One of the best things about staying in Santa Cruz is that the coastline here doesn't just look beautiful from the beach — it reveals itself layer by layer when you walk it. There are trails that run along the edge of crumbling golden cliffs, paths that drop down to beaches you'd never find from the road, and routes where the only sound is the wind and the Atlantic below.
You don't need to be a serious hiker. Most of these walks take an hour or two at a relaxed pace, and all of them start within minutes of the apartment. Here are the ones we keep coming back to.
Praia de Santa Cruz to Praia do Porto Novo
This is the classic. You start right from our doorstep and walk south along the clifftop — the ocean on your right, the wind at your back. The trail runs above the beach for about three kilometres, passing through patches of wild coastal vegetation before dropping down to Porto Novo, a quieter stretch of sand with a small seasonal café.
The walk takes about 45 minutes one way. You can walk back the same way or loop through the village above. Best in the early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the cliffs.
Penedo do Guincho Viewpoint
A short but rewarding walk to one of the most dramatic lookout points on this stretch of coast. The trail starts at the north end of Praia de Santa Cruz and climbs up to a rocky promontory where, on clear days, you can see all the way south past Ericeira.
It's maybe 20 minutes up, but you'll want to stay longer. There's something about standing on the edge with the Atlantic stretching out in every direction. Surfers look like tiny dots below.
Silveira Circular Trail
Silveira is the little parish just above the apartment, and this loop takes you through a side of the area most visitors never see. You walk inland first through old farmland and vineyards, past stone walls and small holdings, then the trail curves back towards the coast and drops you onto the beach at Praia da Física — a hidden cove between two rock formations.
The full loop is about 6km and takes roughly an hour and a half at a comfortable pace. It's flat enough for anyone, and there's good shade in the inland section.
Praia de Santa Rita Trail
If you want something a bit longer and wilder, head north along the coast towards Praia de Santa Rita. The trail follows the cliffline through some beautifully untouched terrain — low scrub, wildflowers in spring, and sections where the path narrows between the edge and the bushes in a way that makes you feel properly out there.
The beach itself is one of the best in the region for surfing, and the walk there takes about an hour. You can catch a taxi back or make a day of it — there's a restaurant at the top of the hill above the beach.
We're always happy to point you in the right direction, suggest new routes we've discovered, or let you know about trail conditions. Just ask us when you arrive — or send us a message before your trip.
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