Guincho Beach - Cascais

Surrounded by dunes and Mediterranean vegetation, this 1 km long beach is located between Cascais and Sintra, in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It is best reached from Cascais, about 6 km (close to 4 miles) away. It is known for its windy weather and for its powerful waves, which have made it part of international surfing and windsurfing circuits and championships. Note that it is ideal for experienced surfers, but there are strong currents, so those with little experience should head to Carcavelos Beach.

The large sandy area, the natural landscape of dunes and cliffs, plus the quality of the water, make it one of the best and most beautiful beaches on the Lisbon coast and even in the country. It has already caught the attention of Hollywood - it was the backdrop in a James Bond movie ("On Her Majesty's Secret Service"), for the opening scene

Decades earlier, in 1940, Time magazine wrote that this beach had "no future" due to its remoteness and winds, but apparently that sounded perfect for royalty and celebrities from all over the world, looking for a few days in the sun without the crowds and photographers. In 1945, there was a restaurant above the beach, and soon others came aimed at high society. Walt Disney, Evita Perón, Roger Moore, Omar Sharif, Ingrid Bergman, Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly, and monarchs from all over Europe have all ended up here (most recently, famous personalities like Bill Clinton, Brad Pitt, and the King of Sweden have dined at the seaside restaurants).

The constant winds and fairly remote location of the beach, however, mean that it is never crowded. The busiest part is the north side, which is more protected from the winds, and where you can find umbrellas and sun loungers for rent during the bathing season. This is also where you'll find the very popular Guincho Bar, a bar and restaurant with outdoor seating, open all year round.

To the north is Praia do Abano, a small sheltered beach that has lost most of its sandy area. It can be reached by going over the rocks of Guincho Bar, or by following the gravel road behind the parking lot by the restaurant. On the cliff above the beach are the ruins of a fort, built in 1642 to watch over and protect this coast. From its surroundings you have a breathtaking view of the sea, all the way to Guincho.

To the south of Guincho, on the other side of the fortress that is now the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho (see below), is Praia da Cresmina, a smaller strip of sand more suitable for families, as it tends to be less windy.

Cascais, a place that belongs to the sea 👉👉Cascais, a place that belongs to the sea (ourhomeportugal.com)