Few places in Europe balance elegance, history, and serenity quite like Cascais. This former fishing village, transformed into a stylish retreat for aristocracy and artists, has no shortage of beautiful beaches. Yet, nestled discreetly between dramatic cliffs and the historic Santa Marta Lighthouse lies one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets: Praia de Santa Marta.
Though diminutive in size compared to Cascais’ more famous sandy stretches, this secluded cove is enchanting precisely because of its intimacy. A slice of golden sand bordered by calm, translucent waters, it feels like a private sanctuary waiting to be discovered. Recently, the world has begun to take notice. Travelers searching for understated luxury and authenticity have started whispering about Santa Marta — not as a crowded tourist beach, but as a destination of refinement, charm, and timeless appeal.
In this article, we will unveil why Praia de Santa Marta is drawing discerning travelers from across the globe, what makes it unique among Portugal’s many coastal treasures, and how best to experience it as part of a luxury journey through Cascais and beyond.
A Secluded Haven Beneath the Santa Marta Lighthouse
What sets Praia de Santa Marta apart is its striking location. At the edge of Cascais’ elegant marina, the beach lies directly beneath the iconic Santa Marta Lighthouse — a 19th-century landmark with a distinctive blue-and-white striped tower. From above, the scene could be mistaken for a painting: the lighthouse rising proudly against a deep blue sky, fishermen’s boats bobbing nearby, and the Atlantic shimmering softly in hues of turquoise and emerald.
The beach itself is small, offering only a pocket of sand framed by rocks. Yet its size is its greatest asset. Unlike the wide expanses of Carcavelos or Guincho, Santa Marta never feels overwhelming. Visitors step onto its sands and immediately sense a world apart — an intimate space where the noise of crowds fades, and only the rhythm of the waves remains.
For travelers seeking moments of exclusivity, this beach resonates with the same elegance that has long defined Cascais. Historically, the town was a retreat for European royalty — including King Carlos I of Portugal, who established his summer residence here in the late 19th century. Praia de Santa Marta carries echoes of this aristocratic past, reminding guests that luxury is often found in simplicity, privacy, and authenticity.
The Lighthouse Museum and Cultural Backdrop
No visit to Praia de Santa Marta is complete without exploring its namesake lighthouse and museum. Built in 1868, the lighthouse served as a guiding beacon for ships entering the Lisbon coast. Today, it houses a maritime museum where visitors can explore centuries of Portuguese seafaring heritage — from ancient navigation tools to detailed exhibits about Cascais’ fishing traditions.
The museum’s terrace is particularly captivating. From here, travelers enjoy panoramic views that sweep across the Cascais Bay toward Estoril and beyond. The juxtaposition of historical artifacts with a contemporary art space creates a cultural depth that elevates a beach visit into something richer. It is the kind of hidden layer that luxury travelers appreciate — a reminder that beauty in Portugal often blends effortlessly with history.
Why the World is Taking Notice
Over the past two years, Praia de Santa Marta has appeared increasingly in international travel publications and lifestyle media. What makes it so appealing?
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Exclusivity in an Accessible Location
Just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon, Cascais is easy to reach yet feels a world away. Santa Marta offers the intimacy of a hidden retreat without requiring long journeys or complex itineraries. -
A Sense of Discovery
Unlike more famous Portuguese beaches, Santa Marta still feels “secret.” Travelers are drawn to its understated presence — a place where they can feel like insiders, not visitors. -
Connection with Luxury Travel Trends
Today’s affluent travelers seek experiences that are both authentic and refined. Santa Marta’s combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and discretion aligns perfectly with this ethos.
One guest from the United States, who recently toured Cascais with Portugal Magik Private Tours, described it best:
“We’ve seen beaches all over the world, but this one felt personal. Standing under the lighthouse, listening to the water lap the shore, we felt connected to Portugal in a way that was very special — quiet, beautiful, and meaningful.”
Pairing Santa Marta with Cascais’ Refined Lifestyle
Santa Marta is not an isolated experience. It fits seamlessly into the broader elegance of Cascais. Just steps away from the beach, travelers encounter:
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Cascais Marina – a sophisticated hub lined with sleek yachts, high-end restaurants, and waterfront cafés. It’s perfect for an aperitif after a swim at Santa Marta.
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Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães – a neo-Gothic palace-turned-museum that houses an exquisite art collection and overlooks the same waters that touch the beach.
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Historic Cascais Center – cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and open-air terraces where guests can taste Portugal’s finest seafood.
Luxury travelers often design their day around Santa Marta: beginning with a morning visit to the lighthouse, enjoying a leisurely swim, followed by a private lunch in Cascais’ elegant old town, and finishing with a sunset drive along the dramatic coastline of Guincho.
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Where to Stay: Cascais’ Luxury Accommodations
For those wishing to stay overnight near Praia de Santa Marta, Cascais offers an exceptional range of five-star hotels and boutique properties. A few highlights include:
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The Albatroz Hotel (Address: Rua Frederico Arouca 100, Cascais | thealbatrozcollection.com)
A cliffside retreat with panoramic ocean views, known for its refined interiors and impeccable service. -
Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa (Address: Rua Frei Nicolau de Oliveira 100, Cascais | realhotelsgroup.com)
Built on the former residence of King Umberto II of Italy, this property combines history with modern luxury. -
Farol Hotel (Address: Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália 7, Cascais | farol.com.pt)
A design-forward hotel perched on the rocks near the lighthouse, offering spectacular views and contemporary elegance.
Insider Tips for Visiting Praia de Santa Marta
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Arrive Early – Due to its small size, the beach fills quickly in summer. Early mornings offer the most serene experience.
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Combine with Cultural Visits – Pair your beach stop with the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum or a stroll to the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum for a complete day.
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Seasonal Charm – While summer brings warm swimming conditions, spring and autumn are equally enchanting, with fewer visitors and softer light.
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Private Tours – A knowledgeable driver-guide enhances the experience by sharing the history of Cascais, arranging seamless transfers, and avoiding the busier times of day.
