Praia do Guincho
Guincho is Lisbon's wild child—a windswept beach near Cascais that serves as the capital's primary surf escape but often delivers more wind than clean waves. The setting inside Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is spectacular, with dramatic dunes and the Sintra mountains looming in the background. When the wind cooperates, Guincho produces quality beachbreak peaks, but it's equally famous as Portugal's premier windsurfing and kitesurfing destination. The dual-sport reality makes it fascinating but sometimes frustrating for wave riders.
Praia do Guincho surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (305°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 320°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (60°)
- Offshore range
- 10° - 110°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 2m
- Danger above
- 2.8m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Easy access from Lisbon/Cascais. Large parking area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Praia do Guincho?
Praia do Guincho is a beach break in Guincho, Cascais, Portugal, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Praia do Guincho?
Praia do Guincho picks up swell from the W round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.8m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Praia do Guincho?
An ENE wind is dead offshore at Praia do Guincho, and anything from the N round to the ESE keeps it clean. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Praia do Guincho?
Praia do Guincho is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.6m to 2m on the local chart. Above 2.8m it tends to fill in and wash through.
When is the best time of year to surf Praia do Guincho?
The most reliable run of swell at Praia do Guincho comes Oct to Jan. There's a second window in Mar to May too. Winter best. Can be very windy year-round.
How cold is the water at Praia do Guincho?
The water at Praia do Guincho averages around 16°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Praia do Guincho good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Often windy. Popular with Lisbon surfers.
How do I get to Praia do Guincho?
The nearest airport on our list is LIS, then it's roughly a 40-minute drive. Easy access from Lisbon/Cascais. Large parking area.
What other surf spots are near Praia do Guincho?
The closest breaks we track are Praia Grande (8.9 km), Carcavelos (12 km) and Ribeira d'Ilhas (29 km), handy when Praia do Guincho isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan
Secondary: Mar-May
Winter best. Can be very windy year-round.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
Nearby Spots
Praia Grande
Sintra beach break • Consistent Atlantic exposure • Easy Lisbon access
Carcavelos
Lisbon beach barrels • Fast sandbanks • Crowded when good
Ribeira d'Ilhas
🏆 WSL CT venue • World Surfing Reserve • Europe's premier point
Coxos
🇵🇹 Portugal's best • Heavy hollow right • Ericeira's crown jewel
Supertubos
🇵🇹 Portuguese Pipeline • WSL Championship venue • Europe's heaviest tubes
Baleal
🏄 Europe's surf school HQ • Beginner paradise • Peninsula consistency
Plan a trip around Praia do Guincho
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