Kite Area guide
Guincho, Lisbon Coast
Guincho is the serious end of the Lisbon coast: the country's best-known wave spot, and one that punishes anyone who arrives underprepared.
When to kite
Best months: May, June, July, August, September, October.
About this Kite Area
Guincho, about forty kilometres west of Lisbon beyond Cascais, is widely described as the number one kitesurf spot in Portugal — and the least forgiving. It takes the full Atlantic swell on an exposed stretch of coast beneath the Sintra hills.
Wind runs 15 to 25 knots and can easily touch 40. The sources put it plainly: if the sun is shining, Guincho is windy, which makes July and August the most reliable months. Large waves and rocks in the water make it unsuitable for beginners.
Water is cool year-round and a wetsuit is essential. Cascais and Sintra are both within a short drive, which makes this an easy spot to visit even on a day when the conditions rule out riding.