The beach is well exposed to the NW swell, most time we get nice waves (1-2 meters). Waves are great for surfing and kitesurfing with North wind (side), gets a bit messy with strong NW but still with good formation thanks to a flat sand bottom. Mid-low/high tide is the best, waves break in the outside and you get perfect planning ground between the sets. At high tide the beach break is a bit strong and you need some commitment to get going. If too windy, waves and hard chop. Waves: they average around 1.0m and 1.5m on more calm days, they don't close on average and they come ordered.
Guincho is fabulous. It looks a bit scary when seen from the sea because of the rocky surroundings. This is good because people respect it and there are very little accidents. Rocks in each side and at the center of the beach. The beach is very deep and wide and there is lots of free space at the beach because beach crowd goes away from the strong wind. One exit at each end. There aren't much shells, no concrete and no grass. You have enough space to launch your kite with safety. There are no special entries, you just drive there along the road, stop your car on the side way, and walk to the beach!
Mild and temperate climate, with short winters and long hot summers with a maximum temperature of approximately 28°C. Air and water tend to be cold. Specially the water. Wetsuit is mandatory. Season is from April to October. Best season is from June to August. Air 13-28°C, water 11-17°C.
- May - June - July - August - September - October
Wind Type:
- Thermal Winds
Best Direction:
- N - W - WNW - NW - NNW
Main Direction:
- N
The wind can blow from 15-40 km/h or more. It's a very known spot to windsurf, almost every year there's are a world or European contest of windsurf/funboard. July and August are the best months for kiteboarding, but the wind begins to blow in May and goes on until October. In the West coast the wind usually blows N-NW, in Guincho this wind always gets stronger by a local thermal effect caused by the mountains at North, the big sandy beach and a cold water current at the shore amplifies the cocktail. The local effect can blow up to 35 kts and no wind 5 km from the beach. Mostly 15-25 kts (up to 40 in summer). Best directions: N, NW and W. Usual wind direction: sideshore. Best direction: onshore. If there is sun, you will have wind at Guincho. Even if nothing blowing on the rest of Portugal. If by some reason the wind is not blowing like hell, bring or rent a surfboard, the waves will be there.
Airport Lisbon. Once you get to Lisbon, catch the subway to Cais do Sodre. Once you're there catch the train to Cascais and then bus or Taxi. From Lisbon Airport, take the A5 Motorway to Cascais, leave at the last exit (end), turn left and right at the first roundabout. About 30 km from Lisbon, should take 15 minutes on a rented car. Cascais is a small village with all the facilities, night-life, etc. and is 5 minutes from Guincho.
International rules of common sense should apply, in summer launch at the middle (north or south of rocks) and avoid by all means accidents which might put the spot in trouble for kitesurfing, it is a well known windsurfing spot and no problems with authorities, however kitesurfing still is in probation. No fees or registration needed, just talk with locals for info. We also share the place with a big surfing line-up, they use the spot for ages, lets respect them and avoid stupid arguments, therefore go to the northern side of the beach.
Lots of night life in Cascais, but you should have a go in Lisbon, massive action in summer good vibes with friendly atmosphere. Ask the locals at the beach, people are friendly.
06-07-21 Eu Mesmo: Guincho is Fabulous,
One of the best spots in the world.
That said, the oficial lifeguards are thugs, with the old "local surfer" mindset, so they have been known to threaten kitesurfers. If you go there avoid the northern side of the beach for this reason.
05-07-09 Gusty: Big waves, side-on, gustywind.
My secound home.
Radical spot
The best months june - September
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