The beach culture Portugal is rooted in the bones of the people, and no wonder considering all the thousands of beaches the country is blessed with.
This also means that in ratio with the people and beaches, there is always a big chance to find a relative empty one somewhere where you and your friends can enjoy the sun and sea in peace.
Around Cascais you have so many options that it would take you way more than just a couple of weeks of holiday to discover all of them.
Therefore we have gathered the best guide to the beaches of Cascais to help you skip the hassle of googling and choosing.
These are the beaches not to miss when you find yourself in Cascais.
Some of them comes with waves making them a perfect place for a surf and tanning day, others are better for families or friends who just wants to enjoy the beach or the waters to swim.
Guincho
If a beach could be playing hard to get, Guincho is the perfect example.
It is one of those places that is hard not to fall in love with, and even harder to find a good day to enjoy it.
The name in itself means "Scream", which I am relatively certain of refers to the sound of the strong winds that this beach is used to.
Facing almost completely north, Guincho is catching all the strong winds in the summer, making it just as dramatic as insupportable to stay on.
However, If you are lucky and manage to catch one of those days with no wind, you will never want to leave this place.
It has a sense of a dramatic beauty with the Sintra mountains and cliffs surrounding the white sand beach. You have the view of Cabo da Roca on your right, the mountains behind, and nothing but ocean ( perhaps some surfers) in front of you.
This beach gets a mix of all range of people from surfers to the gentleman and ladies of Cascais.
Praia Ursa
To find the best places there is always a small effort involved.
Praia Ursa is a beach that never gets full or packed with people due to the interesting little hike down to reach this pearl.
And even if you are not a fan of sports, I promise you that the sweat is all worth it. This beach looks and feels like paradise. Surrounded by high cliffs and nature, there you will find complete relaxation from people and stress. It also gets one of those magical and beautiful sunsets that makes a good background picture;)
Santa Marta
Santa Marta basically has it all. It has sand for the sandlovers, shallow turquoise water for the kids and water whales, cliffs for the hardcore sunbathers, and a beautiful castle to rest your eyes on.
Only thing missing are the waves.
If you are feeling lazy and just want to chill somewhere close to center Santa Marta is the beach for you.
Also this beach is a gem for those who likes to avoid crowd and the typical tourist beaches. Despite being in the center it feels a bit like those places people just forgot about and don't bother to come to anymore.
Definitely worth a visit if so only for the picture..
Praia Grande
Praia Grande is a good option when Guincho is too windy but you still want to enjoy a beach day with sun and surf.
Located on the other side of the Sintra mountains, the weather can be somewhat different from Cascais, with the car ride taking approximately 30 min.
However it is a big beautiful beach with lots of great restaurants and cafes to choose from, making it great to spend the day.
The road there is a windy and charming road going in the mountains through small cosy villages and shops.
Praia Grande is as exposed as Guincho but can be a bit more protected from the wind in many occasions.
Praia Da Rainha
Another gem in the middle of Cascais center. This one can be hard to find if you don't know to look for it.
Hidden under a outdoor cafe on the top of hill in the center, you will only see it if you take a look down.
A small and cosy beach with calm waters and close to cafes and restaurants.
Here you will mostly be surrounded by locals and those few tourist who didn't choose to go to the main beaches.
