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 tide is best at Praia do Guincho?
The Praia do Guincho profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.6m and 2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile also flags a high-tide limit above 2.8m.
What wind direction is offshore at Praia do Guincho?
The Praia do Guincho profile uses wind from ENE (60°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 10° to 110°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Praia do Guincho?
The Praia do Guincho scoring profile favors swell from NW (270° to 320°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Praia do Guincho?
The main season at Praia do Guincho is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan. A secondary window runs Mar-May. Winter best. Can be very windy year-round.
How do I get to Praia do Guincho?
The spot profile lists LIS as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 40 minutes. Easy access from Lisbon/Cascais. Large parking area.
What kind of wave is Praia do Guincho?
Praia do Guincho is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan
Secondary: Mar-May
Winter best. Can be very windy year-round.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
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