Praia do Guincho is an incredible beach situated on the coastline of the Serra de Sintra hills not far from both Lisbon and Cascais. It’s an expansive beach that’s fully exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, both the powerful waves and constant winds. It’s probably one of the best beaches for you if the smaller and more packed beaches of the coastline around Cascais don’t appeal to you, it’s rugged, wild and has plenty of space.
Praia do Guincho – A More Natural Lisbon Beach
It’s perhaps the first properly wild beach along the coastline away from Cascais and Lisbon. By that we mean, gone are boats, traffic, and built-up areas. The large beach is surrounded by dunes and typical Mediterranean forests. Those forests are part of the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais which stretches from the coastline into the interior around Sintra.
The simplest way to get to Praia do Guincho is from Cascais which is only 6km away, however the inland route from Lisbon takes you through the park and forests along winding mountain roads. It’s a beautiful way to get to the coastline if you’re feeling adventurous and have your own transportation.
Praia do Guincho’s Beach Services and Facilities
Despite this wild ambience, there are developed facilities. Both the northern and southern side of the beach has their own restaurant and bars for refreshments. As well as this you’ll find sunbed and wind break rental, surf schools and surf hire available too. During the summer bathing season, the beach is also life guarded.
- Lifeguards – during the bathing season (June – September)
- Toilets and changing rooms
- Cafés, Restaurants and Bars – There’s a couple of beach bars, and a restaurant.
- Watersports and activities you’ll find surf schools and kite surfing schools.
- Wheelchair accessible – ramps directly to the beach from a car park with accessible car spots.
Planning for a Day at the Beach on Praia do Guincho
Due to the wind, you do need to consider the weather conditions before you plan for a traditional day on the beach here. It’s a fantastic beach, but less so for the types of people who simply want to sunbathe, relax, or go for a paddle. There can be strong constant winds, and there are typically waves that are great for surfing every day. However, these waves are not always good for swimming!
Before you head to this beach in particular, we do recommend checking the local weather conditions, there’s often little shelter if it’s a very windy day!
Insider tip: The Portuguese telephone and internet company operate live beach cameras on many beaches across Portugal – including Praia do Guincho, you can see live conditions here!
What to See and Do Around Praia do Guincho
Away from Praia do Guincho, you can head in several directions. Heading east and inland will lead you into the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais. You can find hiking trails, natural parks, and several boardwalks that will introduce you to this protected area and forest. Within the park is also one of the most famous attractions in Portugal – Pena National Palace. It’s worthy of its own day trip but should not be missed!
Heading south from Praia do Guincho you’ll find several more forts, a light house (Farol do Cabo Raso) and as the route follows the coastline Boca da Inferno. Whether you came by public or private transport it’s well worth following this coastline for at least a couple of kilometres to appreciate it all! There’s also a very well-maintained cycling path – the Ciclovia do Guincho path. In total it’s 9km, bikes can be rented in Cascais but it’s a good option for slowly exploring the route!
Heading north from Praia do Guincho will lead you up and onto the windy cliffs, it forms part of a coastal footpath named the PR4. The footpath will lead you to another fortress – Forte do Guincho ou Forte das Velas and several more remote beaches. The first being Praia do Abano, this is Portugal at its most rugged. Due to the wind and sun it’s essential you be prepared for the hike!
Tours and Day Trips to Praia do Guincho
Being so closely located to stunning parts of the Lisbon district, like Sintra, and Cascais, Praia do Guincho is a popular stopping point on many tours and excursions in the area. Here’s our pick of the best!
From Lisbon: Day Trip to Pena Palace, Sintra, Roca, Cascais (€ 49.60 per person)
Lisbon: Sintra, Azenhas do Mar and Cascais Day Trip (€120 per person)
From Lisbon: Day Trip to Cascais, Cabo da Roca, and Azenhas (€199 for 2 private)
How to Get to Praia do Guincho from Lisbon using Public Transport?
To get to Praia do Guincho from Lisbon by public transport is actually quite simple. You can take the regional train from Cais do Sodré to central Cascais (it departs almost every 20 minutes). Cascais is the last stop on the line, and it takes around 40 minutes along the coastal route!
Once you’re in the centre of Cascais, you can take the bus M43, operated by the Municipality from the central bus station. There first bus is available every day from 08:15, with almost hourly departures until 19:15. You can check the full timetables and a map on the Mobi Cascais website or use their app. Tickets cost €2. Alternatively, Uber and Bolt – the ride sharing services – are wide available in Cascais and are easy to use.
A third and adventurous way is to rent a bike or e-bike from Cascais centre and use the well-maintained cycling paths all the way along the coastline. This will give you good opportunities to stop along the way visiting other beaches, fortresses and the famous Boca da Inferno!
Somewhere to Stay on Praia do Guincho
Anyone arriving to the beach will notice the stunning Fortaleza do Guincho, a 17th century fortress that’s now a hotel. It’s famous being a luxury getaway where you can appreciate the wild and rugged environment but does host a renowned restaurant that’s open to the public. Closer to Guincho beach is Estalagem Muchaxo. Yet another hotel built into the ruins of a fortress. It also has a somewhat sheltered sea pool, so if the beach is too windy you can still swim and sunbathe. The pool is open to the public at a cost of €12 per day!
Should you visit Praia do Guincho?
Any visitors to Lisbon or Cascais that are craving a wild and much more natural beach should make the trip to Praia do Guincho! The expansive beach and access to nature are completely different to the much smaller beaches along the more metropolitan coastline up to this point. It’s great as a day trip to explore the coastline too!
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