Praia do Guincho

## The spot Praia do Guincho is a powerful, exposed beach break west of Cascais near Lisbon. It faces west into the full Atlantic and receives enormous swell. The beach is famous for strong winds (world windsurfing championships have been held here) which make surfing challenging but also shape quality banks. When the wind drops, Guincho produces powerful, hollow beach break waves. The Serra de Sintra mountains behind add dramatic backdrop. ## When it works Picks up any westerly Atlantic swell. A north-easterly wind is offshore but the prevailing Nortada (northerly) is side-offshore. Works on all tides. Consistent year-round. The 3-6ft range is most surfable. The wind is the determining factor more than the swell. Calm mornings in winter offer the best conditions. ## Where to sit Multiple peaks across the beach. The banks can be powerful and hollow. The northern end tends to have slightly more shelter from the prevailing wind. Watch for where the banks are most defined. ## Hazards Powerful waves for a beach break. Strong currents. The wind can make conditions dangerous and unpredictable. Sand storms on the beach in strong northerlies. Not a spot for beginners when it is sizeable. ## Parking and access Large pay car park behind the beach. Direct access. Restaurants and cafes at the beach. Easy drive from Lisbon/Cascais (20 minutes from Cascais). ## The crowd Moderate. The wind limits surfable days which concentrates people on the rare calm sessions. Windsurfers and kitesurfers dominate on windy days. On good surf days, 20-30 people. The proximity to Lisbon means it fills quickly on calm mornings. ## Local tips Guincho is about catching the rare windless windows. Check forecasts obsessively and move fast when the wind drops. Early mornings in winter are your best bet. The restaurant Fortaleza do Guincho (in the fort on the cliff) is exceptional but expensive. Cascais nearby has excellent bars and restaurants for a more affordable option.