WEST COAST

Portuguese west region is a synonymous of beaches of rare NATURAL BEAUTY... In Santa Cruz there are eleven beaches with beautiful cliffs and an extensive area of sand. Formed by clay sediments and covered by a green blanket of vegetation, the cliffs give you a sense of protection and at the same time a sense of PEACE ... Searched by surfers, the portuguese West Coast offers exclusive surfing conditions. That is also why it was choosen to be part of the World Surf League qualification tour. There are many options along the existing 20 kilometers of coastline, where it is possible to spend a RELAXING day at the beach or even to make a PICNIC and, of course, taste some local products.

 

FROM LAND TO THE SEA

Along the coast are innumerable viewpoints that give you a sense of power but also of smallness due to the grandiosity of NATURE. Visit the Alto da Vela’s viewpoint, the Miradouro de Santa Helena, the Miradouro da Formosa and, on the way, make a quick stop at the Chapel of St. Helena, with the frontage facing the sea. Inside the Capela you will find the image of St. Helena, which was found by a fishermen on Amoeira Beach in the 16th century. St. Helena is the saint patron of Santa Cruz.

 

PENEDO DO GUINCHO

It is one of the most touristic places in Santa Cruz. Penedo do Guincho is formed by an imposing rock structure with 30 meters of height and 100m of diameter, with a slot crossed by the sea in the base. When the tide is low it is possible to cross the opening of the boulder with dry feet. If in summer it is one of the most crowded places, dare to visit it in the winter, and enjoy the end of the day.

 

AZENHA DE SANTA CRUZ

Azenha de Santa Cruz is very close to Penedo do Guincho, right in the center of Santa Cruz. It has a Tourist Office, exhibitions and a reading room with newspapers and magazines.

 

PASSEIO DOS POETAS

Beauty, TRANQUILITY and magic. Santa Cruz has always been a source of inspiration for notable poets and writers who lived here. One of them was Antero de Quental whom, in 1870, sought inspiration in the refuge of Santa Cruz. In honor of this poet and philosopher... a statue was built in 2009, next to Santa Cruz’s Chapel.

Also the Japanese poet Kazuo Dan lived at Santa Cruz between 1971 and 1972. The street where he lived has his name, and a monument was built in his honor where we can read one of his poems, "Poente", written in Santa Cruz.

Also João de Barros has a monument. The poet, pedagogue and publicist was a sea lover and spent several summers in Santa Cruz. In this statue it is possible to read a dedication written by the writer Ferreira de Castro, where he share João de Barros’s passion for the Atlantic Ocean, his strong connection to Brazil, and his passion for the sea "which he loved since he was a boy."

 

LOCATION

1 min from the beach (on foot)
35 minutes from Lisbon airport
25 minutes from Óbidos
30 minutes from Peniche
25 minutes from Ericeira
35 minutes from Caldas da Rainha
75 minutes from Fátima
60 minutes by boat from Berlengas Natural Park