictions.
- ●Owners must clean up after their dogs — bring your own bags.
- ●Dogs must have a microchip and be registered; carry your DIAC or pet passport.
- ●Potentially dangerous breeds must wear a muzzle and be on a leash no longer than 1 metre.
- ●Respect the Natural Park environment — stay on marked paths through cliff-top vegetation.
Local Tips
- 🐾Head away from the lifeguarded zone to the non-concessioned sections where dogs are welcome.
- 🐾The car park is on the cliff top — a short walk down to the beach.
- 🐾Arrive early in summer as the car park fills up on warm weekends.
- 🐾Interesting rock formations and tidal pools at low tide are great for dogs to explore.
- 🐾Two restaurants near the parking area if you want to grab lunch after the beach.
Nearby Attractions
Amenities
Beach day checklist
Don't forget the essentials!
🦺 Dog life jacket
💧 Fresh water + bowl
🧴 Dog sunscreen
🎾 Floating fetch toy
🧹 Poop bags
Nearby Dog Beaches in Portugal
Praia Pequena
Off-LeashSintra, Portugal
Small sheltered beach near Praia Grande in Sintra, popular with surfers and bodyboarders. Non-concessioned, dogs tolerated especially off-season.
Praia da Ursa
Off-LeashSintra, Portugal
Praia da Ursa is one of Portugal's most dramatic and remote beaches, tucked beneath towering cliffs near Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of continental Europe. Named after the massive bear-shaped rock formation (ursa means bear in Portuguese) that guards the beach, this wild, non-concessioned beach is an adventure destination for fit dogs and owners willing to make the challenging descent. The hike down takes 20 to 30 minutes via a steep, narrow trail with loose rocks and some scrambling sections — proper footwear is essential, and this is not suitable for elderly dogs, small breeds, or dogs not comfortable with rough terrain. Once at the bottom, the reward is a stunning beach of golden sand framed by colossal sea stacks and cliffs that feel almost otherworldly. Being completely remote and non-concessioned, there are no facilities whatsoever — no lifeguards, no toilets, no water, no shade. Dogs run free here without issue, as enforcement at this isolated location is nonexistent. The beach sits within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and the surrounding cliff-top landscape of wind-sculpted vegetation and ocean views is equally spectacular. Park at the informal trailhead on the road near Cabo da Roca. Bring plenty of water for both yourself and your dog, sun protection, and all supplies for a self-sufficient beach visit. The Atlantic can be rough here — swim with caution.
Praia de Sao Sebastiao
Off-LeashEriceira, Portugal
Tiny unmonitored beach below a chapel-topped cliff in Ericeira, accessed by stairs. Sand disappears at high tide — check tides before visiting.