Find out the characteristics of authorized sites for rock-climbing in Sintra municipality:

Pedra do Cavalo (the Horse’s Rock) — a sienite spur located North of Cabo da Roca, between two beaches, Praia da Aroeira and Praia da Ursa, with about six traditional rock climbing routes of about 45 m.

Characteristics/gear: trad climbing

Capacity:

From January 1st to July 14th – four climbers

From July 15th to December 31st – eight climbers.

Praia da Ursa (Ursa Beach)— includes about 10 traditional rock climbing routes, distributed throughout the granitic cliff face (Rosas, Negras, Cascata/Roses, Black, Waterfall) and the Gaivota limestone crag. The extension of the routes varies from 20 to 30 m. The routes on the granite plaques (sienite) are of medium difficulty, except for the Waterfall sector, which has routes of extreme difficulty.  

Characteristics/gear: trad climbing

Capacity:

Gaivota, Cascata and Negras:

From January 1st to July 14th — 6 climbers

From July 15th to December 31st — 16 climbers

Rosas:

From January 1st to May 31st  — 6 climbers

From October 1st to December 31st — 16 climbers

Restrictions: at the Rosas site from June 1st to September 30th rock climbing is forbidden

Pedra da Noiva (the Bride’s Rock) — a crag almost completely surrounded by sea, located north of Praia da Ursa. It has a traditional climbing route of limestone, with a low level of difficulty and several pitches. On windy days, rappel can be complicated by the wind tunnel that is formed between the rock and land.

Characteristics/gear: trad climbing

Capacity: six climbers

Restrictions: climbing is forbidden from January 1st to July 14th 

Praia do Cavalo (the Horse’s Beach) — small limestone cove located south of Praia da Adraga, with about five traditional climbing routes.

Characteristics/gear: trad climbing/ boulder climbing

Capacity: 12 climbers

Praia Grande do Rodízio — limestone cliff by the sea, located SW of Praia Grande do Rodízio. With a NE exposure, still being equipped, it will have about 16 routes, from 10 to 35 m.

Characteristics/gear: sport climbing

Capacity: 20 climbers

Restrictions: climbing is forbidden from June 1st to September 30th

Encosta dos Bêbados (Drunkard’s Hill)— limestone ridge in the Ribeira das Vinhas valley, with a pronounced negative incline (overhang), with 14 fully equipped routes, ranging from 8 to 12 m and with a high difficulty rating, between 6 and 8. 

Characteristics/gear; sport climbing

Capacity: 10 climbers

Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) — a 15m granite crag, with about six routes, situated on private property. With difficult access, through brambles and shrubs, without a well-defined path, the crag is located over and to the West of Lagoa Azul, visible from the road.  

Characteristics/gear: trad climbing

Capacity: six climbers

Notes: private property

Pedras Irmãs (Sister Stones) — granite boulders situated around the Peninha Church and the fountain of the Pedras Irmãs, with an average height of 5 m, which are climbed without a rope, safety measures entailing the use of special portable mats.

Characteristics/gear: boulder climbing

Capacity: 15 climbers

Pedra Amarela (Yellow Stone) — sport climbing area with five initiation routes on private property, consisting of a small granite boulder with about 20 m maximum height.  

Characteristics/gear: sport climbing

Capacity: 20 climbers

Notes: private property

Capuchos/Boulders — granite boulders situated near the Convento dos Capuchos, in the pine woods by the Alto das Três Cruzes. With an average height of 3 m they can be climbed without ropes, safety measures entailing the use of special portable mats.

Characteristics/gear: boulder climbing

Capacity: 15 climbers

Cruz Alta — granite crag, West facing, located within the Pena Park, slightly below the stretch of road that surrounds the Cruz Alta, of about 25 m with five traditional climbing routes.

Characteristics/gear: trad climbing

Capacity: six climbers

Notes: State property, under management of Parques de Sintra — Monte da Lua, S. A

Penedo do Monge (Monk’s Boulder) — situated between the Capuchos and the Monge geodesic point. A 15 m granite boulder with a vertical gradient, used for rappel descents, it is equipped with three anchors for protection on the descent.

Characteristics/gear: rappel

Capacity: 15 climbers

Penedo da Amizade (Friend's Boulder) — granite wall with about 40 m high, located under the Moorish Castle and facing northwest . Has about 52 routes , with a length ranging between 15 m and 60 m . This climbing school is divided into three sections (1 - Central Sector, 2 - North Boulder, 3 - Moira Damn).

Characteristics/gear: climbing school

Capacity: 30 climbers

Notes: state property under Sintra park management - Moon Hill , SA. The main access is made from the north through the Picnic Park, owned by the municipality of Sintra, the south side through the main access to the Moorish Castle and the entrance car park of the Lakes of Pena Park , owned by the state under Sintra park management - Moon Hill , SA.

Penedo do Túmulo do Rei (King's Tomb Boulder) — consists of two rocks located below the Moorish Castle, facing the north and the east, with 15 m to 50 m high, with about 12 climbing routes .

Characteristics/gear: classic climbing

Capacity: 6 climbers

Notes: state property under Sintra park management - Moon Hill , SA