1. Praia da Adraga
If you are looking for a dramatic Atlantic beach with cliffs, rocks and a wild natural atmosphere, Praia da Adraga is one of my favorite choices.
Located near Sintra, this beach feels much more untouched than the beaches closer to Lisbon. The large rock formations, dark sand and powerful ocean waves create a beautiful backdrop, especially for couples and more cinematic photoshoots.
There are plenty of different spots to explore around the beach, so the photos don’t all have to look the same.
Best for: couples, proposals, engagement sessions and cinematic portraits
Atmosphere: wild, romantic and dramatic
Best time: late afternoon and sunset
If you want photos that feel more like a scene from a film than a typical beach vacation, Praia da Adraga is a great option.
2. Praia do Guincho
Praia do Guincho is one of the most recognizable beaches near Lisbon, and for good reason.
It is wide, open and surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The strong Atlantic wind often creates a very dynamic atmosphere, with waves, flowing dresses and movement becoming part of the photos.
I especially love Guincho for couples who don’t want a perfectly polished beach photoshoot. The wind and ocean give the images a more spontaneous and natural feeling.
Best for: couples, lifestyle photoshoots and adventurous travelers
Atmosphere: windy, wild and energetic
Best time: late afternoon and sunset
Guincho can be especially beautiful on slightly cloudy days, when the sky and ocean create a more dramatic look.
3. Praia de Magoito
Praia de Magoito is a beautiful option if you want a more relaxed beach photoshoot away from the busiest tourist spots.
The long sandy beach, cliffs and open ocean give you plenty of space to walk and move around during the session. It works particularly well for natural lifestyle photography, where the goal is to capture you interacting with each other rather than simply posing for the camera.
Best for: couples, families and relaxed lifestyle photos
Atmosphere: peaceful, natural and spacious
Best time: late afternoon and golden hour
It is also a great choice if you want the feeling of a real Portuguese beach day rather than a typical tourist location.
4. Praia Grande
As the name suggests, Praia Grande is a large and spacious beach near Sintra.
Its wide stretch of sand gives you plenty of room for walking, running, playing and simply enjoying the ocean together. This makes it particularly good for photoshoots where you want movement and natural interactions.
The beach is also surrounded by dramatic cliffs, creating several different backgrounds within one location.
Best for: couples, families, maternity sessions and lifestyle photos
Atmosphere: bright, relaxed and playful
Best time: morning or late afternoon
If you want a classic beach photoshoot with lots of space and a relaxed atmosphere, Praia Grande is a great option.
5. Praia da Ribeira d’Ilhas, Ericeira
If you don’t mind driving a little further from Lisbon, Ribeira d’Ilhas in Ericeira is definitely worth considering.
Known for its surf culture, this beach has a completely different feeling from the beaches around Sintra. You get rocky cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean and the relaxed atmosphere of Ericeira.
The architecture and pathways around the beach also give you more variety than just photographing on the sand.
Best for: couples, solo travelers and lifestyle photoshoots
Atmosphere: relaxed, coastal and authentic
Best time: late afternoon and sunset
Ribeira d’Ilhas is a great choice if you want your photos to feel like a little escape from Lisbon — with the ocean, cliffs and the atmosphere of a Portuguese surf town.
Planning a beach photoshoot near Lisbon?
Not sure which beach is right for you? I can help you choose the location based on the atmosphere you want, plan the route and make sure we get the most beautiful light.
Planning your photoshoot in Portugal? Get in touch with me and let’s create something beautiful together.
Lisbon Photo Guide
