Cascais & Estoril · Portugal
Surfing Guincho
A beach break in Cascais & Estoril, Portugal, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd4/5
The wave
Guincho is a wide, open beach west of Cascais, where the Sintra hills meet the Atlantic. It takes the full force of the swell and is one of the most powerful beach breaks near Lisbon.
It's also one of the windiest beaches in Portugal, which is why it's popular with kitesurfers. Surf early in the morning before the wind gets up. The currents and shorebreak are strong, so it's not a beach for beginners.
38.7325, -9.4753 · NW-W swell, strong thermal wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Guincho
Guincho is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: NW-W swell, strong thermal wind. This is how the year looks across Lisbon Coast:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | Prime | Consistent NW-W swell, mild city winter |
| April to May | Good | Reliable swell, warming water, fewer crowds |
| June to August | Quiet | Smaller waves, packed beaches, strong summer thermal wind at Guincho |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near Guincho
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Amaro | Cascais & Estoril | Left | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Praia Grande | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 5 km |
| Praia das Maçãs | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 6 km |
| Bolina | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate | 7 km |
| Bica | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 7 km |
| São Pedro do Estoril | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 9 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Cascais & Estoril
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Cascais & Estoril surf guide →
A week here costs from about $315 with flights from Europe, or around $920 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Guincho: common questions
When is the best time to surf Guincho?
Guincho works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: NW-W swell, strong thermal wind.
Is Guincho good for beginners?
No. Guincho is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Praia das Maçãs in Cascais & Estoril, about 6 km away.
How crowded is Guincho?
Guincho is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Guincho?
Guincho is in Cascais & Estoril, in the Lisbon Coast region of Portugal (38.7325, -9.4753). The nearest wave we cover is Santo Amaro, about 4 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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