A day in Praia Grande: Analog photos and unexpected encounters
In April, the Atlantic breeze still bites a little, but the light in Portugal begins to soften and stretch out—clear, golden, and just the right kind of dramatic for analog photography. I spent a day at Praia Grande, one of those iconic beaches tucked into the cliffs of the Sintra coast, where surfers and wanderers share space between land and sea.
Terrace of Arribas Sintra Hotel, Portugal 2024
Exactly a year ago I visited this beach for the first time. I loved coming back here in April. Last year they were busy painting the swimming pool of Arribas Sintra Hotel. From the terrace where I sat, I looked out over the vast blue sea, shimmering quietly beside a pool that was getting its annual refresh. Below me, several workmen moved with purpose, paint rollers in hand, busy repainting the pool.
As always i brought along my analog camera, loaded with film that I knew would love the strong contrasts—shadowed cliff faces, sunlit waves, . There’s something about shooting on film that slows everything down. The moment becomes more intentional, and the beach became my living frame filled with convivial moments.
Cliffs of Praia Grande, Portugal 2025
Unexpected Encounters
One of the highlights of the day was encountering two men with their motorcycles parked up near the road above the beach. They asked us if we would like to take a photograph of them with one of their phones. They had confidence in the outcome since one of them spotted the camera that was strapped around my shoulder. I asked if I could photograph them with my analogue camera as well, they agreed, standing next to their bikes like guardians of the coast. I think the shot turned out so well. It really embarks a great memory of that day, not only for me, but hopefully also for them!
Hassan and Guilherme with their bikes, Portugal 2025
Further down the beach, surfers paddled through the cold water, waiting for clean sets. I captured a few from the shoreline—their silhouettes carved against the backlight of the breaking waves, the texture of the water rendered beautifully in analog grain. You can almost feel the salt in the air when you look at those frames.
Portugese beach during off-season
What I love most about Praia Grande in the off-season is the space to breathe. There’s life, but not noise. You hear the sea. You see the wind moving through people’s clothes and hair. You notice how people inhabit a landscape when they think no one is really watching. There is a convivial and calm atmosphere. People are socializing sitting on terraces enjoying local food, reading in the quiets nooks in shallow of the wind or enjoying the, still cold, water of the ocean.
A man reading on a jetty, Portugal 2025
I would definitely recommend visiting Praia Grande if you are staying in the region of Sintra. You can easily spend an entire day there. Whether you come to relax, eat or surf there is something for everyone. Find the location of this beautiful beach underneath this blogpost.
Curious for more?
Did I make you curious about all the photographs I took in April? Keep track of my store, instagram or subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated of new blogs and products.
Have you also ever photographed analog while traveling or have you recently been to Praia Grande as well? I'd love to hear about your experiences - leave a comment below!
