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Beach · Cascais, Lisboa
Praia do Guincho
A wide sandy beach with dunes on the Atlantic coast west of Cascais, with the Serra de Sintra in the background. The steady wind and waves make it one of the region's main spots for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Praia do Guincho
Praia do Guincho is about 9 km west of Cascais town centre, inside the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais. It is a wide beach, open to the Atlantic, with dunes behind and the Serra de Sintra on the horizon.
The wind is usually strong, especially in the European summer, and the sea has waves and currents. That is why Guincho is known for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and has hosted international championships.
During the bathing season there is lifeguard surveillance, but the sea requires caution: the currents can be strong.
On the coastal road near the beach there are fish and seafood restaurants. A bike path links the beach to Cascais town centre.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one hour to half a day.
Best time
For wind-sport practitioners, the European summer usually has steady wind. For walking and viewing the scenery, any season works. In the late afternoon the low light over the dunes often makes for good photos.
How to get there
It is about 9 km from Cascais. Go by bike along the coastal bike path, by bus or by car; there is parking next to the beach.
Tip
Bring a jacket: it really is very windy even in summer. Enter the sea only where there is lifeguard supervision and when the flag permits swimming.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praia do Guincho
Is Praia do Guincho good for swimming?
It has strong waves and currents. Enter the water only with lifeguard supervision and when the flag allows.
Why is Guincho famous?
For its steady wind and its waves, which attract surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers.
How to get to Praia do Guincho?
By bike along the coastal bike path, by bus or by car from Cascais.