In a country blessed with more than 1,700 kilometers of coastline, Portugal’s beaches are as diverse as they are enchanting. Some are wild and windswept, where surfers chase Atlantic swells; others are glamorous, alive with chic cafés and golden sands. Yet, hidden between the elegant marina of Cascais and the iconic Santa Marta Lighthouse lies a beach so small and discreet that even many locals overlook it: Praia de Santa Marta.
This unassuming cove, just steps away from the polished charm of Cascais’ old town, is quickly becoming one of Portugal’s most talked-about secrets. International media and discerning travelers are beginning to shine a spotlight on its rare blend of intimacy, beauty, and cultural significance. It is a beach not defined by size but by soul, where heritage meets tranquility, and exclusivity comes naturally.
For those who travel not just to see, but to feel and connect, Praia de Santa Marta offers something profoundly special. It is a place where the whispers of history echo through a striped lighthouse, where the sea reflects shades of sapphire and emerald, and where, for a moment, time itself seems to pause.
A Jewel Beneath the Lighthouse
Praia de Santa Marta’s charm begins with its location. Nestled directly beneath the 19th-century Santa Marta Lighthouse, the beach unfolds like a private sanctuary carved into the edge of Cascais Bay. From above, the scene is cinematic: the bold, blue-and-white stripes of the lighthouse standing proudly against the Atlantic horizon, fishing boats swaying gently in the marina, and a patch of golden sand tucked away between rocky arms of the coastline.
Unlike Portugal’s wide, sweeping beaches such as Guincho or Carcavelos, Santa Marta is deliberately small. Its modest size creates an immediate sense of intimacy. Visitors step onto its sands and feel almost as though they’ve stumbled upon a secret known only to a select few. The waters here are calm and transparent, more reminiscent of a private lagoon than the open ocean, making it inviting for swimmers and those seeking a meditative escape.
This is not a beach for mass tourism. It is, instead, a retreat for those who value refinement and simplicity — qualities that have defined Cascais since it became a summer playground for Europe’s aristocracy in the late 19th century. In many ways, Praia de Santa Marta embodies that spirit: elegant, understated, and timeless.
History Woven into the Shoreline
The beach takes its name from the Santa Marta Lighthouse, an emblematic structure that has guided sailors since 1868. Today, the lighthouse houses a maritime museum, where centuries of Portugal’s seafaring tradition are on display. Visitors can admire intricate navigation instruments, maritime maps, and rotating exhibitions that celebrate the country’s connection to the sea.
From the museum’s terrace, the view is breathtaking. The perspective stretches from Cascais Bay to Estoril’s shoreline, offering a tableau that fuses natural beauty with historical depth. For many travelers, this blend is what makes Praia de Santa Marta extraordinary: it is not just a place to swim or sunbathe, but a site where culture and nature intertwine seamlessly.
Luxury travel is often about layers of meaning — experiencing a destination beyond its surface. Here, one can swim in crystalline waters, then climb a few steps to trace Portugal’s maritime past, and finish with a refined glass of vinho verde overlooking the Atlantic. Few beaches in the world offer such an elegant convergence.
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Why the World is Taking Notice
In recent years, Praia de Santa Marta has quietly stepped into the global spotlight. Lifestyle magazines and travel journals from Europe to North America have begun to highlight its understated beauty. The reasons are clear:
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Exclusivity with Accessibility
Only 40 minutes from Lisbon by car, Cascais is remarkably easy to reach. Yet Santa Marta retains a sense of hiddenness, a luxury retreat within reach of the capital. -
An Air of Discovery
While Portugal’s Algarve and Alentejo coasts are world-famous, Santa Marta still feels like a secret. To stand on its sand is to feel like part of an inner circle, an insider’s discovery. -
Alignment with Global Travel Trends
Modern luxury travelers increasingly seek places that combine authenticity with sophistication. Santa Marta, with its intimate scale, cultural backdrop, and natural beauty, aligns perfectly with this desire.
A guest from Canada who recently explored the area with Portugal Magik Private Tours described it beautifully:
“We’ve visited beaches across the Caribbean and Mediterranean, but Santa Marta felt different. It wasn’t about luxury in the obvious sense, but about privacy, heritage, and atmosphere. It was Portugal in its most elegant form.”
Cascais: The Perfect Frame for Santa Marta
The beauty of Praia de Santa Marta lies not only in the beach itself, but in the town that surrounds it. Cascais, once a humble fishing village, blossomed into a cosmopolitan resort when Portuguese royalty declared it their summer home in the 19th century. Today, it remains one of Portugal’s most sophisticated coastal towns.
Steps from Santa Marta, travelers can wander into:
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Cascais Marina – A sleek hub of sailing yachts, oceanfront terraces, and fine dining. Perfect for an aperitif after a morning by the sea.
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Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães – A neo-Gothic palace with turrets and stained glass, housing an impressive art and manuscript collection.
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Historic Old Town – Cobblestone streets filled with designer boutiques, galleries, and seafood restaurants serving the day’s freshest catch.
For those with a passion for architecture, Cascais also boasts elegant 19th-century villas, each with their own stories of aristocrats, exiled royals, and famous artists who once called the town home.
Where to Stay: Cascais’ Luxury Accommodations
Visitors seeking to linger near Praia de Santa Marta will find Cascais offers an exceptional array of hotels that combine heritage, elegance, and impeccable service. Some of the most refined include:
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The Albatroz Hotel
Rua Frederico Arouca 100, Cascais | thealbatrozcollection.com
A cliffside retreat with sweeping ocean views and classic Portuguese charm. Known for its intimate atmosphere and refined gastronomy. -
Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa
Rua Frei Nicolau de Oliveira 100, Cascais | realhotelsgroup.com
Built on the former residence of King Umberto II of Italy, this palace hotel blends royal history with contemporary five-star comfort. -
Farol Hotel
Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália 7, Cascais | farol.com.pt
Perched dramatically on the rocks near the lighthouse, this design hotel offers modern luxury, avant-garde interiors, and one of the most spectacular sunset views in Cascais.
Insider Tips for Experiencing Praia de Santa Marta
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Arrive Early – With limited sand space, mornings offer the most peaceful atmosphere.
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Pair with Culture – Combine your swim with visits to the Lighthouse Museum and the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum.
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Choose the Season – Summer promises warm waters, but spring and autumn offer golden light and quieter surroundings.
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Private Tours – Traveling with a private guide ensures you enjoy the beach at the best times, with seamless transport and expert insight into Cascais’ history.
Experiencing Santa Marta with Portugal Magik Private Tours
For travelers who want to uncover the essence of Portugal in style, Portugal Magik Private Tours is the trusted choice. Established 14 years ago, this award-winning company specializes in bespoke journeys across the country, combining luxury, flexibility, and insider knowledge. Guests travel in a fleet of luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles, guided by experienced English-speaking driver-guides who bring history and culture vividly to life.
Most guests choose multi-day private tours, weaving together Portugal’s highlights — from Lisbon and Cascais to Porto, the Douro Valley, Évora, and the Algarve. A visit to Praia de Santa Marta fits seamlessly into these journeys, offering a quiet, refined moment between grand city explorations and countryside adventures.
Imagine beginning your morning in Lisbon, driving along the coastal road past the Estoril Casino, arriving in Cascais to stroll through the old town, then pausing at Praia de Santa Marta for a swim beneath the lighthouse. By afternoon, your driver-guide whisks you toward Guincho’s wild coastline, finishing with a sunset over Cabo da Roca — Europe’s westernmost point. This is travel at its finest: curated, effortless, and deeply memorable.
Book Your Portugal Experience
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