Cascais

Cascais is a polished resort town at the end of the Lisbon train line. Its own beaches, Rainha, Conceição and Duquesa, are small and sheltered and only break on a big swell, so they are more about the scene than the surf.

Where to surf, by level

The reason surfers base here is Guincho, an exposed dune beach a short way up the coast below the Sintra hills. In the calmer months, roughly autumn to spring, it is a powerful, consistent beach break for intermediate and advanced surfers, with strong currents and often size. Beginners are better off taking the train the other way to Carcavelos or Caparica.

In summer, Guincho is dominated by the cross-shore nortada wind most afternoons, which makes it one of Europe's best wind and kite beaches but hard work for surfing. Praia Grande and Praia do Sul, further north on the Sintra coast, add beach break and a reef.

When to go

Autumn to spring for surfing Guincho. Summer for wind and kite. Water is around 17 to 18 in summer and 15 in winter, and Guincho often feels colder for the wind.

Getting there

The Cascais line runs from Cais do Sodré in about 40 minutes. Guincho is 15 minutes from Cascais by car, the 415 bus, or the seafront cycle path.