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Praia do Guincho Surf Spot Details: Your Complete Surf Guide & Travel Planner

Praia do Guincho, located near Cabo da Roca within the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, is a hotspot for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Known primarily for its world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, Guincho transforms into one of the region’s best beach breaks on calmer days, attracting surfers from Lisbon and beyond.

This exposed beach picks up plenty of swell, offering consistent conditions throughout the year. On smaller days, the waves are beginner-friendly, but when the size increases, they become powerful and challenging. The south side of the beach often delivers a reliable left-hander, while an a-frame can develop in the middle of the beach. Surfing is possible at all tides, though low to mid-tide generally provides the best conditions. Be mindful of the rocks in the center of the beach!

If Guincho becomes too crowded, consider exploring Praia da Cresmina, a smaller bay just to the south that offers a more secluded surfing experience.

Plan your surf trip to Praia do Guincho and discover the perfect balance of nature, waves, and adventure. Visit our Lisbon Surf Trip Guide for more information on Sintra’s incredible beaches!

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Surf Spot Details

Facilities

Car Park
WC
Restaurant
Surf School
Surf Shop

Surf Level

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Pro

Wave Direction

Left and right

Tide

Low to Mid

Swell

Southwest, West, Northwest

Wind

East, Southeast

Bottom

Sand, Sand with rocks

Season

April to September

Consistency

Localism

Crowd

Average Water Temperature

Summer: 20.3°C
Autumn: 19.3°C
Winter: 15.9°C
Spring: 16.5°C

Surf Forecast

Location & Directions

Praia do Guincho is located in the beautiful Sintra region, around 30 kilometers west of Lisbon and easily reachable from the town of Cascais. Renowned for its powerful waves, this beach offers a challenging surf spot that attracts experienced surfers from around the world.

For detailed directions to Praia do Guincho, check out the Location & Directions section on our Lisbon Surf Trip Guide. Once in Lisbon, use the embedded Google Maps tool to easily navigate to this iconic surf spot.

Praia do Guincho nestled in Sintra, offers a range of waves, from mellow beach breaks for beginners to more powerful surf for experienced riders. Having the right surf gear will ensure you’re ready to tackle whatever conditions come your way.

Best Surfboards for Praia do Guincho

  • For Beginners: A softboard or longboard is ideal for stability and easy paddling.
  • For Intermediates: A funboard or performance shortboard is great for progressing in medium-sized waves.
  • For More Advanced Surfers: A high-performance shortboard is perfect when the waves pick up.

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Wetsuits – Stay Comfortable and Protected at Praia do Guincho

The waters at Praia do Guincho can be cold, especially during the off-season months, so selecting the right wetsuit thickness is important for staying comfortable and performing well in the water.

  • Autumn & Spring (16-20°C): 3/2mm wetsuit for flexibility and comfort.
  • Winter (12-16°C): 4/3mm wetsuit to keep warm in chilly waters.

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Essential Surf Accessories

  • Leash: Strong, durable leashes are critical for holding onto your board in strong currents.
  • Wax & Traction Pads: Extra grip is essential for big wave surfing.
  • Board Bags & Covers: Protect your board from damage while traveling.

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Want to Learn More About the Best Surf Gear?

Check our Complete Surf Gear Guide for expert recommendations and tips on choosing the right equipment.

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