Guincho beach
Guincho Beach, a jewel of the Lisbon Riviera, is renowned for its expansive dunes, known as the Guincho Oitavos dunes system. Situated a stone's throw from Cape Roca, within the protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this beach boasts a sprawling coastline segmented by natural rock formations into distinct areas. Accessible from Cascais via bus, rental car, bicycle, or even on foot, Guincho Beach is an easily reachable paradise for those seeking sun, surf, and sand.
Photos
Beach description
Guincho Beach is adorned with a thick layer of fine, light sand, generously distributed by the winds from the nearby sand dunes. A wooden deck with steps runs alongside the closest dunes of Kresmina, offering a convenient route to the shore.
Only a few dare to swim at Guincho due to the high waves and constant wind. The beach is an ideal spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. It becomes quite popular and crowded, particularly when various competitions, including international surf championships, take place. Lovers of an active lifestyle often bring their children to Guincho to learn the art of riding the waves. The cliffs surrounding the shore are riddled with crevices, caves, and grottoes, forming a dense barrier. This natural bounty can be explored and immortalized in photos and videos from the comfort of a pleasure boat or a rented vessel. Not far from Guincho lies the legendary Devil's Mouth - a picturesque through-hole in the rock that emits chilling sounds during inclement weather, reminiscent of the roar of an unknown beast. In contrast, the area is tranquil and serene during sunny, windless days.
At the base of the cliff in the northern part of Guincho, there is a secluded area with a paid outdoor pool filled with ocean water, which provides a rare opportunity for a safe swim. It is advisable not to bring small children to the beach due to the rough conditions.
- Best Time to Visit:
The Portuguese Riviera, a glamorous stretch of coastline that includes the famous region of Cascais and Estoril, is a prime destination for beach enthusiasts. Determining the best time to visit for a beach vacation depends on several factors, including weather, water temperature, and tourist crowds.
- Summer (June to August): The peak season for beachgoers, offering warm weather and ideal water temperatures. Expect crowded beaches and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Early Fall (September to October): A great time for those seeking a quieter experience with still pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
- Late Spring (May to early June): Another optimal period for visitors looking to avoid the summer rush while enjoying mild weather and the beginning of the beach season.
Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation on the Portuguese Riviera is during the late spring or early fall, when the weather is comfortable, the water inviting, and the crowds are thinner, providing a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Video: Beach Guincho
Infrastructure
There is no beach infrastructure, except for a couple of restaurants and bars.
Where to Stay
Cascais offers accommodations for guests of any financial capacity - from luxurious resorts to quaint boarding houses and guesthouses. Additionally, one can opt for apartments, private villas, and guest houses that guarantee comfortable living conditions and impeccable service.
Where to Eat
Cascais boasts a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that specialize in traditional Portuguese fish and seafood dishes, alongside fast-food establishments. The local artist Paula's museum cafe is exceedingly popular, offering a variety of treats to museum visitors. Experienced travelers recommend visiting eateries favored by locals, as these establishments typically serve delicious, hearty, and affordable meals. Noteworthy dishes to try include the Alheira de Mirandela sausage, Caldo Verde cabbage soup, Alentejo pork, Pastel de Nata pastries, and coffee.
Guests staying in apartments and some guesthouses have the option to cook for themselves. Supermarkets provide a broad selection of inexpensive, high-quality products and semi-prepared items. Fresh meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and greens are available at the Mercado de Cascais market.
Weather in Guincho
Best hotels of Guincho
All hotels of GuinchoUseful information
Resting in Cascais, it is worth to make a trip to Sintra- a small ancient city not far from cape Rock, where a huge number of structures from different periods have been preserved, starting from the IX century, when the first Moorish citadel was built on the mountain. Sintra is UNESCO historical landmark of the "cultural landscape" category.