Praia da Guincho

Praia da Guincho extends for roughly two kilometres along the Atlantic-facing coast of the Cascais municipality, approximately ten kilometres northwest of Cascais town and 35 kilometres west of Lisbon. The beach forms part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and represents one of the most dramatic and exposed stretches of coastline within easy reach of the Portuguese capital. The sand is pale gold and fine, piled into active dunes that shift with the prevailing northwest winds; the beach has a raw, ungroomed quality that distinguishes it markedly from the managed resort beaches of Cascais town. The sea is a deep Atlantic blue-grey, consistently cool even in summer — water temperatures rarely exceed 19–20°C — and subject to persistent swell and significant surf. Waves of one to two metres are common in summer; larger swells arrive September through April. Strong north-northwest onshore winds blow for much of the year, making Guincho one of Europe's premier windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations; the annual PWA Windsurfing World Cup has been held here. Serious undertows and rip currents are present, particularly near the dune edges — conditions are hazardous for inexperienced swimmers, and the beach frequently flies a red or yellow flag. The natural setting — windswept dunes, the Serra de Sintra on the eastern horizon, and the open Atlantic to the west — has attracted filmmakers: the beach featured in the 2006 film adaptation of Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. A single large restaurant, Porto de Santa Maria, occupies the main access point and offers panoramic Atlantic views and fresh seafood. A surf and windsurf school operates on the beach from April to October. Parking is available in a large pay car park adjacent to the restaurant. Bus line 405 from Cascais station serves the beach in summer, and the EV10 coastal cycle path provides a scenic 10-kilometre alternative for cyclists.